While typical advice on starting nonprofits often emphasizes the importance of a strong mission statement, diverse funding sources, community engagement, impact measurement, and investing in leadership and staff development, I’d like to offer some more nuanced insights drawn from the experience of running HarlemLIVE. These tips for building a nonprofit organization delve into less commonly discussed aspects such as the significance of a dual leadership structure, the power of local political support for practical needs like liability insurance, and the creative use of physical space to foster a sense of community and belonging.
HarlemLIVE highlighted the importance of these elements in building a successful and impactful nonprofit organization.
We caught up with Rich Calton, the founder of HarlemLIVE for these tips and advice. Calton founded the successful youth-led nonprofit over 20 years ago in New York City and just recently released a book about the organization and the legacy that remains. This story is in his words…
‘The Legacy of HarlemLIVE,’ A Tribute to the First Online Youth Produced Publication is available on Amazon.
5 Tips For Building A Nonprofit Organization
Dual Leadership Structure: Establish a partnership where one person focuses on program-related activities and another on administrative tasks. This balance is essential for effective management and sustainability in any nonprofit, regardless of its focus area.
Community Engagement and Relationships: Cultivate strong connections with influential community members who have deep roots. The support and mentorship of local leaders are crucial for gaining resources, recognition, and guidance in various nonprofit endeavors.
Leveraging Local Political Support for Liability Insurance: For nonprofits facing challenges in obtaining insurance, securing funding from local politicians can be a critical strategy. In HarlemLIVE’s case, no private insurer was willing to provide coverage due to the nature of the program. However, by receiving funds allocated by the city, HarlemLIVE was granted access to New York City’ municipal liability insurance. This highlights the importance of political support not just for covering costs but also for enabling nonprofits to meet essential operational requirements that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Space Utilization and Community Nurturing: Transform unused spaces into welcoming, non-institutional environments with warm, inviting aesthetics. Avoid harsh or overly bright lighting and embrace a unique blend of creativity and functionality. A setting like HarlemLIVE, with its tropical plants, disco balls, spotlights, hammocks, and even a pet iguana, demonstrates how a space can be both fun and functional. Elements like a full kitchen not only add practical value but also encourage community interaction and a sense of belonging.
Empowering Participants with Agency, Leadership, and Accountability: Create an environment where participants, irrespective of their age, are given significant responsibilities, opportunities for leadership, and are held accountable. Implementing systems like a chore board can instill a sense of ownership and responsibility. Such an approach not only develops leadership skills but also fosters a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Bonus Advice – Strategic Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Forge partnerships with colleges or universities to significantly enhance your nonprofit’s capabilities and reach. For instance, HarlemLIVE’s collaboration with Teachers College at Columbia University provided extensive benefits: complimentary access to printing and mail services, saving substantial costs; use of facilities like auditoriums and classrooms for meetings and events, adding logistical support; and the prestige associated with an Ivy League institution, lending gravitas and credibility. Additionally, these partnerships can offer educational resources, mentorship, and opportunities to integrate various aspects of the college into your program, enriching the overall experience and impact of any nonprofit.
Rich Calton is an award winning educator, and Founder of world renowned youth media program, HarlemLIVE, which has been featured in the NYTimes, CNN, ABC and other notable publications. The HarlemLIVE Alumni are now leaders in a wide range of fields including Education, Technology, Journalism, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, Fashion, Activism, Business, Entrepreneurship.
Main Image Credit: Patrick Perkins
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