Greg
How do i best start a non-profit, ongoing community project or charity.?
Looking for information and guidance around starting a non-profit, or ongoing community project within the community. My goal is to make life safer for those wandering the streets at night or low visibility and give drivers a better view of said people. VISibity is safety.
For a little background on this, I've been working night shift for the last 5 years as a construction worker, so this includes driving to and from work in the dark. Every day i would see people in super dark colors or wearing black just walking the side of the highway, or cutting across streets. I've had many scares with nearly hitting folks I had the Idea of giving out Hi-Vis wear .i looked into local organizations and no one was doing anything quite similar. I'm Mostly vests but jackets and such too when i can afford it. Work often gave me extras and what I couldn't find i would look through thrift stores. Talking with homeless people as I give them so simple and how thankful they are, some have been hit many times by cars, something that could be so easily ( hopefully ) prevented. The nice part of about vests and wear like this is that there is no electrical components, they often provide pockets and can be worn in every weather scenario making them ideal for those who may not have great storage I've always wanted to take the next step to expand a bit, look for help with acquiring more visibility wear and help the community as much as I can but I really don't know where to start.
Should I contact companies asking for used wear ? Should I establish a website or a page of sorts to show I am legitimate. Should I keep this as a ongoing project or move towards something more. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.
2 answers
Eileen Berry
Eileen’s Answer
I suggest that you get to know the community you intent to serve and make sure you know their needs. To ensure the success of your efforts it will help to know more about how your idea can help them. This may drive the format of your solution. To be the most successful, you’ll want your reflective wear to be adopted and used. If your goal is to improve safety, the reflective wear could take many forms.
Before asking for funding support, identify how you will distribute the reflective wear. Consider partnerships with organizations already working with people experiencing housing insecurity.
In taking the steps outlined above, look for ways you can quantify results as much as possible. Things like lives impacted, communities served, etc. As someone who has worked in determining grant funding in the past, I’ve seen nonprofits improve their fundraising success by showing their results in numbers or percentages. It helps to tell your story and make the value of their potential investment more clear.
Companies and foundations tend to stick to their missions, so when looking for financial partners, research these missions and use the targeted language that aligns to them. For example, if a company gives donations to nonprofits that improve the wellbeing of the community, then the language of your request should specifically speak to how you will improve the wellbeing of the community.
Best wishes on your worthy venture.
Chinyere Okafor
Chinyere’s Answer
What an amazing initiative! Your goal to improve visibility and safety for people walking at night is inspiring and impactful. Here’s a roadmap to help you start and grow your project:
1. Start Small: Build on What You’ve Done
Since you’ve already been giving out Hi-Vis gear, you’ve got the foundation for your project. The next steps involve organizing and expanding:
- Document Your Work: Take photos of the gear you distribute and collect stories from people who’ve benefited. This builds credibility and shows the impact of your project.
- Identify Your Mission: Your mission could be something like: “To improve safety and visibility for pedestrians by distributing reflective wear to those in need.”
2. Decide Between a Non-Profit or Community Project
- Ongoing Community Project: If you want to keep it low-maintenance, you can focus on working with local partners and volunteers without creating a formal organization.
- Non-Profit Organization: Starting a non-profit makes it easier to fundraise, apply for grants, and partner with larger organizations, but it requires more paperwork and management.
3. Get Support from Companies and the Community
- Reach Out to Companies:
- Contact local construction companies, manufacturers, and retailers that produce Hi-Vis wear. Many are willing to donate surplus items or sponsor community projects.
- Use your personal experience in construction to connect with industry leaders.
- Partner with Thrift Stores and Shelters:
- Build relationships with thrift stores and shelters to collect gently used jackets, vests, and other reflective gear.
- Engage Volunteers:
- Ask coworkers, friends, or local community members to help distribute gear or spread the word.
4. Create an Online Presence
Having an online presence legitimizes your project and makes it easier for people to support you:
- Start a Website or Social Media Page:
- Share your mission, updates, and photos of your work.
- Provide clear information on how people can donate or volunteer.
- Create a Donation Drive:
- Use platforms like GoFundMe or a PayPal donation link to raise funds for purchasing more gear.
5. Explore Funding Options
- Grants and Donations:
- Look for small community grants or safety-focused grants. Many local government programs fund initiatives like yours.
- In-Kind Donations:
- Ask companies or stores to donate reflective gear instead of money.
6. Spread Awareness
- Community Outreach:
- Partner with local churches, shelters, or community centers to distribute Hi-Vis wear to those in need.
- Host Events:
- Organize safety-awareness events or drives to distribute gear and educate people about visibility.
- Engage Local Media:
- Reach out to local newspapers, TV stations, or bloggers to share your story and increase visibility for your cause.
7. Long-Term Vision
- Expand Services: Over time, you could include other safety items like reflective armbands or rain ponchos.
- Formalize Your Organization: If the project grows significantly, consider filing as a non-profit to scale your impact.
Your idea is powerful because it addresses a simple but life-saving need. Take it step by step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help—people love supporting initiatives that make a real difference. Keep up the amazing work, Greg!
Best wishes!
Thank you so much, to hear your words of advice really helped to set me on the right path and continue to fuel my drive. I have created a instagram for the project and have decided to keep it as a ongoing community project, I am in contact with local companies and thrift stores. I am very excited to be able to help out.
https://www.instagram.com/higher_vizibility/profilecard/?igsh=bXFoMmMzazhodzcz
Again, really appreciate you taking the time to reply to me!
Greg
You're very welcome! I’m so glad to hear that my advice helped and that you’re making such great progress with your project. The decision to turn it into an ongoing community initiative is fantastic, and it’s inspiring to see you connecting with local companies and thrift stores to make a meaningful impact.
Chinyere Okafor