Before diving into the world of raising money, figuring out tax-exempt status and getting an executive board, why not learn to swim with others? Starting out by helping charities with video is exponentially easier than beginning your own nonprofit. Take your camera, microphone and editing chops to an already-established organization and get some experience.
So where do you find these charities? If you are already involved in the community, it's a no-brainer. Just find a way to work your video wonders with the groups you already know. Church members could tape a service and show it to shut-ins who have difficulty leaving their home. Instead of putting on a play for Sunday school, you can produce a video with the kids. For artsy people in the "scene," create a video montage of the hottest works in your city and put it up on the Web. Airplane enthusiasts can produce a training video for their aeronautics club.
It shouldn't be hard for those not so involved either. I suggest doing something simple first. Call an organization that has an event already scheduled, like an environmental group that will be planting trees. Ask them if you can videotape the digging and say that they can use the video in the future to promote Mother Earth. Don't forget to tell them you're giving the video away for good!
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