Here are 7 Essential Tips for Founding a Successful Church

 by: Thomas R. Reich and Howard Walker

The number of start-up Churches grows every year, unfortunately so do the number of failed organizations.  How can you assure the greatest chance of success, when founding a new Church?  Here, we give you 7 essential lessons to help you towards new Church start-up success!

1)      Do Your Research:  Is there a need for your cause?  Is there wide enough interest in your mission to find the donors and volunteers to support this Church?  Remember a Church is still a business; it must have a viable market, and viable support.

2)      Develop a Professional Business Plan:  Many new Churches fail out of the box, because they did not have a true business plan.  You must have a plan to have at least as much money coming in as going out.  You must plan your mission, identify your donors and know where you want to be in 1 year, 2 years and 5 years.

3)      Make Sure Your Proposed Church will Qualify as a Nonprofit 501 c 3 for its Outreach ministry:  There are many types of nonprofits, and special preparations must be taken for each.  Know the laws and tax code before you make a mistake, proper planning equals success.

4)      Make Sure You Understand all the Legal and IRS Rules to Starting a Church:  There are many Tax Codes that apply to a 501 c 3, as well as legal requirements for fulfilling the governments understanding of your Churches Outreach Ministry’s mission.  Make sure you have competent advice, and that you fulfill all the requirements set forth.

5)      Keep Good Records:  It is very important that you keep good financial records for the IRS and also required reports, to maintain your nonprofit status.  This must be done consistently from day one!

6)      Develop a good Fundraising plan:  Know where your initial funds are coming from, as well as ongoing fundraising efforts.  Plan, fundraising events and activities as well as a plan to cultivate new donors.  At the same time, make sure to massage your existing donors and volunteers.

7)      You Need an Effective Board from Day One:  Your board is legally responsible for keeping you on track with your mission, helps you to secure the funds you need to accomplish that mission, and provides much of the expertise that you will need.  Finding good competent board members can put you miles ahead of a Church with a less distinguished board.  There are laws and rules covering the individual board members, chose wisely, you board is potentially your most important asset.

ChurchNetUSA can help you in all these areas, we have been helping start up Churches and nonprofits for years, and as a matter of fact have helped over 12,000 businesses nationwide to date!  When starting any new venture, it is a major help to have a friend in the business, but in the nonprofit world it is a must.  Major hurtles to starting a new Church or nonprofit, become small bumps with ChurchNetUSA to assist you.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact ChurchNetUSA by visiting www.ChurchNetUSA.com or by calling, 407.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Nonprofit Webinar series!

“Learn how to Grow Your Nonprofit Organization” is the topic April 19, 2012.  Join Howard Walker, long time Faith Based Professional, for this fact filled Webinar.  SIGN UP NOW!

Growing Your Nonprofit Organization on a Budget: Steps to Success!   

By Melanie Swift MNM

church planting is good for comunities

It has been my pleasure over the last couple of years to have the opportunity to work with many passionate, inspired Christians during their journey in church planting. These faithful missionaries have been such an inspiration- demonstrating their devotion to God by working diligently using church planting to create a new flock from the unchurched. Reaching out to both believers and non-believers in many areas of the world, those called to plant new churches exude a dedication and zeal that reminds me why I chose a career in the nonprofit sector.

But there is more to strategically planting a new church than simply following God’s call to action. For church planting resulting in a new church to be successful in acquiring initial capital, attracting a faithful membership, and expanding outreach ministries to reach all populations in need, church leaders must learn to take on the characteristics of entrepreneurs.

It may seem divergent to view the Church planting in a commercial sense, however if you think about churches who have achieved extreme success they are operating as a business- a big business. While your goals in church planting most likely have led you to focus on location, congregation, and ways to reach out to disbelievers, you may not have considered the following essential aspects of church administration:

Incorporation- Becoming a legal entity, limiting the liability of those involved, and increasing eligibility for funding and benefits such as tax exemption are of importance. Rules and regulations for incorporation vary by state, so be sure you know the facts in your area.

Bylaws- While I’m sure you’ve developed a Doctrinal Statement and religious hierarchy for your planned church, it is also essential that you develop and affirm Board duties and responsibilities, conflict of interest policy, and checks and balances, all part of the church planting process.

