How does a nonprofit organization become a member of the Youth, I.N.C. network?

To be considered for participation in Youth, I.N.C. programs, a nonprofit must work with youth in New York City and meet our list of eligibility requirements. Youth, I.N.C. performs extensive due diligence to ensure that participating nonprofits are effectively serving their youth population. Each group must submit an application including detailed program and financial information. In addition, Youth, I.N.C. staff must meet with key nonprofit staff and board members and conduct a site visit in order to ensure each nonprofit is a right fit for Youth, I.N.C.

What is covered in the training workshops?

Youth, I.N.C. provides top-notch training in fundraising and board development. Monthly workshop topics include expanding donor networks, leveraging corporate support, recruiting leadership, long-term donor cultivation, effective fundraising skills, and best practices in board governance.

Is there a cost to nonprofits for participation in Celebration?

There is no fee for participation in the Celebration program. However, Youth, I.N.C. does retain 10-20% of nonprofit revenue raised through Celebration to help defray event costs. Our Celebration partners retain an average of 89% of what they raise. In comparison, nonprofits that host their own events (without Youth, I.N.C.) typically net approximately 65% of revenue raised.

Why does the percentage of revenue retained vary from 10-20%? Does Youth, I.N.C. make money off of participating nonprofit fundraising?

The percentage of donation retained varies with the level of the donation. Youth, I.N.C. retains 10% of all sponsorship level purchases $1,000 or higher and 20% of all individual ticket purchases and donations up to $999. This reinforces the Youth, I.N.C. fundraising model which stresses selling sponsorship packages because it is more efficient and cost-effective for the organizations. The 10-20% revenue retained offsets a small portion of event costs. The Youth, I.N.C. Board of Directors raises its own funds to cover most of the cost of the Celebration program and event.

Does Youth, I.N.C. grant money to nonprofit organizations?

Yes...and no. Every New York nonprofit who has participated in Celebration for at least one year is eligible for a Youth, I.N.C. challenge grant. Challenge grants are awarded based on expectations and deadlines set by Youth, I.N.C., and on reaching one's fundraising goal. If a nonprofit meets both criteria, they are awarded a challenge grant.

How much money does a group raise in the first year?

There is no definitive answer to this question. First year efforts have yielded a range from $25,000 to over $150,000 for some groups. Youth, I.N.C. works with each nonprofit to determine appropriate goals based on the organization's capabilities, need, ability to devote time to the program, and access to leadership. Click here to see nonprofit results for the past year.

How long can a nonprofit participate?

A group can participate as long as they would like to do so, and as long as Youth, I.N.C. and said nonprofit see it as a viable partnership. Some organizations participate for one to two years. Others have participated for six years or longer.

How much staff time is required and at what level?

It is important that one person serves as the primary contact for Youth, I.N.C. - usually the Executive Director or Development Director. It is always necessary for the Executive Director to be involved at some level and to spend time educating and engaging the Board of Directors. Time requirements vary each month, with more time necessary as the event gets closer, but typically average around five hours per week. Click here to view staff requirements.

Why would a nonprofit not want to participate in Youth, I.N.C.'s programs?

Youth, I.N.C. takes on complete responsibility for planning and producing a large-scale event. However, although we ask for input during the planning process, ultimately Youth, I.N.C. makes the final decisions on venue, entertainment, decor, etc. Celebration also serves as a fundraiser for many organizations, so the messaging is not focused around one individual nonprofit. Therefore, some nonprofits elect to have their own event, so they are assured to make all the decisions and be front and center in every way. Other organizations do not participate because they do not have the staff time to devote to the Celebration program. If an organization has fewer than three staff and an underdeveloped board of directors, it may be a strain on the organization's resources to participate. Lastly, a nonprofit should not participate if they have another event within four months of the Celebration event.

What is the Board Management & Development Program, and how can my nonprofit participate?

The Board Management & Development Program is a twelve-month program that provides a nonprofit with a needs assessment, organizational strategic plan, and assistance in new board member recruitment. Board Management & Development participants also participate in workshops on board governance. Any nonprofit who has participated in Celebration for at least one year is eligible to apply for this program.

Why is Youth, I.N.C.'s national office in Washington, D.C., instead of New York?

Youth, I.N.C. was founded in 1995 by Steve Orr, a former Goldman Sachs banker who left Wall Street to start Orr Associates, Inc.* (OAI), a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm for nonprofits. At its inception, the Youth, I.N.C. Board of Directors decided that the most efficient model for running Youth, I.N.C. was to call on OAI's expertise in assisting nonprofits. Youth, I.N.C. currently employs six full time staff, and Steve serves as Executive Director. OAI provides all other staff at-cost (no profit to OAI) on as as-needed basis. In the beginning of 2005, Youth, I.N.C. opened a local office in New York.

*To learn more about OAI, please visit www.oai-usa.com.