Meet Jill M. Morris, Author of The Nonprofit Toolkit

Jill M. Morris has worked in the public relations field for nearly 20 years, with a particular emphasis on assisting those in the nonprofit world. As she puts it, she works "with a mission to help those who are on a mission." She founded Jill Morris Public Relations, LLC (JMPR) in 2007. Jill was also Special Assistant to the late Honorable Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Kennedy Foundation.

Jill's latest project is The Nonprofit Toolkit. This is a step by step guide to starting a nonprofit and contains a set of 14 documents to help you start your nonprofit business, including everything from a business plan template to a five-year budget projections template.

1. What inspired to you put together The Nonprofit Toolkit?

I have dual expertise in public relations and nonprofit management with years of experience and education in both. My company, Jill Morris Public Relations, primarily serves nonprofits. Servicing nonprofits' external needs, I'm finding that many are in shambles internally. I stand firm on the saying that whatever happens internally will be revealed externally. With that understanding, in order to keep up with the demand for public relations services, I thought it would be beneficial to create tools that staff could execute as I am managing their publics. Also, because I often speak at conferences, I get several calls a week from individuals seeking mentoring on starting nonprofits. I want to help everybody. In a nutshell, the inspiration to put together the toolkit was to ensure nonprofits, specifically my clients, are building sustainable organizations.

2. Could you give us some examples of some of the documents included in the kit and how they can help nonprofits?

Sure. So, one of the main documents that is included in the toolkit is the Bylaws template. You can find Bylaws samples all over the internet; however, the template I created includes two clauses that protect the founder, which is a high concern. Many founders fear boards taking full control over "their" organization and having the power and authority to terminate them at will. I have included a non-removal clause that simply states that the founder can only be removed from his/her administrative position at his/her will. The other clause protects the founder's intellectual property. Many individuals are building nonprofits of off their personal experiences, such as if a former battered woman starts a women's shelter. Well, with the influx of social media, many are packaging and selling their personal stories of victory. Therefore, the clause I included in the Bylaws template ensures the founder owns all rights to his/her intellectual property, even if it is affiliated with the nonprofit, as well as any proceeds.

Another document I included, which I believe is crucial and often overlooked by founders, is a full Business Plan template. I give sample "nonprofit" content throughout the Business Plan template, so that the founder can fully understand how to write out their vision. I even include a Budget Projections template with sample line items that most nonprofits need.

However, the most sought-after document in the toolkit is actually the Board Members Package, which includes the following templates for new board members: Invitation to Serve on Board Letter, Board Member Application, Founder's Guiding Principles, Commitment Statement, Confidentiality Agreement, and Board Officers/Members Duties.

The toolkit also includes a Step-by-Step Guide where I start with how to write the vision and end with how to build a "nonprofit" website and do outreach. I provide everything a newbie needs to build a sustainable nonprofit.

I've also included an annual Strategic Planning template, as well as IRS Form 1023 (application for 501(c)(3) tax exempt-status).

3. In your work as a public relations professional, what are some of the ways that you've helped nonprofits get their messages out into the world?

Well, the most consistent and "credible" way I've helped nonprofits get their messages out into the world is through traditional media. Whether hosting awareness events or highlighting client successes from their use of programs and services, I make it my business to inform the local media. I love creating public service announcements (PSAs) for radio. I still think they are effective. Also, with radio, nonprofits have the right to "free" airtime if they are promoting activities that benefit the community---which nonprofits do.

Now, with social media on the rise, unlike before, clients can be their own news source. I am an avid proponent of informative websites. I advise my clients to make their websites "Grand Central Station" and to include blogs, data, statistics, announcements, photos, etc. I help clients own their subject. Also, I encourage them to be active social media accounts with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. I advise to use website content and distribute via their social media circles.

4. I think people often think that PR is costly, but what are some free or relatively inexpensive ways to create buzz?

Again, take advantage of local news sources. Radio, newspapers, local news stations, and events calendars still work wonders. The FCC has mandated "free" air-time and space for community news. Use it. Local news love "rags to riches" types of stories. If your nonprofit is changing lives, then ask a few of your successful clients if he/she would do an interview (get them to sign a media release, first!). Also, be sure to introduce yourself to editors/producers who cover the stories that are related to your nonprofit. Let them know that your organization is a source of information in whatever area you're serving. It's free.