Tax Exemption- Recognition as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) provides validation to supporters that your church is legitimate. It provides the opportunity to receive faith-based grants, receive discounted rates on occupancy and, perhaps most importantly, assures the members of your congregation that their tithes are tax deductible, all part of church planting.

Marketing- Word of mouth is a great way to develop membership, however other avenues to market your organization are critical, especially if the church you are planting is in an area in which you do not have established personal contacts, this is essential in church planting. Website development is a great start, as about 50% of Americans log onto the web to conduct searches daily. Search engine optimization for your site is also key- if someone is searching for a Christian church in your target area you’d rather your site for church planting be at the top of the list of results rather than buried ten pages in.

Grants- There are many established grantmakers out there whose specific mission is to fund religious organizations and churches. Drafting a successful proposal and conducting detailed research into funding agencies may add a much needed source of capital for your organization. While tithes and offering will undoubtedly represent your bulk of funding, think of how many more missions you could undertake if you could generate a few thousand (or more) extra dollars each year via grant funding.

I understand your area of expertise may be in theology and the thought of assuming such administrative responsibilities may seem a daunting task. If that’s the case, you may want to look to outside experts for support, when undertaking church planting. That’s why I’m here.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE  Webinar series!

ChurchNet USA is offering a free Wednesday afternoon webinar with Melanie Swift MNM March 28, 2012 from 3PM – 4PM EST, please attend!

Help your Messages Help the World!

By Thomas R. Reich

Social media network tips for churches can help you help the world.  How can your messages be more effective and reach more people in the social media network?  We researched and found some tips you may have heard of, but we believe this list will present tips that work for churches in a unique way.

1)      Follow the 70-20-10 rule:

A)     70% of the time it’s important to share content that adds value to the community as a whole.

B)     20% of the time engage your immediate church community and your cause with questions and advice.

C)     10% of the time blatantly self-promote your cause.

2)      Set goals and keep to strategies:

A)     Set aside time to manage your social media tools for churches, post at set times of the day and week and keep to that schedule

B)     Create a content calendar, decide what your over all message is and when it will be most effective and keep to that schedule

C)     Reach out to others in your church community by commenting, sharing and re-Tweeting, then ask them to do the same for your church and your social media network.

D)     Build awareness by encouraging relationships with the classic  media, actively engage with them, and even feature their content at times.

3)  Your churches  Social Media Networks can be an integral influence in your marketing strategy if you use those resources as they were intended, play by church social media rules.  Church social media networks can raise awareness, build loyalty, increase credibility, impact reputation, inform audiences, address concerns, influence media interest and strengthen relationships with supporters.  However, church social media networks do not work well as direct sales or direct donation request vehicles.

4)      Research others with a similar cause to yours; see what similar organizations are doing to get ideas for your organization.

5)      Get help – Find a professional organization you can trust that can help you with church  social media network, often re-inventing the wheel is more expensive than simply asking for a little help!

6)      Use the church social media tools that most benefit your church organization, we recommend:

A)     Facebook

B)     LinkedIn

C)     Twitter

D)     YouTube

E)      Website

F)      Blog

7)      Encourage your staff, volunteers and supporters to join each and every one of your church social media network nodes.  If they do not have, for instance, a Twitter account, hold a class on how to set up their own Twitter account.  This way your social media network is expanded to all your associates social media networks, and their friends become part of your church social media network.

8)      Reach out to Influencers – Start conversations with bloggers that support a similar cause to yours, see if they will include mention of your charity or your activities in their blog, offer to do the same for them.  Also, exchange information, follow each other, and add them to your church social media network.

9)      Provide relevant content – Only send tweets and messages that fit your cause, your church social media network should be exclusive to your cause, do not use your social media as a personal site.  Engage with content that will attract and retain fans, followers and supporters.

10)      Evolve – Change your strategy as social media and your organization changes.  Chat about the latest trends in your cause, your latest drive, something one of your volunteers has done that deserves mention.  Always be on the lookout for new trends and tips that can increase your social media network exposure.

11)      Be helpful – if a supporter or a new face asks a question or comments, respond quickly, and give thought to the answer.  Remember for everyone who sends a question, 100 probably thought about asking, and did not reply, they will read the answer carefully!   When people take the time to reach out and share, return the favor with a helpful and thoughtful response!

