How to Start A Nonprofit 501(c)3 Org. [10 Step Guide]

Starting a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is a powerful way to make a difference, and it only takes one passionate person to forge ahead and start a charitable organization. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, education, or environmental issues, establishing a nonprofit can help you channel that passion into meaningful action. However, the legal process of creating a tax-exempt nonprofit involves more than just a good idea. There are legal, accounting, and technical considerations as well as funding to consider.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the ten essential steps to successfully launch a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, from crafting your name and mission statement to securing your federal tax-exempt status.

What We’ll Cover

Benefits of 501(c)(3) Status
10 Steps to Start a Successful Nonprofit Organization
1. Choose a Meaningful Name and Mission Statement for the New Nonprofit 501(c)3
2. Find an Attorney or Professional to Help (If You Have a Budget)
3. File Articles of Incorporation with Your State
4. File for an EIN and Tax-exempt Status with the IRS
5. Draft Nonprofit Bylaws for the New Nonprofit
6. Establish a Nonprofit Website and Social Media Channels
7. Select Your Nonprofit Board Members
8. Hold the First Board Meeting
9. Apply for Necessary Licenses and Permits
10. Establish a Bank Account
Start Fundraising
Donors Are Key to Starting a Successful Nonprofit
Get Your Nonprofit Funded with Free Fundraising Websites by DoJiggy

Benefits of 501(c)(3) Status

Before we jump into how to establish a charitable organization, it’s helpful to consider why individuals decide to do this. The benefits of obtaining 501(c)(3) status are significant, aiding organizations in their mission for greater impact. Some of the biggest benefits of forming a nonprofit include:

Tax exemptions for your donors
Eligibility for many grants and public funding
Increased credibility and public trust among your supporters and community

Read more about the types of 501c organizations to ensure that a 501c3 is right for your mission.

10 Steps to Start a Successful Nonprofit Organization

Hard work and dedication can help you realize your dreams of helping others. But how does it all come together? Use our 10-step guide as an outline to help you successfully form and start a nonprofit 501c3 organization.

1. Choose a Meaningful Name and Mission Statement for the New Nonprofit 501(c)3

Choose a Meaningful Name for the Nonprofit

Your organization’s name will likely stay with you as long as your nonprofit stands and is integral to creating a strong nonprofit brand. The most important consideration is how to keep your nonprofit name and mission in the minds and hearts of your future supporters.

The name of your nonprofit must be unique and memorable. It cannot be the same as an existing nonprofit within your state’s business or corporation’s office. Check online with the state’s business office (the Secretary of State or state incorporation webpage) to see if your chosen name is available.

Here are some tips for choosing a name for your new nonprofit:

Brainstorm names that speak to your mission
Select a name that is easy to spell and pronounce
Choose an acronym for your organization at the same time if the name is longer

2. Find an Attorney or Professional to Help (If You Have a Budget)

If your budget allows, start by finding an attorney or professional organization experienced in starting nonprofit 501c3 organizations. They’ll guide you through each step, making getting your application accepted by the IRS less stressful.

Many online resources can also assist in your planning if you have a smaller budget. Some organizations choose to go with a fiscal sponsor, which allows a cause to attract donors even when it is not yet recognized as tax-exempt.

3. File Articles of Incorporation with Your State

File Articles of Incorporation to Start A Nonprofit 501(c)3 Org.

The next step in starting a nonprofit organization is to file papers called Articles of Incorporation with your state’s corporate office or Secretary of State. The Articles of Incorporation require basic information regarding your new nonprofit and function like a constitution governing the nonprofit corporation. The language needs to be very clear to (later) be granted tax-exempt status.

Articles of Incorporation officially document your nonprofit name, address, nonprofit function, and the names of your chosen directors.

4. File for an EIN and Tax-exempt Status with the IRS

Only after you have filed the Articles of Incorporation with your state can you submit federal paperwork to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).

First, you must apply for a federal employer identification number (EIN). This is a requirement for all businesses and tax-exempt organizations and is a unique 9-digit number that identifies your organization with the IRS.

Next, you’ll submit the 501(c)(3) tax exemption application to the IRS. For this purpose, the IRS requires organizations to complete Package 1023, the Application for Recognition of Exemption. When successful, your new organization will be exempt from paying taxes, and your donors can report donations to your organization.

Draft Nonprofit Bylaws for the New Nonprofit

Starting a nonprofit 501c3 in some states requires a separate application for a state tax exemption. Others only require that you file nonprofit articles of incorporation and have federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Check with your Secretary of State for legal requirements.

How Long Does the 501(c)(3) Application Process Take?