Social media works wonders, too. However, I would suggest using video footage with social media. Although not free, I advise every nonprofit to do a promotional type video, annually, that highlights the organization's mission, overview of programs/services, snippets from executive staff and board members, and a few client features. A video works wonders. And, grantors LOVE seeing their dollars are being used as proposed.

5. If you could give just three pieces of advice to people who want to start a nonprofit but are hesitating because it seems too daunting, what would you suggest?

The best advice I can give to people who want to start a nonprofit is:

1. Write the vision and make it plain. If you feel a calling to serve purpose via the nonprofit sector, then you have to operate above feelings. You have work to do and your life will be miserable until you do it.

2. Draft a business plan. A nonprofit is driven by a mission, which is based on the founder's overall vision. A business plan is simply detailing the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the mission on paper.

3. Forget about "losing control," and recruit solid, knowledgeable, and professional Board members who are willing to work and help you serve purpose. Most nonprofits fail because they lack oversight and governance. When you are working on purpose, it's not a one-wo/man show. Get the help. Trust me, it is needed to change communities.

Thanks, Jill!

Meet Rashaad of Pro Trade Job Development

Rashaad's achievements have come with struggles and mistakes; they have made him very proud while establishing himself as a father, husband, and business owner. These struggles force him to constantly raise the bar for character and discipline in his personal and professional life. Pro Trade Job Development has grown and transformed tremendously over the years. Learn more by watching the video below.

1. What is your main goal with Pro Trade Job Development, and where are you located?

Pro Trade is a construction training program based out of Milwaukee, WI. Our main focus is returning citizens (ex-offenders), helping them get their lives on track.

2. In addition to helping people gain job skills, how does your program help people build self-esteem and other skills beyond job-related training?

Our focus is personal development, life assessing, association assessments, what inputs are going in you (news, bad music, media), and barrier assessment, as well as job coaching, asset building, and more importantly, community building. Our curriculum is industry recognized, and our students get tools when they train with us because we want them to be ready when they go out seeking job opportunities.

3. Have some of the participants in your training gone on to start their own businesses?

We have had a few individuals start their own painting business or construction business. We try to support them with all the resources and connections we may have or know of.

4. As a business owner yourself, how have you kept yourself motivated, especially when faced with setbacks?

That's a long question, but to sum it up, FAMILY... My wife and my kids are why I can't fail. It's because of them that I have to be the example that demonstrates how your life and future is in your own hands outside of God's purpose for your life. I think of the young black males that don't have many examples of success but many of failures, so I have to do it. I think of the elders that believe there is no hope for 30-year-olds, and I give them a breath of fresh air.

5. Based on your experience, what is your best advice to people who are looking to develop their job skills and/or start their own businesses?

You have to be willing to learn, be willing to take criticism, take all the classes, and read all the books. Become a good student of your craft. Work for a successful company that is doing what you desire to do. Get as many mentors as possible. You must have a balanced life in family, financials, spiritual, and business to deem yourself successful.

Thanks, Rashaad!

Introducing CharityCarWash.org, A Unique Fundraising Opportunity

Are you in the greater Seattle area? Do you want to raise money for a nonprofit organization? Are you looking for a project that requires minimal time and effort in arranging? We all love car washes to support charitable organizations, but here's a cool twist on that classic fundraiser: CharityCarWash.org lets you raise money for your group by selling tickets for professional car washes.

So instead of spending hours signing up volunteers and washing cars, you can simply sell these vouchers to your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else who wants to get their car professionally washed, save money, and support a local nonprofit at the same time.

And even better, you're promoting an environmentally friendly way for people to wash their cars, so in addition to supporting nonprofits, you're helping to protect the Puget Sound, too, as the water from the car washes (with all the dirty residue from your car, including oil, wax, etc!) is piped to treatment centers rather than being washed down storm drains.