12)      Provide value – From the links and content you share, to the questions you ask of followers, always ask yourself “would this be something your supporters would find of value”.

13)      Don’t forget donations either – From time to time at appropriate junctures, like when others mention your good works, you may remind them of the need for donations and always provide a link to your donations page in your website and links to all of your church social media network nodes as well!

14)      Drive traffic to your official website – Helpful links placed in appropriate locations within blog posts, and occasionally in Tweets can drive quality potential donors to your official website where you can encourage donations more stringently.

15)      Use discussions and questions to learn more about your supporters, volunteers and donors – Remember, the more you know about your most supportive people the more they can help you to your goals and to build your church social media network and in so doing move closer to engaging in your cause!

Does having a better nonprofit social media network seem like it may help you?  We think it can, at ChurchNet USA we are here to help you help others!  We have a FREE Wednesday webinar this coming Wednesday March 21. 2012.  We will cover how to Get Maximum Publicity from your social Media Network.  I think you will enjoy this event and we invite you to attend, as always, FREE of charge!

Here at ChurchNet USA, we have helped over 12,000 people work with the modern tools of business and we can help with Nonprofit Social Media Network as well.  If you would like to talk about marketing your nonprofit, or any area of your day to day operations, please give us a call at 407.857.9002 or email us at info@bizcentralusa.com.

Submit Your Form 990 Tax Return On Time or Face Steep Penalties

For small exempt organizations, the IRS has made compliance with the form 990 Information Return filing a simple task; unfortunately, as with all things in life, the easy way is not always the best way. Specifically, although your nonprofit organization’s total annual revenue may meet the guidelines that allow for completion of a form 990N, it may not be the best option. Did you know that by voluntarily filing the form 990EZ return you become automatically listed with GuideStar, the nation’s leading source of information on nonprofit organizations, and you also have a better chance of being considered for a grant by a foundation?

Last year over 400,000 nonprofit organizations, or approximately 25% of all exempt organizations, lost their 501 tax exemptions simply because they had failed to file timely and complete form 990 information returns!  In addition to the possibility of revocation of tax exemption, nonprofits are also faced with potential penalties for late filing of their annual returns. In an effort to encourage compliance, the IRS imposes fines of up to $50,000 per year for organizations who are non-compliant with filing requirements.  Even small organizations with revenue under $5,000 per year are subject to late filing penalties.

Yes, churches are exempt from filing a 990. However, many churches may be generating taxable income as part of unrelated business activities such as parking lot rental, bingo, raffles, or other charitable gaming. In such cases, filing of the form form 990-T is mandated. Additionally, when churches have a community based outreach ministry with a separate 501(c)(3) they must always file the form 990 for this outreach program or risk fines and revocation of the 501(c)(3) status.

Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard or 990N may choose to file the short form return, the form 990-EZ.  Organizations that elect to file the Form 990-EZ must still file a complete return.  An incomplete or partially completed form 990N or Form 990-EZ will not satisfy the annual filing requirement.

If relying upon a professional for assistance with completion of your annual return, it is important to work with an organization that has experience with nonprofit organizations, their business structures, and needs.  At CharityNet USA, we have worked with over 12,000 organizations over the years and we will make appropriate recommendations in regards to the most beneficial tax filing, with a focus on your organization’s anticipated needs as a growing nonprofit.

Call us today for a free assessment! If simple filing is best, we can handle it quickly and at the best price around.  Further, we can help you with a more comprehensive form 990 information return that may significantly improve your organization’s potential grant opportunities, while also increasing your transparency and easing your state compliance requirements.

Interested in what you’ve read here but still want more information on form 990 IRS Federal Tax Return?  Please attend our FREE Webinar on the preparation and filing of the form 990 Information Return. The Free webinar is being held Wednesday March 14, 2012. CLICK HERE to register.

