SCORE: Start Smart: How to Fund and Launch a Nonprofit the Right Way

Start Smart: How to Fund and Launch a Nonprofit the Right Way

Starting a nonprofit is not just about passion. It is about structure, funding, and real planning.

Many people think, “I will start a nonprofit and get grants.”

The truth is—grants are not a starting point. Strong nonprofits begin with a clear plan, tested ideas, and real funding.

In this SCORE webinar, you will learn how to take a smart, practical path before you launch.

You will learn how to:

✔ Understand the Basics

The real difference between a nonprofit and a for-profit

Why some ideas should NOT become nonprofits

✔ Test Your Idea

How to decide if your idea serves a true public need

Why pilot programs matter before full launch

How to reduce risk and avoid costly mistakes

✔ Plan Your Funding

A simple formula to estimate startup funding

How much money you need before day one

Why launching without funding leads to failure

✔ Build Real Revenue

The best mix of funding sources for new nonprofits

Why relying only on grants is risky

How to build support from donors, sponsors, and partners

✔ Prepare for Funders

What sponsors and underwriters want to see

How to clearly ask for funding

How to show impact and results

💡 What Makes This Webinar Different

This is not theory.

This is not inspiration without action.

This is a step-by-step, reality-based session designed to help you:

Avoid common startup mistakes

Make better decisions early

Build a nonprofit that can actually survive

🎯 Who Should Attend

Individuals thinking about starting a nonprofit

Early-stage founders unsure of their structure

People with mission-driven ideas who need clarity

Anyone who wants practical, real-world guidance

The Facilitator for This Workshop is Brandon Roger . Brandon is a SCORE mentor, nonprofit leader, and small business advisor who helps entrepreneurs and founders turn ideas into clear, practical plans.

He brings real-world experience as a former CEO of a healthcare nonprofit and as a board member and senior leader within nonprofit organizations, giving him firsthand knowledge of what it takes to build, fund, and sustain mission-driven work.

Brandon works with clients across Central Indiana, guiding them through key decisions such as business structure, funding strategy, revenue planning, and market positioning. His approach is direct, structured, and focused on execution—not theory.

As a SCORE mentor, he supports both for-profit and nonprofit founders, with a strong focus on early-stage planning, financial clarity, and long-term sustainability.

In this session, Brandon shares practical tools, real examples, and clear next steps to help you make smarter decisions before launching a nonprofit.