Nonprofit Startup Checklist

Ready to successfully launch your nonprofit organization? Our nonprofit startup checklist will help you follow a time-tested structure. We’ve outlined the different steps from the process of incorporation, achieving tax exemption, to getting registered to fundraise. The nonprofit startup checklist provides you with the resources you need to get through the startup process.

Get expert help and set your nonprofit up for success today. Start 501(c) nonprofit today.

Before you Incorporate

• Choose a nonprofit legal structure
• Identify desired nonprofit federal tax exemption
• Recruit initial board of directors ... and make sure you abide by governance requirements in your state
• Appoint a registered agent

Incorporate

• Understand the total paperwork, expense, and time to form a nonprofit in your state
• Prepare and file articles of incorporation
• Prepare and ratify bylaws

Begin internal records and Hold Organizational Meetings

• Start tracking records, such as in our Records Manager software
• Draft bylaws
• Draft your conflict of interest policy
• Hold an Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors

Taxes

• Obtain EIN
• Obtain state tax IDs
• Apply for 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status
• Apply for state tax exempt status

Fundraising

• Register for charitable solicitation
• If you will fundraise online, read this
• Obtain IRS determination letter for accepting tax-deductible donations
• Include disclosures on your solicitation materials

Still have questions? Leave registering your nonprofit to the experts. Our compliance specialists make setting up your nonprofit easy. Contact us today to learn more.