My Culminating Project
Geraldine’s Grace
House
• For my culminating project I decided to do a
PowerPoint on what it takes to become a
nonprofit. My goal upon graduation is to
open an adult home with an emphasis on
hospice patients. Before I could take the steps
necessary I had to gain a clearer
understanding of what a nonprofit is and how
the operate. Nonprofits are organization that
benefits a cause or a community.
They typically fall into a categories; trade
associations, charitable organizations, social
clubs, government, and/or political groups.
Wanting to make a difference is scary, challenging
and I may face some obstacles. This project has
been a passion of mine, and I believe it can
become a reality. Through my academic
knowledge I gained, commitment and planning, I
know it will succeed..
• My aspiration falls under the belief of making a
difference for a specific population. My vision
involves taking in patients and providing a home
like environment for them to spend their final
days. After taking an informal need assessment, I
believe this type of service is needed and would
be greatly appreciated in this area. For my final
internship I chose Hospice of Kitsap County. I
chose Hospice because its underlining mission
follows the goals of my dream.
• The experience taught me more about the
administrative side of running a business. It me a
better understanding of the various components
such as writing a grant and generating local
support, fundraising techniques, and establishing
contacts with other local agencies. Doing this
helped introduce myself to the community and
the type of service I want to provide. This
support has been beneficial in guiding me
through the procedure.
• One of my best assets I’ve acquired is
having the support of other established
successful nonprofits. Asking questions
like ‘what was the purpose of starting my
business, would my business benefit the
community and who my cliental would be
started the process. I needed to be able
to answer these questions before I could
proceed.
More questions such as ‘where would it be
located and who will serve on my board needed
to be considered. All of these questions could be
addressed by creating a business plan. Asking
these questions helped me cultivate my mission
statement and bylaws. Bylaws are the rules
you’re nonprofit is governed by and guide the
direction it follows.
• Then I came up with a name for my house and
a logo. Doing this was the next step to taking
my dream from my head to reality. I decided
on the name “Geraldine’s Grace” in honor of
my Grandma. For me this seemed only fitting
since she is the one who gave me my
foundation in wanting to serve others. From
the name I was able to picture the logo. I have
included a picture of my initial design.
Although simplistic it encompasses my belief.
• Taking these steps help me create a mission
statement. My mission statement “Geraldine’s
Grace House hopes to provide an environment
where anyone can come and live out their
final days in a dignified and gracefully manner
somewhat defines how I see the purpose of
my house. I am still working on a permanent
statement but for now this one is a vision of
what I would like to accomplish.
• My next step involved thinking about
funding my business. I have been
researching possible funding sources. I also
have a couple of mentors who are familiar
with the process of grant writing. The
National Council of Nonprofits and the
Society of Nonprofit Organizations is a
great place to learn about funding and
solicitations. I may also look into
sponsorship for another established entity
that share in my vision.
• The next step to creating my nonprofit
involves tons of paperwork. Your organization
must meet guidelines set by the Internal
Revenue Service, (IRS) in regards to
nonprofits. There are publications such as
Publication 557, "Tax Exempt Status for Your
Organization," or Publication 4220, "Applying
for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status." Then you
need to apply for an Employer Identification
Number, (EIN) even if you will not have
employees.
• I am in the process of filling out an Application for
Recognition of Exemption. This is a thirty-two
page application that requires a lot of
information about your business. The link below
is where I found the application and other
information concerning the various forms I need
to continue making my house a reality. After
graduation I will be able to devote the time
required to finish the legwork needed to more on
to the next phase of my dream.
http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Howto-Apply-to-Be-Tax-Exempt-1
My Business Plan
• Here is a brief outline of my business plan.
• Executive Summary
• Geraldine’s Grace House is an adult home with
an emphasis on hospice clients. The idea
behind this project is to offer people a place to
spend their final days living instead of
worrying about dying. This type of facility can
be an extension of the type of services offered
though other similar programs .
Organizational Overview
• Geraldine’s Grace House will be located in
Kitsap Co. This Home will be a place that will
initially be able to provide accommodations
services for approximately 4 to 5 residents.
My vision is to give people who don’t have the
option of being at home due to whatever
circumstances. The main goal is to allow
individual s a home like environment instead
of a hospital or nursing facility.
Needs Assessment
• After interning at Hospice of Kitsap Co. and
working with my supervisor there, I believe the
need for this type of service could benefit people
in Kitsap County. She expressed interest in being
able to provide referrals. I have also done
informal surveys and received positive feedback
toward the service I want to provide. With my
nursing background and experience working for a
couple of hospice facilities, I believe I can make a
difference in the community.
Summary
• I am still working on finalizing my business
plan. I have joined a group called WINGS
(Women in Networking Generating Success).
They help promote new business. I am
attending classes for small businesses that are
just starting up. I will be filing my 501 (c) (3)
application in the next couple of weeks. My
dream of opening Geraldine’s Grace Home is
moving closer to reality.