In today’s austerity-focused economy, nonprofit organizations have been filling the widening gaps in social program budgeting, staffing, and service delivery which have affected those in their community that need these services the most. Geranda Projects will mentor, educate, and guide you in the process of setting up and running a nonprofit organization in New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Orange counties, as well as the surrounding New York area
Get professional help for your nonprofit organization
The professional team at Geranda offers these important tips if you are considering establishing and operating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Research the Community. Conduct a needs analysis for the type of nonprofit organization you are looking to fund. What other organizations in the community are offering similar services? It will be harder to get support if you are just duplicating existing services versus improving or adding to them. Also, find demographic or population data that shows a need for your services, and explain how that need is not being met.
- Start Solid. Developing your mission statement is a critical first step. It communicates your nonprofit’s purpose, identifies the groups it intends to serve, and how it will serve them. Every effort in your organization should support and further your mission.
- Write a Business Plan. A nonprofit organization’s business plan describes in specific detail how it intends to achieve its mission. It also can be used to outline a new effort or project.
- Develop Your Board. Your board is your nonprofit organization’s governing body. It fulfills a variety of roles and legal responsibilities. The board will change as your organization grows. A systematic approach to board development includes orientation, training, assessment, and the cultivation of prospective board members, which are key to ensuring long-term success.
- Get Incorporated. Incorporating your nonprofit organization limits the liability of the organization’s officers and directors. Also, having a formal structure will give credibility to your programs and services. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires organizing documents and governance policies & procedures that are usually associated with corporations. Note: incorporation registers your nonprofit, but it does not make it 501(c)(3) exempt.
- Go Tax Exempt. It can take 3-12 months for the IRS to return its decision on a nonprofit organization’s application for 501(c)(3) status (depending on how many questions the IRS has regarding your application).
- Be Compliant. Registration requirements vary with each state, but be sure to register with your state’s regulatory agency for nonprofit organizations and charitable solicitations (usually the state office of the attorney general). If you plan to solicit contributions in other states, you will need to register there, too.
Geranda Projects is your freelance partner for developing and managing strategies for not-for-profit and community organizations
Managing and operating a nonprofit can take years of effort and a great deal of determination. As you start organizing at the grass-roots level, it is important to have some guidance in navigating the operational and regulatory waters of the nonprofit ocean. Geranda Projects has the knowledge, experience, and resources to help nonprofit organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley serve their communities with a shared passion for your nonprofit organization’s goals and growth.
For a consultation appointment, call us at: (914) 788-5319
The professional team at Geranda Projects are expert in nonprofit strategic planning for those that live in or work near the New York area. If you have questions pertaining to nonprofit consulting, management, strategic planning and fundraising consulting in Dutchess County NY, Putnam County NY, Rockland County NY, and Northern Westchester, contact Geranda Projects at: (914) 788-5319.