Bike Collective Starter Kit
Mission Statement
Why does the organization exist?
Legal Filings (USA)
No one likes doing it, but it sure makes things like grants and leases easier.
City
State
Federal
- IRS Form 1023 for 501(c)(3) status: Application for Recognition of Exemption
- IRS Form 8734
- IRS Form 990
Misc
Legal Filings (Canada)
Business Models
Fundraising
Publicity
List your organization in the Bike Collective Network Directory!
- Creating a Website - you need to buy a domain name, but until you get your 501(c)(3) status, the Bike Collective Network will host your site for free.
- Professional Email
- Guerilla Marketing
- Media Coverage
- Word of Mouth
- Newsletters
Staff & Volunteers
According to Jim Dion, a psychologist with over 30 years experience in retail, there should be no difference between how volunteers and employees are treated and what is expected of them. Museum gift shops are frequently volunteer run and work under this model.
- Volunteer Handbooks
- Full Time Employees
- Part Time Employees
- Contractors
- Volunteers
- Paid vs. Volunteer
- Apprenticeships
- Internships
Common Activities
No two Community Bicycle Organizations are alike, but here are some common activities you might see.
Community Bike Shops
Providing bicycle tools and expertise to the public.
- Shop Organization
- Shop Locations
- Layout
- Rules
- Hours
- Capital Improvement Plans
- Shop Recycling
- Bike and Part Sales
- Proper Bike Fit
Earn-a-Bike
Thanks to a program started by Bikes not Bombs, you can teach the next generation how to use tools and appreciate their bicycle. Some organizations expand on that idea by taking kids riding too, like Trips for Kids charters.
Women and Trans Night
An open shop time only for women and transgender people. We provide free training and a welcoming, comfortable space in the male-dominated field of bicycle mechanics.
Valet Bike Parking
Getting more people to ride while advertising the organization by watching peoples bikes at different events around town.
Safety Education
Giving someone a bike and teaching them how to ride safetly go hand in hand. The League of American Bicyclists has a nicely pre-packaged program called BikeEd.
Helmet Distribution
Offering discounted or free helmets, everyone can afford to be safe.
Bicycle Art
Following Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle old bikes and parts can be turned into works of art! Resource Revival and BICAS are great examples. Ohio City Bicycle Co-op has examples here:[1]
Commercial Bike Racks
Why not help businesses be more friendly by helping them find and install outdoor bike racks. Some go a step further and sponsor the Bicycle Benefits program for their city.
Tabling Events
Bicycle Advocacy
Many Community Bicycle Organizations concentrate on the grass roots elements of educating and getting people on bikes. However some organizations, or at least some of their members, are also involved in traditional bicycle advocacy.
Resources
- Tech Soup - The Technology Place for Non Profits
- Conference Calls