So it’s up to you. Are you sure you have everything in order for IRS Federal Requirements?  Would you like to have a second opinion?  That is what ChurchNet USA is here for.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up, grow, or manage your nonprofit, foundation, or church outreach programs please contact ChurchNetUSA by visiting ChurchNetUSA or by calling 1.407.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Tips and Tricks: how to use Social Media for Nonprofits:

By: Thomas R. Reich

LinkedIn for churches is a vital link to donors and volunteers in today’s digital society.  We will assume you have set up your basic profile, and most important that you uploaded a professional looking head shot,not a logo, this is a must on LinkedIn.  We will assume that your profile is filled out and completed 100%!  This is the basis for getting value from LinkedIn for Churches.

Let’s take a look at your profile updates, some interesting things happen when you input a status update:

1)   You can update your status any time you like on LinkedIn for Churches

2)   Your latest status update gets displayed right at the top of your page, right under your Professional looking photo and your name.

3)   That is valuable real-estate; anyone visiting your LinkedIn page will see this update first thing.

4)   It is a great place for announcements regarding your nonprofit or activities you have upcoming.

5)   You can include a live link to either a YouTube video or a PDF file.

6)   “Here are the 5 biggest reasons to Volunteer” linked to a video of a nice presentation of why they should volunteer for your organization.

7)   “Here is a 14 page PDF report with the 25 most effective ways to help others in 2012” with a link

8)   Take advantage of that short status update line use links to point to more in-depth information when using LinkedIn for Churches.

9)   Once a week your followers get “Updates from people you know” in an email, so use this status update once a week, and get maximum exposure from LinkedIn for Churches

You have access to start a page, much like a Facebook page, this is a mini web site and is the place for logos and company/Foundation information.  We suggest you put recommendations here sponsored partners, any contests or drives you have going and possibly your Twitter and Facebook links.

You also have access to LinkedIn for nonprofits advanced search service.  Let’s say you want to know the name of the CFO of every company involved in the construction industry, so you could approach them for a donation to your habitat for humanity drive.  You set up the parameters and it not only gives you a complete list, but it updates you every week on new additions.

One of the best ways to network and gain prospects on LinkedIn for nonprofits is through the group network.  Click on groups and you will see hundreds of groups you can join locally or nationally that are full of people with the same goals and similar interests.  You may find a national support group of nonprofits doing exactly what you do in your area, can you imagine the ideas you might be exposed to!

The main way to gain credibility and network most effectively is to actually start a group, and actively solicit members to your cause.  Yes if your organization is big enough to have 40 volunteers you can have a group named after your Church and gain new members right out of LinkedIn for Churches, listed and advertised within their own system for free!  How many companies in this day and age offer you a value like that, totally FREE?  The group comes with internal communications, auto notifications, and group email, all free!

Now when you start to invite people to join your LinkedIn for Churches network do your homework:

1)   Do you know them personally, if you do label as a friend

2)   If you know of them or work with them in the same industry, label then college.

3)   Personalize your request to have them in your LinkedIn for Churches network, DO NOT send the standard message.

4)   Make the massage relevant and personalized to the person you are requesting the connection with, why should they be in your network?

5)   Be honest, sincere and above all…

6)   Do not try to sell or solicit anything in this request!

What you should do consistently to nurture your LinkedIn for Churches network:

1)   Post a status update weekly

2)   Check and answer any questions sent you at least once a day

3)   Invite interesting people to connect, a few a day not all at once

4)   Join groups that fit your mission and interests

5)   Found and nurture a group, relevant to your mission and goals

6)   Answer any group questions promptly, have monthly events

7)   Share articles or interesting blog postings (like this one) with your group or network of friends on a regular basis to hold interest

Your mantra on LinkedIn for Churches should be NOT BE: “Buy my stuff” it will get you a bad rep in no time.

Instead try “Let me suggest something” or “Have you tried this” then call me and we can discuss further.  The soft sell on LinkedIn for Churches works best.

APPROACH, TRANSPARINCY and ETHICS

• Build relationships
• Add value
• Share Information
• Keep it Relevant
• Promote Others
• Connect People to Opportunity
• Always say Thank You for any connect or group join

A Final List of things to do to be Successful in LinkedIn for Churches

• Clearly define your target audience
• Participate where they do, join the groups they are in
• Be a consistent person
• Cultivate your network carefully
• Be visible and add value to the discussion
• Demonstrate credibility
• Plan, Execute and succeed with LinkedIn for Churches

                            “IF you try to sell to everyone, you are selling to no one”

At CharityNetUSA we have been helping nonprofits, just like you for almost a decade, over 12,000 clients have come to call us home.  Join us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and we can help start you network. Join us on LinkedIn, (which is Efrain Rodriguez, remember no logo’s on LinkedIn)  We are always available to talk about ideas or assist in planning any number of Nonprofit for Churches needs, form bookkeeping and marketing to Social Networking and SEO help.

