Find helpful resources for starting a nonprofit, such as checklists, nonprofit associations, legal support, and government agencies.
A charitable nonprofit is an incorporated entity; it must follow the state law requirements for whichever state it is registered. Each state’s law is slightly different; below are the minimal steps to finding out how to navigate your state's process.
Steps to creating a nonprofit
NOTE: The IRS confers tax-exempt status on your nonprofit; however, states are charged with the regulation and oversight of charitable organizations and charitable solicitation in the United States. You must incorporate in your state and then, in most cases, register to be able to solicit donations. See “Nonprofit registration by state” (link TBD) for state-by-state links to secretaries of state (to incorporate) and charitable registration agencies.
Staff recommended help articles
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.
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.
NOTE: There are a 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.
Offers tailored legal assistance to nonprofits in areas like tax-exempt status, contracts, governance, employment, intellectual property, and real estate.
Links to information on legal topics relevant to nonprofit organizations.
Lawyers Alliance for New York (Nationwide Network)
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.
We connect you with highly skilled volunteers ready to lend their expertise and provide capacity support in areas such as marketing, IT, finance, and fundraising.
Taproot Foundation's Taproot Plus
A free-to-use and accessible to all US-based nonprofits and fiscally sponsored social good organizations platform matches nonprofits with pro bono marketing, IT, HR, operations, strategy, and finance resources
Focuses on improving nonprofit governance by offering consulting, resources, and training to strengthen boards and leadership
Points of Light Engage (formerly the Hands On Network) is a database of volunteer opportunities, featuring a directory of affiliates by state and country. Nonprofits can post and manage event sign-ups, as well as 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 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.
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.
Most United Way organizations not only help raise funds for nonprofits, but also will post volunteer opportunities and sometimes provide training and capacity building.
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. Email us.