Incorporation

The first step to any organization, whether it’s for-profit or nonprofit, is incorporation. Each state and territory in the United States has a different process…

Create Initial Documents

Once a nonprofit organization identifies a clear purpose, decides on a legal name, and establishes a Board of Directors, it is ready to start officially…

A Note On Scams

New organizations are public entities. All details provided in the Articles of Incorporation (including names, addresses, and phone numbers) are public information. Some states require…

Conflict of Interest Policy

A Conflict of Interest Policy, or COI, contains the necessary language ensuring no member of the Board of Directors will profit from the organization. Basically,…

Nonprofit Startup Checklist

Organization Name: ______________________________ Organization Address: ______________________________ Fiscal Year: ______________________________ Initial Board of Directors:President: ______________________________ Secretary: ______________________________ Treasurer: ______________________________ Additional Board Members: ______________________________ Incorporation:Date of Incorporation:…

Are you Ready?

Are you ready? Now that you’ve read through this entire startup guide, you should have a basic understanding of everything necessary to launch your nonprofit…

Annual State Compliance

While there are exceptions, generally, every nonprofit must file an Annual Report, Charity Registration Renewal, and State/Sales Tax Exemption Renewal every year.  Annual Report An…

Federal

The IRS requires a federal tax return for every fiscal year (or tax year) an organization exists. Typically, tax years follow calendar years, though an…