Page 14 - Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2018 Edition

CHAPTER 2. Are You Sure You Want to Do This?

The rest of this book explains what how to form and maintain a nonprofit
organization. The goal is to persuade you to think twice before you start down this
path. There are many reasons for creating a nonprofit, but there are also simpler
and less demanding ways to get up and running. It makes sense to consider those

possibilities first.

TIP:

For more on exploring whether a nonprofit is the best fit, check out the Starting A Nonprofit
tool kit, to determine if starting a nonprofit is right for you. Starting A Nonprofit is a
collaboration between Washington Nonprofits, Office of the Secretary of State, 501
Commons, and Wayfind.

Like many start-up businesses, most new nonprofits exist only a short period
of time. The reasons they close down vary widely, but the implication is clear: a
nonprofit might not be the right structure, organizers might not be ready to create
a nonprofit corporation, and starting a new organization is hard work that takes
time and resources. Surviving beyond the start-up phase depends on good
fortune, dedication, significant planning, community support, and the ability to
execute on the organization’s business plan.

WASHINGTON NONPROFIT HANDBOOK -3- 2018