Introduction
Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts is a nonprofit organization that will be created to address the growing number of stray animals. Three major programs will be included in the organization to cover the educational, sponsoring, and other aspects. To operate the nonprofit, a board of directors will be established to comprise determined, financially knowledgeable, and skilled individuals. Lastly, various documents and steps will be considered to incorporate the organization and perform annual filings required by law.
External Environment
To find clients and funders, Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts will be active on social networks and present itself to society in a positive light, highlighting the need to address the issue and its ability and determination to do so. The following recommendation is also quite helpful: “Establish solid working relationships with people in your local bank or credit union who specialize in nonprofit businesses” (Stephens, 2015, para. 84).
Such relationships will not only provide financial security but also help find funders and stakeholders. Additionally, to attract new people, the company will share its success stories. Selling programs and services will be done through the website, social media, and advertising.
Internal Environment
Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts will have three major programs aimed at helping stray animals and supporting shelters. Firstly, it will save animals found on the streets and create their profiles on the website to find trusted owners. Secondly, the organization will increase people’s awareness about homeless animals and how their number can be reduced through the community’s better care and engagement.
Thirdly, Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts will sponsor credible shelters. These programs will collectively contribute to addressing the nationwide concern and improving the lives of stray animals and those residing in shelters. Additionally, these programs effectively support the organization’s mission to promote the ethical treatment of animals through services, education, and funding.
Regarding the board of directors, specific qualities and personalities are expected from them. According to Stephens (2015), “board members must be willing and able to deal with the ever-present need to raise money” (para. 31). Further, they will have to be dedicated to the organization’s mission, love animals, and have high emotional intelligence.
Since the organization will probably face issues and concerns, they will need to be skilled in risk assessment and decision-making. To avoid and prevent conflicts of interest, board members with personal connections to animal shelters will abstain from discussions concerning these shelters. They will not vote for their inclusion in the program.
Various aspects will be considered in the budget, including costs for transportation, utilities, rent, and administrative expenses. Financial resources may be required to cover advertising and marketing expenses (Stephens, 2015). Animal shelters approved by the organization will be sponsored by it. Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts will receive funding from paid participation in programs, sponsors, and individuals who decide to donate or adopt an animal found on the organization’s website.
To incorporate the nonprofit organization, Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts will take several steps. Firstly, it is essential to complete and file the articles of incorporation and identify the registered agent (Stephens, 2015). Forester (2023) suggests that the organization should draft bylaws and hold an official meeting, whereas Stephens (2015) emphasizes the need to obtain a federal tax ID number. A local business license, a nonprofit mailing permit, and Form 1023 should be filed with the state and the IRS to obtain nonprofit status (IRS, 2023). Eventually, the annual documents to file and report will include Form 990, and, in some cases, reports of annual meetings will be needed.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is expected that Bigger Hearts Smaller Hearts will improve the quality of animals’ and people’s lives. It will include three programs to educate the community, find owners for animals, and support credible shelters. Most connections with clients will be established through social media, and the board of directors will comprise kind-hearted individuals with extensive financial knowledge. Form 1023, Form 990, the articles of incorporation, and the federal tax ID number are the most crucial documents for a nonprofit organization.
References
Forester, D. (2023). 9 legal steps to starting your own nonprofit. SCORE.
IRS. (2023). Application for recognition of exemption.
Stephens, M. (2015). 250 questions for starting a nonprofit. Adams Media.