More input on our class "Introduction to Nonprofits"

Thanks to all of you who have left comments here. All this is very helpful, and we will try to cover all of your items. Stay tuned for the class outline, I will post it here shortly.

Following are some more ideas and suggestions I received via email, and i wanted to share them here:

DC:
Sounds fabulous and just what I am looking for. I would like to see covered in this class: successful grant language, non-profit sustainability, the nuts and bolts of a non-profit organization's infrastructure, successful staffing and daily function of the n-p, dos and dont's, and basic accounting issues -- i.e. what to watch out for. I will sign up!

FM:
I would suggest some focus on the following regarding nonprofit finances:

1) Planning to make a profit on events rather than planning to break even
(The event was fun and we made some money too!)
2) Planning out and creating a reserve fund for the organization
(The crisis is being handled through our reserve fund!)
3) Having a system in place for handling cash
(There is no money missing or unaccounted for!)
4) Having a checks and balances system for handling the nonprofit's funds
(The opportunity for embezzlement is not an option!)

NP:
Two areas I suggest some discussion around:
1) Ethics in nonprofit organizations
2) Nonprofit organizations modeling after successful for-profits in these areas: accounting, board development, marketing and human resources.
I also wonder if you will discuss the term “social profit” replacing the term “non-profit”.

EB:
I recently wrote a response to a sociological piece that highlighted the success of a collaborative effort between university, for-profit and non-profit sectors....essentially, my critique was this---non- profits must be in the business of putting themselves out of business. This would be what a piece of what I'd like to see in the course....not letting bureaucracy (and the money from those who have helped to created the problems non-profits are addressing) get the best of us.

AJ:
Having been through all the struggles of setting up a new non-profit, I do have a couple of ideas for you. First of all, walking people through the process of incorporation in NM and getting federal non-profit status would be helpful. I found it extremely daunting! Most of all, once that was done, I wish the state and the feds would send out a list of what is expected of non-profits once they’re created: reporting obligations, obtaining CRS numbers, and rules re: issuing non-taxable transaction certificates. I have had to stumble my way through all of these things and wish I had had access to a course such as the one you are planning! Good luck with it.

NC:
I have three major issues. I'm sure you know all of them! But I'll put them out there anyway...
1. Make sure the nonprofit organization is needed. Identify the constituency and determine what it's lacking. This is a chicken and egg question: which comes first? And there's no doubt that the need/target group may shift over the life of the organization. But I still think needs assessment is a vital first step.
2. Be realistic about funding. Develop a business plan and stick to it. Do not guess about revenues (amount and source).
3. Create the ideal Board of Directors. The mix of skills and temperaments both to recruit the Exec. Director, oversee the operation, solicit funds, and represent the mission.

EZ:
Given the usual requirements, i.e., knowledge of IRS requirements, audits, etc....I think I might recommend the "philosophical" piece. Maybe not so much a philosophical view, but, the visionary aspect and other reasons that someone would consider entering the nonprofit management sector.