Below are essential ingredients in starting a successful nonprofit:
- a vital mission
- high-quality, responsive, and unduplicated programs and services
- reliable and diverse revenue streams
- clear lines of accountability
- adequate facilities
To learn more now about starting a nonprofit, please see our free recorded webinars or tutorials:
The following generally describes the major steps in starting a nonprofit.
- File articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State or other appropriate state agency. Find your state government’s website >>
- Apply for exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please note that it can take 3-12 months for the IRS to return its decision. Get the IRS’s application instructions >>
- Register with the state(s) where you plan to do fundraising activities. Find your state’s charity registration office >>
Please note that laws and procedures can vary in each state. For more local assistance, consult:
- State nonprofit associations often provide checklists and local guidance for would-be nonprofits. These membership groups might also provide classes, technical assistance, or referrals to consultants. Find your state’s nonprofit association >>
- Local attorneys or accountants familiar with nonprofit law can review your organizing documents or complete the entire process for you, sometimes for free or at reduced cost. Some states have nonprofits that match volunteer attorneys with eligible organizations. Find pro bono legal or accounting services >>
- Lawyer and information referral services can refer you to specific attorneys, depending on your legal needs. Typically, the referral is free, and the first consultation is a fixed fee. Find your nearest lawyer and information referral service >>
Alternatives to starting your own nonprofit:
- Volunteer or work for an existing nonprofit that shares your mission.
- Find a nonprofit with a similar mission that will act as your fiscal sponsor. This arrangement may help you become eligible for more funding opportunities without obtaining your own exempt status. Learn more about fiscal sponsorship now >>
Selected resources below may also be helpful.
Web Sites
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Books & Articles
Check title availability at our libraries and Cooperating Collections or your local libraries.
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