Muhammad Babangida | Philanthropy

Muhammad Babangida is a committed philanthropist from Nigeria

Tag: Non-profit

How to Make the Most of Crowdfunding

By

On February 23, 2022

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Many organizations rely on crowdfunding to raise money in today’s economic climate. In the case of organizations like museums and other cultural institutions, crowdsourcing is a viable option that they can use to create an educated and diverse audience and a robust network of financial supporters. How then can they make the most of crowdfunding?

 

Deciding What to Crowdfund

Before going any further, it is essential to understand what they are attempting to get funding for. Depending on the nature of the project and its level of interactivity, several different goals could be established. From an institutional perspective, one could create a foundation for future development or provide a platform for current events.

For an individual project (such as a film), the backing would be used as an element of motivation or perhaps as seed money to get things moving in the right direction. Other objectives, such as those that are more altruistic, might include using crowdfunding to start or bolster nonprofit initiatives or simply bringing in additional funds to support an important cause.

 

Selecting the Right Crowdfunding Platform

There are several different crowdfunding platforms and sites available to use. One option would be to set up and run one’s platform. However, this is often impractical if one attempts to raise capital for an event or project that can occur over a reasonably short period. For that reason, several options are available to help facilitate the project and meet the funding goal. One option would be to partner with a platform that has already built up a large volume of backers and investors. Of course, in some cases, the platform may not have the right features, or it may not have enough of them to meet the required specifications. In that case, it may be better to create a site of one’s own.

Whatever the case may be, it is vital to have a platform to meet the project’s needs. In some cases, this will mean integrating crowdfunding into an existing site or creating a dedicated platform for crowdfunding. Regardless of the potential drawbacks and costs associated with such action, the end goal should be getting as much money through crowdsourcing channels as possible.

 

Identifying Potential Backers

Backers are located once a crowdfunding campaign is launched and the goal is set. There are a variety of methods that they can use to identify backers. One can use a dedicated page for advertising the project by reaching out to various groups and organizations or social media. Another option would be through a site that has been designed exclusively for this purpose.

These sites often require a small fee for the use of the platform. However, getting a single site to handle all needs can be worth it. The site also serves as an excellent way to update backers and keep them engaged throughout the campaign. It is essential that backers are kept informed about the project and provided with opportunities for involvement in both aspects and events related to said project.

Growing Community Engagement For Your Small Business

By

On November 5, 2021

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Just as your business is integral to building a thriving economy for your community, a community is vital to succeeding as a business at all. Community involvement allows businesses to build relationships with their consumer base, increase brand awareness, and further their visibility and outreach. No matter how it’s done, business owners should encourage community members to get involved with their business to build customer loyalty and increase the overall benefits for both the community and the business. 

 

That being said, it’s not as easy as someone snapping their fingers to create an engaged community, nor can a business expect its community to engage with it at every opportunity presented. Business owners need to put in work if they want their community to actively engage with them and further their presence in the community.

 

One thing many business owners forget is that their community is made up of people. Social media makes it easy to forget that a community is more than accounts on a screen; though beneficial, the human aspect of engagement should never be forgotten. This goes for both the consumer and the employees running the social media accounts: everyone is human, so everyone should be treated as such. Additionally, social media takes away the all-important face-to-face interaction that many clients and businesses need to build a lasting relationship. When possible to meet face-to-face safely, encourage in-person interactions, and take advantage of the human aspect of relationships.

 

Engagement doesn’t all fall onto the business owner, however. Employees are just as vital in creating community engagement and connecting with others, so they should be encouraged to become involved with local organisations related and unrelated to work. Connections aren’t kept to one place—they can form anywhere. It’s vital that businesses support their employees, then, so that they can pursue interests outside of work and create these lasting connections.

 

Another way to engage with the local community is by being completely transparent with customers and overcommunicating. If there are big changes coming to the business, communicate those changes and the reasoning behind said changes prompt; if possible, let people know about it in advance. Overcommunicating is better than under-communicating, and customers deserve to know what decisions are being made. If they are kept in the loop, they are much more likely to be supportive of a business. 

 

For the biggest impact on a community, business owners should get themselves involved in community initiatives. These can often be found on the local municipality website; cities, villages, and townships are likely to post important initiatives to their municipality site. If any questions arise, simply talk to the local city administrator or clerk to ask how to get involved.

How Your Company Can Include Philanthropy in its Culture

By

On November 5, 2021

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Corporate philanthropy can be extremely beneficial not just for your community, but for your business’s visibility and reputation within the community you’re located in as well. Whether you’re volunteering in your community, supporting causes you care about, or donating to charitable causes, partaking in corporate philanthropy has an abundance of positive benefits that make it worth considering. You can build a strong sense of community with your employees and customers, give back to your community at large, and become more appealing to younger employees who seek out businesses that hold philanthropy in high regard. 

