When artists and creative sector groups begin to face the need to fundraise and establish a more organized and permanent structure for the projects they want to develop, the question I am most frequently asked is: “How do we form a nonprofit society?” followed closely by “Where do we get grants and how do we apply?”
Less rarely, do people ask themselves the question that is my first response: “Why do you want to do that?” and then “What else have you considered?”
There are some alternatives you can investigate before, or instead of, taking that step. (Complete article at About.com 8 Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit. It is a U.S. author, but the principles apply in Canada.):
- Seek fiscal sponsorship from an existing NGO
- Start a local chapter of a national non-profit.
- Put together an unincorporated association to fulfill your mission without seeking tax-exempt status.
- Form or join a giving circle.
- Become a social entrepreneur by forming a for-profit social venture to accomplish your social goals.
- Organize support for (your) cause (project) at an online social networking site.
This whole area is so misunderstood it requires a more thorough response than this posting. But if you or your group are considering these questions and don’t know what alternatives may in fact be better for your needs, start by reading this article, and tap into the expert resources available through both arts and non-arts resource organizations, including this one (posted originally on the BC Cultural Sector Development Council site: www.sectorcouncil.ca).