We have a great FREE Webinar this Wednesday, March 7, 2012 titled “Successful Grant Development”, With special guest Host Melanie Swift.  Space is still available so CLICK HERE to sign up now

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

In today’s world of nonprofit grant funding, competition is stiff. Overall, available grant funding has greatly diminished and organizations must use every accessible resource to their advantage.  A grant writing service can assist you in obtaining grants and ultimately grant funding, but you must do everything in your power to adequately prepare.  Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of Nonprofit Services for CharityNet USA, has prepared a list of the top 10 things your nonprofit must have well established prior to the commencement of a grant funding campaign.

Mission- Know your mission in and out. Be prepared to describe your organization’s specific mission and know how you work each day to fulfill that mission. Be sure your mission statement reflects your purpose, your unique method of delivery, and your organization’s core values.

History- What inspired your organization’s founding? What have been the major milestones since? Has your organization received any recognition for its efforts? Be able to provide success stories to demonstrate your capabilities.

Funding- How have you sustained your organization thus far? Who are your major contributors? How do you fundraise? It is extremely important to funders that potential grant funding recipients be able to demonstrate past fiduciary responsibility.

Need- Can you show that there is really a significant need for your organization’s programs within the community you serve? Research statistical data on the problem you address as well as the degree of other efforts being made to combat the same problem.

Governing Capabilities- Are you able to promote members of your board or staff as responsible, knowledgeable, nonprofit professionals? Be prepared to describe their education and experience. Convince me that they are competent leaders.

Objectives- Know the difference between a goal and an objective.  You must be able to provide targeted, measurable objectives! Identify objectives that are realistic and attainable, which is a necessity in order to receive grant funding.

Methods- Do you really know, step-by-step, how you will meet your objectives? Are you aware of everything and everyone that will be involved, down to the smallest detail? It is essential that the questions of Who-What-When-Why-How be answered for each proposed activity.

Evaluation- How will you evaluate the success of your proposed project? Take the time to develop a scientific plan for evaluation that describes who will be involved, at what intervals, and what costs will be incurred.

Sustainability- You must think past the grant award period. Exactly how will you continue to fund this project once the grant funding runs out? Funders seek out projects that will exist into perpetuity.

Budget- Learn to develop a precise line item budget. Know the difference between an operating budget and a project budget, and learn how to allocate your administrative costs within each program. This activity requires significant board involvement.

Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of nonprofit Services for CharityNetUSA will be conducting a FREE Webinar: “Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready” Wednesday February 29, 2012.  This seminar is the first in a series on grant funding  given by Ms. Swift, and one you do not want to miss:

Join us for a webinar on making sure your nonprofit is “grant ready“. If you are you getting ready to apply for a grant or even thinking about it, then you can’t miss this opportunity to learn more about grant funding.

Our Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift will lay out the steps involved in the strategic preparation for undertaking a grant campaign, so you’re prepared for the legwork that goes into getting grant funding.  Sign up now for the FREE webinar CLICK HERE Learn the importance of a clarified mission and vision, an existing tax exemption, a strategic plan, a qualified Board, and a unique method for service delivery. In addition, discover the power of forthright financial information.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact ChurchNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Family Life Ministries By Thomas R. Reich

In today’s fast paced world, we tend to want everything now.  Developing Family Life Ministries at your church may be a priority, but proper planning is a necessity!  Using the following formula, a Church can strengthen its membership, and serve its community as well.  With proper preparation, you can enjoy success and prosper with Family Life Ministries added to your services.

When developing Family Life Ministries, churches should follow a comprehensive process that will not only ensure there’s a need for the program but that the church has the human and capital resources to effectively and efficiently carry out the program. The following five-step process can be used to develop Family Life Ministries at your church.

1. Assess the Family Life Ministries needs of your members and surrounding community.

• Survey your congregation on the types of Family Life Ministries they would like to conduct.
  