When you order a block of tickets, they are customized with two lines of text with the name and a brief amount of information about your charity. There are tickets for attended car washes and tickets for self-serve car washes in the greater Seattle/Tacoma area; see a list of participating car washes here.

Basically, the way that your nonprofit group makes money with these tickets is that you're able to purchase the tickets for less than half of their recommended resale value. The CharityCarWash.org website includes a lot of good hints for having a successful fundraiser, including doing a ticket pre-sale, making a video about your sale to share on social media, and selling your tickets at high-traffic sites like grocery stores.

Remember, this is what happens if you wash your car in your driveway:

For a unique and green fundraiser, check out CharityCarWash.org, a project of the Puget Sound Car Wash Association.

Meet Kevin Shird, Author and Cofounder of the Mario Do Right Foundation

Kevin Shird is president and co founder of The Mario Do Right Foundation along with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Mario. A much sought-after speaker, Kevin shares his story with lawmakers in DC and nationwide. Kevin is partnering with Baltimore-area universities and community organizations to use his story as a tool and resource for understanding the perspective of youth in similar circumstances and for planning more effective interventions to break the cycle.

Learn more by checking out Kevin's Facebook page and reading about his book on Amazon.

1. What inspired you to want to start sharing your story with others?

I thought that it was a story which needed to be shared. It's not only a story about the streets but also about the journey. How does a young kid get there, and then once he or she arrives at that place, how do they return to where they need to be? How do we pull them back in from the streets and a road to greatness?

2. In writing your book, what did you find most difficult about the process?

The editing was the toughest obstacle. Being comfortable enough to allow others to make changes to your work is very challenging, especially when it is your personal story. How can you edit your life? It can be stressful, but it's also a necessary part of the process to make your book readable.

3. In addition to helping others, do you feel that writing about your experiences has helped you, too?

Of course. Writing has been therapeutic for me. It's helped me get rid of the baggage I was dealing with. It helped me grow as a person and as a man. Writing has also helped me better understand the role I played in many of the bad situations I've encountered in my life. Reflecting and putting to words was a powerful exercise in healing and making amends, hence the title "Lessons Of Redemption".

4. Would you tell us a little bit about The Mario Do Right Foundation and how you became involved in this project?

The Do Right Foundation is a nonprofit which focuses on substance abuse prevention education. In 2007 MTV came to Baltimore specifically to film a piece on my business partner who is in the music business. The piece was highly successful and drew 4,000,000 viewers once aired, and focused on his mother's heroin addiction. MTV actually suggested that we should start a foundation to support children of addicts. My partner asked me to help build the organization, and we became partners from there. I became the co-founder, working diligently to grow an organization which could have a real impact. We wanted to support children struggling from the negative effects of their parents and addiction.

5. If you knew that a youth in crisis--or the parent of a youth in crisis--were reading this right now, what might you say?

Find them help immediately and don't waste time. Don't hesitate and don't second guess yourself. If you think something is abnormal, more often then not you are probably right. There are tons of resources online for substance abuse and mental health.

Thanks, Kevin!

Childrens Cancer Recovery Foundation

The Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation was founded to help kids under 18 and their families. A cancer diagnosis can create all sorts of changes--not just physical ones, but also social and emotional ones. The Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation seeks to help kids and their families improve their well-being in lots of different ways. It is a publicly supported 501(c)3 non-profit organization, affiliated with the Cancer Recovery Foundation International group of charities which have been around since 1984.

You might have heard of their Bear-Able Gift program, which allows social workers and child life specialists to request gifts for the children they work with. The Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation provides a range of gifts, including toys, coloring books, board games, video games, and books. Kids across the country receive gifts through this program. Volunteers help field requests and pack and send gifts to children in hospitals from coast to coast.

Other programs include free scholarships for kids in remission from cancer to go to camp, and the Helping Hands Fund, which helps families meet urgent household needs such as utility bills and rent.

For more information about the Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation, here are a couple of interesting articles, one on Mediabistro and another on Community Focus Online. The video below gives details about the way that the foundation gets gifts out to kids undergoing cancer treatments.