How to Start a 501c3 Organization
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 04/03/20
At just 18 years old, Mamady Deen Ballo has managed to build a nonprofit organization that is impacting many lives in the motherland.
On April 13, 2015, on her way back from Atlanta, Mamady got into a car accident. She blacked out, then woke up to a face covered with blood. The injury caused her to develop Scoliosis (a curvature of the spine).
Mamady believed that surviving was her second chance at life. Though she had an easy-going childhood, the accident reminded her that life’s too short, and she needed to do something to impact the world.
That summer, she traveled back to the Ivory Coast. The living conditions there where noticeably different from America’s. She sensed that some of her relatives wished to live in her shoes, but reassured them that she was one with them.
Upon arriving to the states, Mamady acted immediately. She spoke to her high school principal about possible arrangements to help the children in the Ivory Coast. She drafted an itinerary that stood out from the rest and gained approval. She was able to raise $1000 to travel back home and make a difference.
Mamady’s father introduced her to a reporter in the Ivory Coast who secured a TV interview for her. With little knowledge of French, 15-year-old Mamady (at the time) talked about her vision on national TV. It was a memorable moment for her because it made her parents proud.
Starting an NGO at 15 years old made some question her ability to pull it off. But with the support of her family, she was able to kick start the project. In the beginning, her parents helped her with funding. After the third year, she was able to fully fund the barrel she filled up with essentials.
Mamady shares the process of creating a nonprofit: “Step 1, get a black and white notebook and write down all of your ideas for the NGO. Step 2, create a simple logo. Step 3, create your own mission statement, vision and source of income to support non-profit, share on social media and ask for donations for your first project. Step 4, use the money from your donations add your own money to complete it and to make sure your goal comes true (Invest in yourself if you have it). Step 5, Plan your first project. For the rest of the Steps follow me on Instagram and I’ll help you make your NGO.”
Every year, her 501 (c)(3) organization sends the following to the Ivory Coast: school supplies ( pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons, reading books, construction paper) clothing( unworn, worn but in good condition, shoes, dress, pants, shirts) medical supplies & hygiene supplies( toothpaste, toothbrush,bandages, band-Aids, pain killers, pads, soap,floss).
A challenge Mamady encountered as a young entrepreneur was trusting people that she thought would help her, but instead copied most of her ideas and claimed it theirs. But in the end, her work proved to be the original.
In her community, she’s known for being able to bring together large crowds for a good cause. Donors trust her people she is transparent and radiates positive energy.
Mamady’s close friend Tidankay Cherif describes her: “Mamady is ambitious and persistent. She constantly finds a way to go after whatever it is that she desires. Through her efforts and accomplishments, I have gained inspiration and the want to be extraordinary.”
An accident can be an awakening. Mamady has shown that you’re never too young to make a difference in the world. In a few years from now, she wants her NGO “Help Kids in Cote d’Ivoire” to be fully funded, and have its first headquarters in New York City. She also wants to expand and help other countries in Africa.
Welcome to Mamady’s World
“Success is when you place all of your dreams in one area and execute it.”
“My husband has been a great support system. He’s been honest and kind and giving me ideas. He has helped me with most of my IG TV series video content and he has pushed me in ways I can’t imagine.”
“Love is the butterflies I get in my stomach when I’m with the one I love. The person who when I get good news is the first to hear.”
Mamady is currently studying at Manhattan College. She wants to become a diplomat.
Major: International Studies
Minors: French, Africa & The Middle East Studies
“A strong woman is someone fierce to the point where their dreams and goals will never get neglected.”
Connect with Mamady:
Facebook: Mamady Deen Ballo
Instagram: @_mrsballo
Email: mamadyceo.helpkidsinafrique@gmail.com
Visit her website: https://mamadydeenballo.wixsite.com/mysite?
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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