Grants & Nonprofits—
Starting A Nonprofit Organization

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Starting a Nonprofit Organization

Selected by Sherri Vaughn, Grants Collection Coordinator


Establishing a Nonprofit Organization Online Tutorial

A free tutorial describing the tasks you will need to accomplish as part of the process of establishing a nonprofit organization:
  1. File the certificate of incorporation
  2. Select individuals to serve on the board of directors
  3. Develop vision and mission statements
  4. Establish bylaws and board policies
  5. Obtain a Federal employer identification number (EIN)
  6. Open a bank account and establish check signing procedures
  7. File for federal tax exemption
  8. Follow state and local nonprofit regulations
  9. Find office space and obtain office equipment
  10. Recruit staff and prepare a personnel manual
  11. Establish a payroll system and procure necessary insurance coverage
  12. Develop an overall fundraising plan

Examples of Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofits

Sample articles of incorporation are usually difficult to find, via print or the Internet, because they are typically very specific to the individual organization and its mission.

Free Management Library: Tax Information for Nonprofits

Free tax information for nonprofits (including getting tax-exempt status), compiled by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD.

Getting Attention: Helping Nonprofits Succeed Through Effective Marketing

The Getting Attention blog is a source of ideas, tactics, and tips for nonprofit communicators focused on helping their organizations succeed through effective marketing.

Helping Filling Out Your 501(c)(3) Application

This Web site, posted as a public service by Sandy Deja, author of Prepare Your Own 501(c) (3) Application, is designed to help new non-profit organizations complete the Application for Exempt Status Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

How Do I Establish a Nonprofit Organization?

A recommended list of print and electronic resources on starting a nonprofit organization.

Internal Revenue Service Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization

A complete guide to all the IRS Forms and Procedures for getting tax exempt status.

Nonprofit Start-up Guide

Nonprofit Startup Guide with forms to help establish a nonprofit organization, provided by The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University.

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