Recent News

Create a Short Term Project

Submitted by tom on Tue, 12/15/2009 - 6:12pm

Lots of folks who want to make a difference aren't sure they're ready to run a long term project or nonprofit.

If you're one of those people, you can still make a big impact on the lives of others.

You might consider creating a short term project.

In many cases a short term approach is the best way to get things done.

Here are a couple of examples where less (time) may be more:

Should You Start a Non Profit?

Submitted by tom on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 6:44pm

Creative risk takers hold the key to a better future. If you've got the passion to go for it we're ready to help. Fresh ideas and real committment are always at the heart of authentic change.

Gotta make sure you're ready to take the plunge, though.

Take a look at the questions below. Are you good to go?

When is Fiscal Sponsorship Right for You?

Submitted by tom on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 6:05pm

Fiscal sponsorship organizations like Visions Made Viable are dedicated to helping creative people make a difference in the world. We're committed to furthering important and effective social change by assisting social change agents create new projects and realize their visions.

But fiscal sponsorship isn't right for everybody.

How to Choose a Fiscal Sponsor

Submitted by tom on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 6:19pm

Once you've decided to explore the possibility of fiscal sponsorship, how do you get information about fiscal sponsors who might be right for you? And when you've found some choices for fiscal sponsorship, how do you decide which one is the best choice for your project?

Non Profit Host

Submitted by tom on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 5:02pm

Along with acting as a fiscal sponsor, Visions Made Viable serves as a non profit host.

An incubator is a safe and protected place that gives potential life--whether an egg or a new idea for social change--a place to develop until it can make it on its own.

An effective incubator creates the kinds of conditions that give that 'new life' the best chance to grow strong and succeed.

That's what we're trying to do with Visions Made Viable. Help people and ideas with potential to grow and develop so they have the best chance to survive and flourish.

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Submitted by tom on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 4:10pm

What do we mean by the term 'fiscal sponsorship?'

Well, in a nutshell, a fiscal sponsor acts as the legal non profit home for people that want to make a difference.

Navigating the IRS Maze

Submitted by tom on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 5:42pm

Most of us are a little intimidated by the IRS. Up and coming social change agents are no exception. Most folks who want to start a new non profit look forward to tangling with the IRS about as much as they look forward to a trip to the dentist!

But there's no way around it. To get 501c3 status--the IRS classification for most public benefit organizations--and the tax exemptions that come with it requires navigating the IRS maze. And since 9/11 the process has become more rigorous.

Tapping Biz Skills for Social Change

Submitted by tom on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 4:20pm

A persistent and long term stereotype about prospective social change agents depicts them as well meaning, idealistic do gooders who often lack street smarts and experience with the rough and tumble of the competitive 'for profit' world.

As a result, a lot of people dismiss the non profit world as largely inefficient and ineffective and a poor place to invest time and money.

Up and Running!

Submitted by greg on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 8:38pm

The new web home for Visions Made Viable is up and running! Check back frequently for information on how we support social innovators and visionaries.