Non-Profit Organization Set Up

We want to help you get started on your mission as quickly as possible, yet with all the details covered to open a nonprofit. A typical nonprofit startup will involve 5 core documents/steps:

• 1. Articles of Incorporation/Organization/Association

  • What entity structure will you use?
  • Does your foundation document have proper nonprofit “purpose” language?
  • Does the founding document have the IRS-required clauses?
    • Activities limited to one or more exempt purposes
    • Not empowered to engage in activities that are not charitable
    • Proper dissolution language

• 2. Bylaws

  • Are the rules simple, and yet effective?
  • Will you and the rest of your organization (including the board) follow them?
  • Common considerations:
    • How many individuals will you have on your board?
    • Will there be an employee CEO or a volunteer staff?
    • Will you implement term limits?
    • Are there going to be nonprofit board committees?

• 3. Obtain a federal Employer ID Number (EIN)

• 4. Federal 501(c) Tax Exemption

  • Do you have a nonprofit business/programming plan?
  • Do you have a 4-year budget?
  • Are you an “EZ” charity (annual budget less than $50,000, among other requirements)?
  • Will you be sending funds internationally?
  • How do you intend to fundraise?
  • Will any of your directors be related?

• 5. Other (Often Required) Nonprofit Corporate Documents

  • Conflict of Interest policy
  • Whistleblower policy
  • Internal Control policy
  • Funds Management policy
  • Restricted Funds policy

Please Note: FILING FEES NOT INCLUDED

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Review, Download, Print & Sign 

NPO Set Up Agreement