Vera’s Spin-Off Tool Kit details the tasks that must be completed in order to turn an existing project into a legally independent organization. It builds on decades of experience spinning off direct service innovations—demonstration projects—into independent entities. The Spin-Off Tool Kit is a resource for demonstration project directors working toward spin-off, as well as outside organizations considering similar strategies.

Vera’s Spin-Off Method

Vera’s mandate is to innovate. Our demonstration projects, which represent one of our innovation methods, develop new ways to offer services such as legal representation for arrested individuals, job coaching for those returning to the community from jail, and drug treatment for youth at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. We operate these projects only long enough to test and refine their designs. If successful, the projects become independent organizations, freeing Vera to focus on the next innovation.

The Spin-Off Tool Kit covers a range of complex matters, such as selecting a board of trustees and a physical workplace, developing systems for recruiting and retaining a talented staff, creating fundraising capacity, and shaping the spin-off’s public image.

Vera’s Spin-Off History

Vera has used the spin-off method to create new nonprofit organizations. In total, Vera has spun off 17 new nonprofit corporations.

• The Manhattan Bowery Corporation, incorporated in 1967, now known as Project Renewal, Inc. 
• Victim Services Agency, Inc., incorporated in 1978, now known as Safe Horizon.
• Esperanza, incorporated in 2006 and will soon become fully independent.

Some of Vera’s demonstration projects have spun off to become part of government or existing nonprofit organizations. 

• Job Site became a project of the Lighthouse in 1988.
• The Nassau Bail Bond Agency became part of the Education and Assistance Corporation in 1992.
• The Citizens Jury Project became part of the Fund for Modern Courts in 2000. 
• Project Confirm spun off into the operations of the New York City Administration for Children's Services in 2001.