So You Want to Start a Nonprofit?

by Gina Bongiovi

First, I’m going to do my best to talk you out of it. 

Regardless of your geographical location, there are likely tons – TONS – of nonprofits already in existence.  Nevada alone has over 8,000 nonprofits.  Under the theory there’s no such thing as an original thought, chances are someone else is already doing what you want to do. Yes, I know you think you can do it better, but I would strongly encourage you to explore the organizations that are already out there to see if you can join forces, volunteer, lead a task force, or otherwise collaborate rather than setting up a new entity that further fractures the marketplace and puts additional strain on an already overtaxed donor base.  I’ll cite an example.  I helped establish Vegas Shepherd Rescue.  It’s no surprise that the organization is an animal rescue focusing on German Shepherds.  If I received a call from someone wanting to establish a nonprofit rescuing only white German Shepherds, I would tell them to find a way to collaborate with the existing organization. All that said, let’s talk about what it takes to set up a nonprofit. Buckle up, it’s no easy task.

This is a business model that tends to be more challenging than most.  Why is it challenging?  Let’s start with getting it started.

We sometimes speak with organizations that honestly believe they are operating as nonprofit organizations without having taken a crucial step toward legitimacy.  What do I mean?

Read the entire article at Bongiovi Law Firm: https://bongiovilaw.com/2020/11/so-you-want-to-start-a-nonprofit/