December of '05 Deborah and I launched Sisters of the Community, the parent organization of DonorsResource.org. Literally, we went head first and asked questions later. The amount of work and planning that goes into building a nonprofit, to our surprise, was no different than a for profit business.
We were both adorned with the thickest pair of rose colored glasses. Surely, because we were starting a nonprofit that helped low-income families with household goods we were a shoe in. To boot, there was no other nonprofit in the Portland-area providing this service.
Donations and media coverage were abundant. However, as things quickly unraveled we lacked many steps from a website to our actual 501 (c) (3) filing and knowledge of which order and level of importance such vital functions should happen and when.
We knocked on many doors. There were people, that we remain abliged that certainly helped along the way with pieces of the puzzle and with encouragment and goodwill sent us to the next door.
Over the past several months I've had the pleasure to meet with three nonprofits to share the process of building their vision, greatly reducing the number of doors they will have to knock on. This is another fulfilling, and probably my most favorite way to be a part to be of the change that I want to see.
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