Key Takeaways

  • Choose a unique name and reserve it before incorporation.
  • Form a diverse and skilled board of directors to guide the organization.
  • File Articles of Incorporation and apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
  • Clearly define a unique mission that fills an unmet need in your community.
  • Understand and comply with licensing requirements in your state.
  • Secure funding through grants, donations, and strategic partnerships.
  • Develop a detailed strategic and fundraising plan.
  • Consider joining national youth nonprofit networks for collaboration and support.

Knowing how to start a nonprofit organization for youth is an excellent way to help your community. With a bit of basic planning and connecting with the right people, your community can rest easy knowing there are proper resources to help troubled youth.

Starting a nonprofit organization for youth is typically aimed at those who are labeled as being at-risk; this means they have been referred by school counselors or community agencies due to issues with their behavior. They are often in trouble with the law or at a high risk for dropping out of school. Some of them are even involved in gangs.

Steps to Setting Up Your Youth Organization

When you start organizing your nonprofit, you will need to pick a name for the organization and make sure that it is not used by another entity in your state. Also, if your organization plans to operate in other states, you will need to make sure the name is not registered in those states as well.

A lot of states will have an online database you can search to see which names are already in use. If you have a name picked out, but you aren't ready to incorporate the organization, you can still lay claim to it by filing an application and reserving the name. You will need to contact your Secretary of State to learn more.

Once you are ready to incorporate, though, there are several steps you must follow. First, you will need to contact a lawyer that is experienced in helping set up nonprofit entities. You will also need to select a board of directors and take the appropriate steps to apply for a 501(c)(3), which is necessary for nonprofit organizations.

The exact process that you will have to follow will depend on the state you are setting the organization up in. Usually, you will need to have a minimum of three people on your board of directors; these people will volunteer their time and provide community oversight. They will also act as organizers of the corporation.

You will also need to file a document called Form 1023; this document has to be filed with the IRS. Once the filing is approved, you will then receive a letter that certifies your tax-exempt status. This certification is of the utmost value because many grant-makers will mandate you have it in order for them to provide you with funding.

Plan Your Program and Services

Before officially launching your non profit organization for at risk youth, outline the specific programs you intend to offer. These could include academic support, mental health counseling, job readiness training, mentorship, after-school programs, or gang prevention. Your services should directly respond to the needs identified in your community needs assessment and be culturally and developmentally appropriate for the age group you serve.

Draft a business plan that includes a program logic model—this will help articulate how your activities lead to outcomes and will be helpful when applying for grants.

Tips for Putting Together a Board of Directors

When picking people to be on the board of directors, it's a good idea to have a variety of people, like a lawyer, a parent of a child in the community, a banker, and even blue-collar workers. In addition, it can be helpful to have a certified public accountant on the board. Having a diverse range of people will help serve as a strong backbone for the organization.

Importance of Defining the Mission of Your Nonprofit Youth Organization

It is also pertinent that you clearly define the need of your organization when you form it. If you find there is another organization that is already meeting this need, you will want to come up with a different mission. The goal is to provide a service that is not yet available in your community.

Develop a Strategic Plan and Timeline

Once your mission is clearly defined, outline a multi-year strategic plan that details your goals, objectives, and the timeline for achieving them. This plan should include:

  • Target population (e.g., middle school youth at risk of expulsion)
  • Program objectives (e.g., improve school attendance by 20% in one year)
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success
  • Staffing and volunteer needs
  • Evaluation plan to track impact

Strategic planning helps ensure that your nonprofit stays mission-driven and accountable.

You Must File Articles of Incorporation

Before you can set up a bank account in the name of your organization, you must become a legal entity. You can do this by filing an article of incorporation. You will need to identify the state authority whom you need to file this document with, and more importantly, you must make sure your articles of incorporation are consistent with any state regulations, guidelines, and laws.

For example, some states will require a nonprofit organization to have more than one founder, while others only mandate a single founder. Some states also differ in the number of people that must be on the board of directors.

On the articles of incorporation, you will likely need to provide the following pieces of information:

  • Name of the organization
  • Its principal office location
  • Its purpose
  • Its activities, especially those that are inconsistent with its status as a tax-exempt entity

Do You Need Certain Licenses?

In some states, it is required to acquire certain licenses if you are going to provide services to youth. You will need to research the laws of your state to determine which licenses, if any, that you must obtain to operate your organization.

Funding and Grant Opportunities

Funding is critical to sustaining your nonprofit. As a non profit organization for at risk youth, you may be eligible for a range of local, state, and federal grants. Organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) offer relevant grant opportunities.

Other potential funding sources include:

  • Foundation grants: Many private foundations focus on youth development.
  • Corporate sponsorships: Businesses often support youth-focused initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility.
  • Individual donors: Community support through donations can be nurtured with compelling storytelling and transparency.
  • Fundraising events: Hosting community events can raise funds and increase awareness.

Be sure to prepare a compelling case for support and align your funding proposals with your mission and measurable impact goals.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Support

Partnering with schools, religious institutions, community centers, and local businesses can amplify the reach and impact of your youth nonprofit. Many established non profit organizations for at risk youth collaborate with other groups to offer wraparound services, such as transportation, meals, and housing referrals.

Consider becoming a member of national networks such as the National Network for Youth or Youth Collaboratory, which provide resources, training, and advocacy for organizations like yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to start a nonprofit for at-risk youth?
    Typically, it takes 3–6 months to complete all the legal and administrative steps, including forming a board, filing for incorporation, and obtaining 501(c)(3) status.
  • Can I start a non profit organization for at risk youth by myself?
    You can start the process yourself, but you’ll need at least a small board of directors to incorporate in most states, and legal or professional guidance is highly recommended.
  • What kind of programs do nonprofits for at-risk youth usually offer?
    Programs often include mentorship, tutoring, workforce development, counseling, recreational activities, and substance abuse prevention.
  • Do I need special training to start a youth nonprofit?
    While no specific certification is required, training in nonprofit management, youth development, or social work can be extremely beneficial.
  • Where can I get funding for my nonprofit?
    Funding sources include government grants, private foundations, corporate sponsors, individual donations, and community fundraising efforts. Tax-exempt status is typically required for most grants.

Let me know if you’d like a checklist or editable template to accompany this content.

If you need help with knowing how to start a nonprofit organization for you, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.