Thinking about starting a nonprofit? Please don't venture into this endeavor lightly - nonprofits are serious business! New York State has over 100,000 registered nonprofits in the state, many with overlapping missions and service areas. With limited funding available to the nonprofit sector, we are seeing a historic number of nonprofit mergers and dissolutions occurring across the state. Many nonprofits begin with good intentions, but often fall short of their purpose and goals. We can work with you to assess the viability of your nonprofit concept, before you invest the time, energy and resources into launching it.

Do research
• Find and quantify the need for the specific organization.
• Research other groups already engaged in the same or similar work.
• Ensure that starting a new nonprofit is the right solution for the community.

Consider alternatives to starting a nonprofit
• Get involved with local organizations that share your mission/vision — volunteer, serve as a board member, committee member, or find out if they have any staff openings.
• Consider a partnership with an existing organization. There might be the possibility to start a special program under the umbrella of an established nonprofit.
• Start a local chapter of a national or regional organization or association.

If you have your heart set on starting a new 501(c)3, and you believe its intended purpose is both necessary and unique, we can provide these very beneficial services to support you:

• Board Development
• Employee Benefits
• Financial Management
• Fund Development
• Legal Assistance
• Liability Insurance

First, check out these helpful resources:

• How to Register a New Charity
• Guidelines For Starting A Nonprofit
• IRS Charities Information
• Not a Nonprofit? When to Use a Fiscal Sponsor
• Procedures for Forming and Changing a Not-for-profit Corporation

NYCON's ultimate goal is to foster and protect the health, diversity and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector. Let us help your nonprofit grow and flourish.