  Family Life Ministries should benefit your Community

• Survey the community about the types of programs that they need.
  • Educational, Health, Financial Literacy, etc.
  • Match the congregation’s needs and interests with the community’s needs.
    • For example: Did the majority of the congregation want to start a financial literacy program? Did your community survey indicate that many people are unaware of financial management practices?

Select the need that you are most able to meet given the resources that are available for Family Life Ministries.

1. 2.       Develop the Goals and Objectives

• What would you like to accomplish through your Family Life Ministries?

1. 3.       Organize the Program Plans

• Describe step by step how your Family Life Ministries will work.
  • How will you market the program?
  • Where will the program be held?
  • How often will the program be provided?
  • What are the times of operation?
  • What materials will you need for the program?
  • How much will everything cost?
  • How many volunteers will you need per week?
  • Who will be responsible for facilitating your Family Life Ministries?

1. 4.       Implement the Program

• Implement the steps outlined during the Family Life Ministries planning process.
  

  Helping families is Family Life Ministries

• Call the Congregation to Action!
  • Get the congregation involved by advertising the Family Life Ministries during announcements and on the church’s bulletin board.
  • Provide sign-up sheets for volunteers
  • Develop a Twitter account for the Family Life Ministries
  • Interact with the community via your Church website blog and your Facebook page.
  • Alert the local media.
    • Provide a press release to the local newspaper, radio station, and online sources to create awareness of your Family Life Ministries and in the process get positive exposure for your Church!
  • Provide “top-notch” service.
    • Remember that the Family Life Ministries participants are also possible Church members. Build a strong positive relationship with each person that you encounter.
  • Keep the congregation excited about the Family Life Ministries by recognizing exemplary volunteers and achievements on an ongoing basis look for acts of grace to reward.
    • Provide updates about the Family Life Ministries during the announcements portion of your worship service.
    • Provide constant updates about your Family Life Ministries activities on your Twitter, website blog and Facebook.
    • Put pictures of program volunteers at work on the church’s bulletin board, Facebook and in a special section of your website.
    • Reward dedicated volunteers with a special recognition ceremony.
    • Periodically, do a spotlight report in your Website blog on one special volunteer, or area business that has helped the Family Life Ministries.

1. 5.       Evaluate the Program

• Survey the congregation and community.
  • Is the congregation satisfied with the Family Life Ministries?
    

    Family Life Ministries should help the community

  • Are the Family Life Ministries participants satisfied with the program?
  • Did the Family Life Ministries achieve its goals and objectives?
  • Has the Family Life Ministries met the needs of the community?
  • If the answer to any of these questions is no, revise the program depending on the results of your surveys and program data, if you feel the survey has merit.  Remember, in many cases it the good you do that improves a community.  You know when you are doing good, it may not poll well, but the good is still being felt.  You are your best judge of a Family Life Ministries success.
    • If you went over the projected budget, increase the budget or downsize your program.
    • Did the hours of operation conflict with church member’s schedules?
    • Were the materials created for the Family Life Ministries effective?

We know that following this five-step process will assist your Church or Nonprofit Organization with developing an outreach program that is truly a

Announcements of Family Life Ministries events add interest!

help-mate to the community. A Family Life Ministries program can respond to the community’s needs while also serving as a growth agent for the church. Furthermore, an excellently implemented program is much more attractive to donors and volunteers than one with little planning at all. Keep these steps in mind while planning your Family Life Ministries program and success is sure to come!

We at ChurchNetUSA and CharityNetUSA have helped over 12,000 organizations achieve success, and have assisted many Church groups establish successful Family Life Ministries.  Our noted Nonprofit Consultant Howard Walker will be conducting a FREE webinar this coming Wednesday February 22, 2012 that you can’t afford to miss.  Howard Walker has been there, in the trenches and can give you much insight in the important concerns in setting up Family Life Ministries the right way.

