Published July 23, 2025

Starting a new association or nonprofit is exhilarating—but let’s be real, it can also feel like jumping off a cliff without a parachute. You’ve got a mission that matters, a vision that’s burning bright, and maybe even a few passionate people ready to join you. But where do you begin? How do you turn raw passion into a sustainable, thriving organization?

That’s where Mattison comes in.

We Know What It Takes to Build Something That Lasts

At Mattison, we’ve worked with changemakers, founders, and community leaders to launch over 100 associations and coalitions from scratch—some of which are now national in scope. Whether your focus is hyper-local or far-reaching, we bring the know-how, structure, and strategic horsepower to help your vision take root—and grow.

And here’s the good news: you’re not alone in this movement. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, over 75,000 new nonprofits are formed in the U.S. every year [1]. That means there’s a wave of people like you—people who believe in better, who see a gap and are stepping in to fill it.

But here’s the catch: only about 50% of new nonprofits survive beyond five years [2].

The difference? Organizations that prioritize clear strategy, strong operations, and experienced guidance from the beginning have significantly higher success rates.

That’s exactly what we’re here for.

What We Help With (Hint: It’s More Than Just Admin)

Founders come to us brimming with big ideas—but understandably overwhelmed by the logistics. That’s totally normal—and totally fixable. We help bridge the gap between vision and execution by providing real-world, tested solutions.

Here’s what we typically help with in those early stages:

  • Incorporation and nonprofit setup: From 501(c)(3) filings to board governance structures, we handle the red tape so you can focus on the big picture.
  • Mission clarity & strategic planning: Research from Stanford Social Innovation Review shows that the most successful nonprofits start with a laser-focused mission and a clearly defined theory of change [3]. We help you articulate that from day one.
  • Membership development: Whether you’re building a member-based association or a coalition of partners, we design recruitment and engagement strategies that deliver real value—and real growth.
  • Branding & communications: Studies show that nonprofits with strong visual brands and messaging are 3x more likely to achieve donor and community engagement goals [4] [5]. We’ll help you stand out with a website, logo, and brand voice that commands attention.
  • Operations & infrastructure: Tech systems, finance protocols, and administrative processes don’t have to be scary. We put smart, scalable systems in place so you’re ready to grow—without the chaos.
Why It Works

When you partner with Mattison, you’re not reinventing the wheel. You’re leveraging years of expertise across dozens of sectors. We know the common pitfalls [6], the game-changing tactics, and the behind-the-scenes details that can make or break a new organization.

And because we work with organizations of all sizes and types, we tailor our support to fit your goals, your timeline, and your mission.

You Don't Have to Do It Alone

Building something meaningful doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. With Mattison by your side, you get a full team of professionals who care just as much about your impact as you do.

Let’s make your vision real—and let’s do it the right way.

View Our Resources
Sources
  1. USAFacts. (2023). How many nonprofits are there in the U.S.? Retrieved from https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-nonprofits-are-there-in-the-us
  2. Philanthropy Roundtable. (2023). Growth of the Nonprofit Sector: More Charities, Better Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/resource/growth-of-the-nonprofit-sector-more-charities-better-solutions 
  3. Stanford Social Innovation Review. (2009). The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle. Retrieved from https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_nonprofit_starvation_cycle
  4. Da Conceição Silva, F. et al. (2014). The Role of Brand in the Nonprofit Sector. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267826287_The_Role_of_Brand_in_the_Nonprofit_Sector
  5. NP Tech for Good. (2023). Weaving Empathy into Action: The Crucial Role of Storytelling for Nonprofits. Retrieved from https://www.nptechforgood.com/2023/07/30/weaving-empathy-into-action-the-crucial-role-of-storytelling-for-nonprofits
  6. Stanford Social Innovation Review. (2007). How Nonprofits Get Really Big. Retrieved from https://ssir.org/articles/entry/how_nonprofits_get_really_big