 

How can you start getting involved in corporate philanthropy?

 

An easy way to start on your business’s philanthropic journey is to offer volunteer time off to your employees. This will give your employees time to support organisations and causes that they hold dear to their hearts while not having to worry about using up precious PTO or taking an unpaid day off to get involved. Having volunteer time off, or VTO, will encourage your employees to become socially responsible and dedicate their time to charitable causes. It will also help attract and retain talented employees for your business.

 

More internally, corporate philanthropy should start with ethical labour practices. You must adopt fair pay for the work your employees put in—their time isn’t worth nothing, after all. Once you adopt ethical labour practices, you can go to your company’s social media pages and encourage your followers and other industry leaders to follow in your footsteps. You can even take it a step further by creating and hosting events that surround this topic for other companies.

 

Perhaps your product or service will be beneficial to others when offered charitably. Businesses can participate in philanthropy by offering their services to others pro bono; ideally, you’ll be offering these services to organisations that are involved in charity work. It’s a great way to build awareness for a cause you care about while helping those around you by doing something within your field of business.

 

Lastly, you could partner your business with a charitable organisation that means something to you. This will offer ongoing opportunities to become involved in philanthropic deeds and show your community that your business is committed to giving back. Charitable organisations can become an integral part of your business model and give new meaning to yourself, your products or services, and your efforts at large.

Is Your Board Ready to Get Hands-On?

By

On July 15, 2020

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth Philanthropy

A problem with boards across the United States is that they lack diversity. The reason is likely that boards recruit members that have similar thought processes as the existing members. However, it is important to note that a diverse board can lead to many successes. 

 

To get the board ready to be hands-on, a few things will have to occur. 

 

  1. An open mindset.

To get hands-on, the board has to open their minds to new thought processes. Things will be uncomfortable at first because change is not comfortable. However, once this period of discomfort passes, the board will reap the successes of multiple viewpoints. 

 

  1. Organizational Goals

Once a more diverse team is established, it will likely be necessary to reflect on the organizational goals and possibly expand them. This will allow room for growth within the organization and allow all members to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion. 

 

  1. Time Commitment

Establishing a diverse team and equity is no easy task. The board members have to be ready to put the time in to achieve this huge goal. This will likely need to be a discussion in which all board members are present, and the expectations are clearly outlined. 

 

  1. Multiple Leaders

The board cannot set out on this journey with a sole leader. To be effective, multiple people on the team will need to be passionate about this change and dedicate themselves to the project. This will put the board on the right track for success.

 

Guide to Founding a Charity

By

On May 9, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) exempts nonprofit charitable groups from taxation, allowing financiers to deduct their donations to the groups while filing tax returns. Here are important steps to follow when starting a certified charity.

1. Know the different types of charity organizations you can start

There are different organizations based on missions. For instance, animal charities are concerned with the welfare of animals. Public charities receive most of the funds from the government while private foundations receive funds from small groups.

2. Confirm if your organization qualifies to be an IRC §501(c)(3) compliant

Your charity must be organized and managed just for “exempt purposes.” The exempt purposes include that the organization should run for public interest only.

3. Name your charity

The name to be used must adhere to rules set and be accepted by the Office of the Secretary of State among other conditions.

4. Set up a mission statement

A mission statement summarizes the importance and purpose of your organization. It is used in the filing of IRS and state files for the entity.

5. Incorporate the organization

This stage involves steps such as naming the corporation, the state of incorporation, and Articles of Incorporation among others.

6. Request a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

In all your communications with the IRS, EIN must be used. An EIN is applied by filling the IRS Form SS-4. You should only apply for an EIN after your company is legally incorporated.

7. File to get tax exempt status

Send the correct IRS files to be considered for tax-exempt status by the federal and state government. You can use IRS FORM 1023-EZ or IRS FORM 1023.

8. Comply with charity regulations in your area

Different states, counties, and cities have different rules for charity organizations. You need to license and file the necessary annual reports.

9. Create a website

A great website enhances the credibility of your charity and ability to raise more funds. Your website should have your mission, testimonials, and charity activities you have undertaken.

10. Insure the charity

Choose the best insurance for your charity. You may need property and general liability coverage.

11. Plan how to raise money

The most difficult thing for many charities is to raise funds. Plan how to use various avenues such as social media and marketing to raise funds.

12. Minimize your costs

Many donors are concerned about how their contributions are used. Keep the administrative costs low to attract more donors.

13. Look for volunteers

Volunteers are crucial as they expand your mission and help in raising funds. The main advantage of volunteers is that they are not paid.

14. Deal with your employees appropriately

This involves offering your employees a fair salary. Look for employees who believe in your mission.

15. Other things

This involves activities like opening a bank account among others.

Page 3 of 3

Previous

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén