Bronx Nonprofit Lawyer

Nonprofit Attorney Serving Bronx, NY

The Bronx nonprofit sector plays a critical role in addressing the community's needs in education, youth development, affordable housing, healthcare access, and food security. Organizations in Mott Haven, Hunts Point, the South Bronx, and Fordham serve some of the most underserved populations in New York City. Many of these nonprofits are founded by community members who see a need and want to build an organization to address it. Our firm provides the legal foundation these organizations need to succeed.

We assist Bronx nonprofit founders and boards with incorporation as a not-for-profit corporation, drafting bylaws and governance policies, applying to the IRS for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, registering with the Attorney General Charities Bureau, and advising on ongoing compliance with state and federal reporting requirements. We also help existing Bronx nonprofits with governance reviews, bylaw amendments, and organizational restructuring.

Our Financial District office is accessible from the Bronx via the 2, 4, 5, 6, B, or D trains. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your nonprofit legal needs.

Nonprofit Legal Services for Bronx Organizations

Not-for-Profit Corporation Formation

Bronx nonprofits addressing youth development, healthcare access, and community advocacy all begin with the same legal step. The first step is incorporating as a not-for-profit corporation under New York law. This involves preparing and filing a Certificate of Incorporation with the New York Department of State that includes the organization's purpose, which must qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The certificate must also include specific dissolution language required by both New York law and the IRS. Our attorneys prepare incorporation documents that satisfy both state and federal requirements and position your organization for a smooth tax-exempt application.

IRS 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Application

Bronx organizations that rely on government contracts and foundation grants need IRS recognition of tax-exempt status to access these funding sources. After incorporation, your organization must apply to the IRS for formal recognition. Most organizations use Form 1023, which requires a detailed description of your activities, financial projections, governance structure, and supporting documents. Smaller organizations may qualify for the streamlined Form 1023-EZ. The IRS review can take several months, and applications that are incomplete or poorly prepared face additional delays. Our firm prepares thorough applications that address the IRS's requirements and minimize the likelihood of follow-up requests for information.

Bylaws, Governance Policies, and Board Structure

Bronx nonprofits with government contracts frequently face audit requirements that make strong governance documents essential. Every nonprofit needs bylaws that define its governance structure: board composition, officer roles, meeting requirements, voting procedures, committee structure, and amendment processes. New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law imposes specific requirements on nonprofit boards, including rules about board size, quorum, and director independence. We also draft conflict of interest policies, whistleblower policies, and document retention policies that the IRS expects to see as part of good nonprofit governance.

New York Attorney General Registration

Any nonprofit that solicits charitable contributions in New York must register with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau before beginning fundraising activities. This includes online fundraising, direct mail campaigns, and special events. Registered organizations must file annual financial reports (CHAR500) and may need to include audited or reviewed financial statements depending on their revenue. Our firm handles the initial registration and advises on annual filing obligations for Bronx nonprofits.

Ongoing Compliance and Reporting

Nonprofits face ongoing compliance requirements at both the state and federal levels. These include annual IRS Form 990 filings, CHAR500 reports to the Attorney General, corporate biennial statements to the Department of State, and adherence to the governance requirements of the New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. Failure to meet these obligations can jeopardize your tax-exempt status or result in enforcement actions from the Attorney General. Our firm advises Bronx nonprofits on maintaining compliance year after year.

Nonprofit Governance Reviews and Amendments

Existing Bronx nonprofits may need to update their bylaws, restructure their board, address governance disputes, or respond to an Attorney General inquiry. We conduct governance reviews, draft bylaw amendments, advise boards on fiduciary duties and conflict of interest matters, and represent organizations in regulatory proceedings. Whether your nonprofit is well-established or newly formed, we provide the legal support your board needs to operate effectively.

What Bronx Nonprofit Founders Should Know

The Bronx has one of the highest concentrations of community-based nonprofits per capita in New York City, reflecting the significant need for social services, youth programming, affordable housing advocacy, and healthcare access in the borough. Many Bronx nonprofits rely heavily on government funding through city and state contracts, which imposes specific compliance requirements including detailed financial reporting, audit obligations, and program performance metrics. Founders planning to seek government funding should build compliance capacity into their organizational structure from the start.

New York's nonprofit incorporation process requires pre-filing approval from a state oversight authority, which varies by the nonprofit's purpose. Educational nonprofits need approval from the State Education Department, health-related organizations from the Department of Health, and general charitable organizations from the Attorney General. This pre-approval step can add weeks or months to the formation timeline. Bronx founders should plan for this additional processing time when setting their organizational launch date.

Bronx nonprofit founders should also be aware that the IRS examines whether a proposed nonprofit duplicates the work of existing organizations in the same geographic area. Because the Bronx already has many established nonprofits, your IRS application should clearly explain how your organization's programs differ from or complement existing services. Our firm helps Bronx founders articulate their unique mission in the tax-exempt application.

Why Bronx Clients Choose Agarunov Law Firm

Agarunov Law Firm represents nonprofit founders, boards, and organizations from our Lower Manhattan office. We provide practical legal guidance on formation, governance, and compliance.

• Not-for-profit corporation formation and IRS 501(c)(3) applications
• Bylaws, governance policies, conflict of interest policies, and board structuring
• Attorney General Charities Bureau registration and annual reporting
• Accessible from Bronx via 2, 4, 5, 6, B, or D trains
• Licensed in both New York and New Jersey for organizations operating across state lines

How Our Nonprofit Formation Process Works

• Step 1: Consultation. We discuss your organization's mission, planned activities, governance structure, and fundraising plans. This consultation is free.
• Step 2: Incorporation. We prepare and file your Certificate of Incorporation as a New York not-for-profit corporation, including the required purpose and dissolution language.
• Step 3: Governance Documents. We draft your bylaws, conflict of interest policy, and other governance documents that comply with New York law and IRS expectations.
• Step 4: Tax-Exempt Application. We prepare and file your IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for recognition of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
• Step 5: Registration and Compliance. We register your organization with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau and advise on ongoing compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.