Develop a vision and mission statement that communicates what you want to accomplish as a non-profit.
Select your board of trustees. Invite those who share your mission and vision regarding the not-for-profit. Don't select anyone with a vested interest, such as the head of a company that might become a supplier; select people who will contribute in a supportive way with time and intellect. Develop bylaws and board policies once you have your board of trustees in place.
Register on CharitiesNYS.com or charitiesnys.com. The Charities New York State site is managed by the Attorney General's office and is a resource to nonprofits. It is also a supervisory arm to help protect donations and ensure that charitable contributions are used responsibly. The bureau also retains a list of all New York State charities. The website also contains financial reports of charities active in the state, guidance for those who manage charities and solicit charitable contributions, tips for those considering donating to charity, and links to other resources.
File for your certificate of incorporation and your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and file for tax exemption. Go to the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations at dos.state.ny.us/corps/index.html to search their database to make sure the name you want isn't taken. Click on the left "I would like to" and select "Form a non-profit." Go to "Entity Name" and "Search the Database" to search for names.
Go to "Filing Information" section from the menu bar and click on "Not-for-Profit-Corporations." This is where you'll pull up the Application for Reservation of Name once you've determined that your name hasn't been taken yet. Much of the form will populate with information entered previously. Print out the application to sign, confirm the name selected, and send it to the address on the top with the named fee.
Prepare the Certificate of Incorporation for filing. The NYS Corporate website has a sample Certificate of Incorporation, or you can prepare your own.
Sign the Certificate of Incorporation, and send it in. Enclose the $75 filing fee by cash, check, money order or credit card. Send it to The Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231. Certificates may also be delivered in person or by fax at 518-474-1418.