Support Needed to Empower Entrepreneurs in Starting Non-Profit Organizations

Project Title:
Empowering Grassroots Entrepreneurs: Nonprofit Startup Initiative

Submitted by:
Mommy & Daddy’s Little Angels Youth and Family Services Inc.555 McClean Avenue, 4BStaten Island, NY 10305(212) 380-6989 | www.mdlayafsinc.comEIN: 80-0340449

Donation Goal: $65,000

Project Overview:

MDLAYAFS Inc. is proud to launch the Empowering Grassroots Entrepreneurs: Nonprofit Startup Initiative, a 12-month program designed to help 100 underserved adults (ages 18 and up) across New York City's five boroughs establish, register, and operate their own nonprofit organizations. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, resources, and hands-on instruction to aspiring changemakers ready to serve their communities through legally compliant, mission-driven nonprofits.

Through this initiative, participants will receive step-by-step guidance and full financial sponsorship for their federal, state, and local registration processes, in addition to six months of post-registration support focused on capacity-building, fundraising, and donor development.

Program Objectives:

Register 100 fully licensed nonprofit organizations within 12 months

Educate and empower 100 grassroots leaders in federal and state nonprofit compliance

Promote economic development and civic engagement through community-based nonprofits

Open 100 new nonprofit bank accounts across NYC's under-resourced neighborhoods

Foster new community partnerships and peer-support networks

Program Activities:

Each entrepreneur will participate in structured educational sessions and receive technical assistance in the following areas:

Obtaining a Nonprofit Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Filing the 1023-EZ IRS application via Pay.gov

Submitting NYS Certificate of Incorporation with legal name alignment

Completing NYS tax exemption and NYC charitable registration

Learning how to file the annual IRS Form 990-EZ

Drafting compliant bylaws, conflict of interest policies, and organizing documents

Post-Registration Support Includes:

Six months of donor development training

Assistance opening nonprofit bank accounts

Training on nonprofit operations, board development, and grant readiness

One-on-one coaching from nonprofit experts

Target Population:

This program is designed for aspiring nonprofit founders who:

Are low-income or unemployed

Represent marginalized or underrepresented communities

Have lived experience and a passion for community impact

Lack financial means to cover startup and registration costs

Funding Breakdown:

Total Goal: $65,000

$40,000: Full registration support for 100 entrepreneurs

Federal IRS 1023-EZ filing ($275/each)

NYS Incorporation ($75/each)

NYC Charities registration ($25/each)

Organizing documents & bylaws development ($25/each)

$25,000: Instructor fees and 12-month program facilitation

Nonprofit law education

Fiscal training

Post-launch donation and compliance coaching

Expected Impact:

Launch of 100 new community-based nonprofits within 12 months

Creation of at least 100 new nonprofit jobs or volunteer boards

Expansion of services in housing, youth programming, food justice, arts, and education

Empowerment of local leaders equipped with the tools to create lasting social change

Sustainability & Long-Term Vision:

The initiative is designed to build a pipeline of skilled grassroots leaders with the capacity to launch self-sustaining nonprofit organizations. Post-program, participants will have access to our ongoing nonprofit coaching, grant support, and alumni network.

With your support, this program will create long-term community infrastructure and expand access to nonprofit opportunities for generations to come.

Conclusion:

The Empowering Grassroots Entrepreneurs Initiative is not just a professional development program—it is a transformative investment in local leadership, equity, and economic mobility. By removing financial and educational barriers to nonprofit registration, this program gives voice, structure, and legitimacy to those ready to serve their communities.

We invite you to join us in building a stronger, more just, and more connected New York City. Together, we can plant 100 seeds of change through the power of nonprofit leadership.

Thank you for your consideration.