The Clinton, Camanche, and Fulton area is home to a number of great non-profit businesses helping people in our communities. Learn more about these nonprofits here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
How to Establish a 501©3
In both states, creating a non-profit is fairly easy. You need to fill articles of incorporation with the Iowa or Illinois Secretary of State. Then you hold an organizational meeting and adopt bylaws. Then there is a separate process to apply to the IRS to receive tax exempt status. Other steps you need to take are creating a mission statement, vision statement, and strategic plan. Make sure you follow filing guidelines, and if under $50,000 a year, check to make sure you can file a postcard electronically with the IRS.
Board Tools
A key to a successful nonprofit is an engaged and vested board. Don’t worry every nonprofit struggles with how to best motivate their board. The board is the fiduciary agent for your organization, provides oversight and governance, and helps the leadership execute the strategic plan.
Fundraising Tips
Do you have an annual appeal? A list of businesses and individuals that every year your organization solicits for financial support. End of the year tax planning is the best time.
Do you have always have project ideas in case a funding opportunity comes up?
Do you have memberships? Do you have an online way for someone to donate?
Do you collect testimonials for fundraising collateral?
Do you have one big fundraiser or multiple smaller ones?
Don’t be afraid to give something in return for donations.
Recognize your donors in a clear, public, and consistent manner.
Looking for a complete list of area nonprofits? There are 100s of them, but in 2021, Connect Clinton County formed to organize them into an action group. We highly recommend you attend the quarterly events for partnerships and development.
Out of a community visioning project, Energize Clinton has developed a list of projects that the community wants to see happen.
Grants
There are many local foundations and the CCDA grant being the largest local grant. However, the University of Iowa has a great grant bulletin board that we highly recommend. Grant Writing 101 is easy, only you know how to tell your story and that is the blessing and the curse. Act like the reviewer knows nothing about your organization, your acronyms, and your project. Treat it like a research paper, try to quantify as much as you can. Have passion. If you don’t care, why should they?