Do not miss this FREE opportunity to hear Howard Walker live, and be inspired to greatness!  Click here to sign up for this one time live webinar event provided free from our friends at ChurchNetUSA and CharityNetUSA.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or Church please contact CharityNetUSA and ChurchNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Be Prepared with Business and Church Law in 2012

By Thomas R. Reich

1)      Lack of or Poor Organizational Documents! You must create and maintain the right organizational documents, to prepare your nonprofit business for Church Law.  You must first determine what type of structure you want your nonprofit business to operate under.  Church Law it does not stop there; there are annual filing requirements and documents that must be maintained.  Don’t be a casualty, do your paperwork!

2)      Lack of Proper Corporate Records! If you say “we are a small nonprofit, Ill remember the records and do them later” you will fail.  Keeping up with records is a must to be prepared in Church law and takes little time if you make it an ongoing process!

3)      Accepting Money from Investors Without Understanding Nonprofit Securities and Church Laws! There are ways to accept investment, endowments and donations in your new nonprofit, that are legal and this is the only way they should be accepted.  Consult a lawyer first if you are unsure of Nonprofit Business Law. This is the rule of thumb; make sure you and your investors are protected before you get yourself in hot water.

4)      Failing to have Founders and Employees Non-Compete Agreements! If you or your new employees have come from a similar business and are now competing with an old employer, make sure there is not aNon-Compete agreement enforce.  By the same token protect

Church Law can have important differences

yourself if what you are doing is of a unique nature.

5)      Weak or Non-Existent Vendor/Client Written Agreements. If you go into your new nonprofit on a handshake agreement to provide services or products to a friend or acquaintance, this is very risky.  Having a simple contract, one with terms and a time period assures that your demand will still be there when you take the plunge and open your doors.  Without a written agreement, one using practical Business Law, you may find the endowment does not materialize and you have no legal recourse.

6)      Litigation! Pure and simple, many new nonprofit owners feel they are in the cat bird seat now and they “Aren’t going to take this anymore!”  You must avoid all litigation if possible, work out problems without filing suit.  Litigation is very expensive and at the small Church level, it can bankrupt a company from the preparation of just one law suit, this is Business and Church Law fact!.  Collections are another matter, but there are professionals for that,STAY AWAY FROM LITIGATION IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

7)      Collections! Collections can be a problem in many nonprofits, and it is tempting to take things personally.  First work directly with the donor, sometimes a personal call and request for payment of promised funds does the trick.  Never threaten or harass the donor, you could cross a line that puts them in the driver’s seat legally.  When the account can’t be salvaged with sugar, find good collections groups that work on a percentage and let them sow the vinegar, they are much more likely to be an expert in Nonprofit Business and Church Law, and much more likely to collect!

8)      Non-Performance Alleged Against your Nonprofit! It is most advisable that you do you level best to go overboard and fix non-performance allegations against you.  As a new Church, you do not want negative statements on services like “Rip off Report” or the BBB.  Offer a refund or the bend over backwards to fix the problem.  Defending against a law suit is both unproductive and expensive, avoid if you can, this is the case with all Business or Church Law, avoid litigation if you can.

9)      Non-Performance of Other Service Providers to Your Small Business! Same rules apply; avoid Litigation if you possibly can.  A call from your CEO or Director may do the trick, be cool calm and consolatory.  Remember they do not want negative reports on “Rip off Report” or the BBB either.  Again, Litigation is very expensive, so do you level best to work out difference civilly, but calmly and reserve the right to do what is necessary to receive services or products you have paid for.  Remember how you handled the other side of this issue, and use that experience to look at the other company’s point of view.  Never loose site of your rights under Nonprofit Business and Church Law, but keep your eyes clearly on Public relations and you image in the community!.

10)  No Internal Controls, Guidelines, Manuals, etc! It is important to have written rules and regulations to govern your Church on a daily basis.  Internal Controls, Guidelines and Manuals are welcome by your employees, it lets them know exactly where they stand.  You will find that if rules are in place, you employees will not only follow what is expected of them but be thankful for knowing how to operate within guidelines.  You will be secure in the knowledge that you have done what you can to prepare your nonprofit under Business and Church Law.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation, church or any nonprofit please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Basic Rules of Engagement

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

This is the year to imporve you skills with social media to boost church fundraising

Social media boosts

How to use Twitter

To Promote Church Growth with a Social Media for Church Strategy

Share and Enjoy:

]]> http://www.churchnetusa.com/blog/social-media-for-church-how-to-use-twitter/feed/ 0