NOTE: The IRS confers tax-exempt status on your nonprofit, but to start receiving donations or grants, you have to register with your state (attorneys general, secretaries of state, and other offices). States are charged with the regulation and oversight of charitable organizations and charitable solicitation in the United States. See State Resources (link TBD).
A step-by-step review of what an organization needs to know and to do to apply for recognition by the IRS of tax-exempt status by filing Form 1023.
Staff recommended resources:
IRS: Frequently asked questions about applying for tax exemption
Frequently asked questions about applying for exemption, such as “Is there a fee for applying for exemption?” and “How long does it take to process an application for exemption?
IRS tools are designed to help you apply for exemption, including online courses, videos and more that review the process.
Harbor Compliance: Nonprofit Startup Guide
This online guide provides advice on how to set up a nonprofit organization in all US states. Details on how to register for charitable solicitation and how to renew registration in each state. Find out how to prepare formation documents, become tax exempt, register for fundraising, and more.
Help Articles:
- How do I start a nonprofit organization?
- What are the advantages/disadvantages of becoming a nonprofit organization?
Videos:
- Is starting a nonprofit right for you? (Video)
NOTE: There are few national resources for legal help for startups, because states are charged with the regulation and oversight of charitable organizations. Therefore, you should consult a local attorney who is familiar with your state’s laws. Contact the regional chapter of the American Bar Association to find lawyers who might offer pro bono assistance. Also see State Resources (link TBD).
Staff recommended resources:
Lawyers Alliance for New York (and more)
Lawyers Alliance participates in an extended network of providers of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations in New York, but also in 15 other states, including: CA, CT, DC, FL GA IL, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, VA, and WA.
Green Pro Bono's mission is to help non-profits and social entrepreneurs define their legal needs and to provide legal assistance for environmental "change makers" who otherwise cannot afford the legal help they need.
Nonprofit organizations can benefit from various technical and management resources, best practices, and nonprofit resource centers that offer assistance.
Staff recommended resources:
BoardSource is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides nonprofit board resources to increase board effectiveness and strengthen organizational impact, and serve as the national voice for board leadership.
Taproot connects nonprofits with skilled volunteers with expertise in HR, marketing, tech, and more, so that social causes are enabled focus on mission-driven work.
Points of Light Engage is a database of volunteer opportunities around the world. Nonprofits can post and manage event sign-ups and find individuals searching for volunteer projects.
The Nonprofit CPAs Association is a professional association of accounting professionals that provides services to nonprofit clients. Note, not all offer pro bono work.
TechSoup is a membership organization that offers nonprofits, NGOs, and social benefit organizations around the world with donated or discounted software, hardware, and services, as well as training and IT help.
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits: Communications and Technology Resources
The Council offers a curated list of resources for all nonprofits on communications and marketing, including digital marketing, media relations, and social media for nonprofits on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
48in48 provides nonprofit organizations with free website development and design services. After 6-10 weeks of marketing, branding, and impact training with skilled marketing and technology pros, all participants will participate in 48-hour hackathon-style events that result in a finished website.
Nonprofit Finance Fund, a federally certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution), helps nonprofits and social enterprises build and renovate facilities; expand operations; fund growth needs; and sustain operations over time. NFF also offers nonprofits an integrated package of financial and advisory services, and intensive workshops.
Good 360: Goods for the Greater Good
Good360 facilitates the flow of corporate product donations to charitable programs, while helping businesses responsibly redistribute excess inventory.
NOTE: Most states have a nonprofit association that serves organizations in that state. Also see State Resources (link TBD).
Staff recommended resources:
National Council of Nonprofits
NCN is the nation’s largest sector-wide network of nonprofits. It provides nonprofits with the tools, research, and resources needed to operate more effectively, efficiently, and ethically.
Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society.
Association of Fundraising Professionals
AFP is a membership organization that provides education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy for nonprofit organizations and professionals. It has local chapters that provide in-person opportunities for networking and it also provides a searchable online directory of nonprofit management and fundraising consultants.
Grant Professionals Association
GPA is a membership organization and the leading professional association for nonprofit individuals involved in grant development. It offers a consultant directory of members who provide proposal writing services, as well as free articles on grant making and related issues in its online Resource Center.
Does your organization provide services nationally or new or startup nonprofit organizations?
Contact us to be considered for inclusion in this listing. Please note that listings are limited to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or organizations that provide substantial resources free of charge.