Showing 31 results for Starting a nonprofit

Clear All

Knowledge base

How do I start a nonprofit organization?

Starting a nonprofit organization can be an inspiring way to give back to your community and help those in need. However, it is important to understand all of the steps involved in this process before moving forward. 

Knowledge base

What is fiscal sponsorship? How do I find a fiscal sponsor?

Instead of starting your own nonprofit, you can work with an existing 501(c)(3) public charity under a formal arrangement known as fiscal sponsorship. You can ask for grants and tax-deductible donations under your sponsor's exempt status. Fiscal sponsorship can also open a world of grant opportunities to individuals, such as artists.

Knowledge base

Can my organization have a subsidiary?

Yes, a nonprofit organization may create a subsidiary with either a for-profit or a nonprofit structure. In some situations creating a subsidiary may make sense. If you think this is something your organization should do, please talk to an attorney familiar with both corporate and nonprofit law to fully understand the tax and legal implications.

Knowledge base

How do I learn about dissolving my nonprofit?

There are a few steps you will need to take when dissolving or terminating your 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, starting with a vote from your board of directors to dissolve the organization. Board members may not be aware of how to dissolve and organization, so the planning may take time. Throughout this process, it is beneficial to have the minimum number of board members required by your bylaws remain on your board to aid the dissolution process.

Knowledge base

How do I learn about dissolving a private foundation?

Most foundations are set up to have a perpetual life-span, spending out only the interests from their investments while keeping the initial endowment intact. Other foundations choose to have a limited life-span. Regardless of the reason for the termination, foundations dissolve by "spending down" their assets in compliance with both state and federal law.

Knowledge base

Where should we incorporate our nonprofit?

Pick a state your nonprofit is connected to, either by its work, where it's board members live or where it raises money. If you don't have any particular connection, you might bypass states like California and New York that heavily regulate nonprofits.

Knowledge base

Where can I learn about nonprofit mission statements?

The mission statement communicates the nonprofit's purpose, what groups it serves, and how it plans to do so. For a new nonprofit, developing the mission statement is a critical first step in defining what the organization plans to do and what makes it different from other organizations in the same field.

Knowledge base

What is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is a unique, nine-digit identification number that the IRS assigns to organizations in order to track their tax accounts and annual returns, much like a Social Security Number is used for individuals.