The IRS evaluation process can often take several months to complete, and the timing depends on how thoroughly you’ve prepared the Form 1023 application. The IRS may ask for additional documentation if needed. When the IRS has all the required information, it will issue a determination letter granting or denying your organization’s tax-exempt status.

5. Draft Nonprofit Bylaws for the New Nonprofit

Forming bylaws is another important step in starting a nonprofit 501c3. They contain rules and procedures for board meetings, decision-making, and elections of officers and directors. Also, include provisions for amendments to these bylaws when appropriate. Initially, you may draft some bylaws to be adopted at the first board meeting.

Your nonprofit website will be key to sharing your mission with the world. You communicate to your supporters, donors, and volunteers – your heroes. Your homepage constantly changes and communicates fundraising events, live streams, stories, and photos. Social media accounts also allow you to connect easily with your supporters and build your base.

7. Select Your Nonprofit Board Members

When you start a charity organization, one of the most important decisions is selecting your Board of Directors. Your nonprofit board members have an important job to do for your nonprofit:

Determining the organization’s mission and aligning goals accordingly
Strategic planning and support of your goals
Financial planning and securing adequate financial resources for the organization to fulfill its mission
Overseeing and cooperating with legal and ethical standards and norms
Working with the Executive Director on any necessary initiatives
Recruiting and training new and diverse board members

The IRS requires that nonprofit 501c3 corporations have at least three board members. Many organizations find value in adding additional members to their Board.

8. Hold the First Board Meeting

At the first meeting of the board of directors, the directors take care of formalities such as adopting the bylaws, electing officers, and recording the receipt of federal and state tax exemptions. If this all sounds a tad boring, don’t forget to celebrate your success in making it this far! After the meeting is completed, the minutes of the meeting should be created and filed in the nonprofit’s records binder.

9. Apply for Necessary Licenses and Permits

Each state has different licenses and permits for nonprofits. Choosing the right ones and ensuring they are done properly is of the essence. While the forms required are not complex, it is helpful to let a professional assist you. This is especially true once you begin fundraising, as charitable solicitation registration is the law, and the requirements vary from state to state.

10. Establish a Bank Account

Once you have the necessary paperwork in place, you’ll want to establish a bank account for your organization. You’ll need this to take online donations, keep your nonprofit financial statements accurate, and provide transparency to donors.

Start Fundraising

You’ve done it! You have officially established a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. Now, to accomplish your mission, you’ll need funds. The best place to start is with your inner circle and current stakeholders. Ask your Board and others to make a monthly contribution. Establishing a monthly giving program will create a baseline of funding to cover basic costs.

Check out our free fundraising software platform to get started on the road to successful fundraising.

Donors Are Key to Starting a Successful Nonprofit

Fundraising for your new nonprofit will likely be important from the start. Starting a successful nonprofit is accomplished with a continual influx of new donors and volunteers. Here are some proven fundraising strategies to get started.

Find Public Speaking Opportunities

A great way to find and engage new donors is through speaking engagements. Approach universities, church meetings, Rotary and other civic clubs, for opportunities. Holding an open house at your new nonprofit is another great place to engage your community. Getting in front of an audience of potential volunteers and donors wins hearts and minds.

Create an Interesting Newsletter

To create a following of supporters and attract new donors, write engaging stories. You’ll want to write appealing content and make your newsletter interesting. Highlight heartfelt stories of your new beginnings. As the months pass, you’ll have stories of how you helped to change the world.

Thank donors and volunteers and showcase them each month. Your first donations make for great stories – speak loudly of them to inspire others to donate. A bi-weekly newsletter is best to keep folks engaged.

Follow Nonprofit SEO Best Practices

Maybe they’ve heard something about you, and maybe they haven’t, but people need to be able to find your organization online. Whether people are looking for your organization or simply seeking a cause or event to support, they are likely to do an online search. When was the last time you visited page three of Google? Invest time and resources in SEO for your nonprofit website if you want to succeed.

Apply for Grants

Many nonprofits benefit from grants, which are generally free money that does not need to be paid back. The government usually gives grants at the local, state, and federal levels, and many private and public foundations also offer nonprofit grants.

Peer-to-Peer and Crowdfunding Campaigns Can Grow Your Nonprofit

Another concrete way to find new donors and volunteers is through peer-to-peer events. People form an allegiance and give to nonprofits when their friends ask them to. Board members, volunteers, and staff reaching out to friends and family and asking them to participate in a crowdfunding event can expand your network and open up new partnerships. DoJiggy can help with free p2p software for donor-friendly fundraising campaigns.