About Us

Achieving your dreams through a non-profit organization

Behind The Scenes Ministry was founded to assist individuals and groups who have a passion to solve various physical, emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual needs in the community, and believe they might be more effective working through a non-profit organization, but are unfamiliar with the process to secure that 501(c)(3), tax exempt status. In the past 10+ years, BTS, has worked, “behind the scenes”, with more than 250 community-based organizations, faith-based ministries, and new churches, to obtain their tax exempt status—with a 100% success rate. Additionally, BTS has worked with hundreds of non-profit groups in the areas of (1) How to “launch a successful non-profit”, (2) How to “build/maintain a Sustainable Organization”, (3) How to effectively raise funds through donor development, fees for service, foundation grants, and community events, and (4) How to creatively solve compliance and other organizational issues. Behind The Scenes is committed to its mission, “to provide the expertise, resources, and support to enable non-profits and faith based ministries to maximize their mission impact”, and our ultimate goal is to become a trusted partner with your organization, to fully support your efforts and mission, and to rejoice with you, as your organization succeeds in positively impacting your community.

Mark Peterson

A non-profit sector veteran of 30+ years, Mark Peterson has founded a number of his own ministries and organizations, and, has assisted many individuals and groups in forming their own non-profit tax exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, faith based ministries, and churches. He has served on numerous governing boards, and worked in staff positions as Executive Director, Program Developer/Manager, and Grant Writer. At heart, Mark is a teacher and has consulted with hundreds of organizations in the areas of Organizational Development, Strategic Planning, Board Development, Compliance Issues, Sustainability Factors, and taught classes in Vision/Mission Development, Grant Readiness/Grant Writing and Board Member Duties/Responsibilities.

Mark has written an e-book, titled Non-Profits 101, which answers many of the basic questions that many individuals have asked about non-profit organizations, including:

  1. What exactly is a non-profit corporation? Advantages? Disadvantages?
  2. What does 501(c)(3) mean? Reporting requirements?
  3. How do you start a non-profit organization? Vision/Mission statements?
  4. What is the process? What are the costs? How long does it take?
  5. What are the duties of the Incorporator? Of the Board? Of individual board members?
  6. Financial planning? On-going management responsibilities?
  7. Can a 501(c)(3) organization make money? Pay salaries? Fundraising?
  8. What are keys to success for a non-profit organization? Sustainability?

DISCLAIMER: Although Mark Peterson has assisted hundreds of individuals and groups through the non-profit, startup process, he is neither an attorney or accountant, and is not qualified to answer legal or tax related questions. If you have of these types of questions, please contact your attorney or accountant.

Behind the Scenes can help you

  1. Learn more about non-profits—order our book—Non-Profits 101—to answer all your questions.
  2. Start up your non-profit organization—community based organization, faith based ministry, church.
  3. Re-focus or re-launch existing organizations dealing with suspension, compliance, or other issues.
  4. Develop sustainable organizations—strategic planning, board/leadership training, fundraising, etc.
  5. What are the duties of the Incorporator? Of the Board? Of individual board members?
  6. Explore the benefits of creating and operating a business related non-profit organization.

Here are some of the others we have helped

Over the years we have helped many organizations get going and become successful. Learn about some of them.

  1. Tod Harris—Total Life Change
  2. Delfina Vazquez—Selma Community Outreach Ministries
  3. George Ordway—City Advance
  4. Eric Forsythe—Wellspring Church
  5. Elsa Asrat—Loving and Leading Others
  6. Jodi Arrans—Manger Ministries
  7. Ted Black—Change of Heart Ministries
  8. Brian Semsem—Brainwise Solutions
  9. Darryl DuChene—Faith Worship Center