Persistence has paid off and as of April 10th, we are in possession of our Certificate of Solicitation and, as of April 22nd, we have a logo. Takeaways from the Certificate of Solicitation process:
You first receive information indicating you are identified as a charitable organization in the state - there's a fee associated with this - you create an account and, if you're like me, you see what else is in this new world so you look around the website a bit
You notice a few things related to forms and reports
Prior to submitting your first report, if you'd like to begin soliciting, you need to complete a A2. You, the person completing the form, will need to pay a fee
Anyone you include who will be responsible for items related to this process will receive an email and will need to complete the form and pay an additional fee
You wait for an email with an actual certificate
I didn't know any of this making the process daunting. In the absence of indicating in plain English on the site, I kept looking in the portal and being told, when I called, that it takes time not that it was incomplete. AVOID THIS MISTAKE! Awaiting a signature means, that other person didn't complete or submit the form and payment.
I'm not a social media guru - full disclosure, but I know the importance of having an image associated with what you're "selling". You may not know those are Lebron's, but you know that swoosh, right? So, I began partnership for the creation of a logo in December. I didn't want to post anything without it but then I was separately featured and mentioned the work of Meryl's Safe Haven so I launched the site a bit prematurely in the sense of having a logo - no regrets but was not preferred. Creating accounts with GuideStar, Front Door, Give Lively, etc. that allows for the connection of image (logo) and name feels like a disadvantage when you don't have it, but MORE importantly, the patience it takes to ensure there is an image that speaks to the purpose of the work while building something bigger than yourself is hard! It's like getting a tattoo - you know it's forever, but the excitement has you thinking beyond the importance of that moment. AVOID THIS! Be patience. Think about who you are as an organization and what you want to be known by forever.
I teach a master's level course in Leadership and Management of the Nonprofit Sector and there are things you will journey into that ARE. NOT. TEXTBOOK.
And just like that... with the care of Meryl herself and the direction of God, we will be carried through this journey carrying her memory and sheltering others from the storm.
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