How to Start a Nonprofit in the USA 501(c)(3) [Step by Step]

Get your FREE GUIDE on How to Start a Nonprofit in the USA here: bit.ly/3imOmw8

Please note that we are not lawyers and that we recommend consulting a lawyer or other legal practitioner for advice when starting a nonprofit as laws may vary from state to state.

If you are starting a membership organization, you can get a free trial of Wild Apricot’s Membership Management Software here: bit.ly/2DM2tMq

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In this video, I walk you through the exact steps to start a nonprofit in the USA from scratch. I also cover what you’re required to include in your bylaws, tips when filling out Form 1023, and how much the whole process will cost you. Plus, in the end, I explain what you need to do to maintain ongoing compliance.

Jump to a specific step by clicking on the timestamp:

Video Overview 0:00

1: Benefits of starting a nonprofit: 0:41
2: Registering your nonprofit’s name: 2:12
3: Appointing your board of directors: 2:43
4: Creating Bylaws: 3:53
5: Filing your Articles of Incorporation: 5:05
6: Getting your Employee Identification Number (EIN): 6:54
7: Applying for Tax-Exempt Status with the IRS (Form 1023): 8:08
8: Maintaining ongoing compliance (Form 990): 14:32

IRS Form Links:
✔️Employee Identification Number Registration: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employ…
✔️Applying for Tax-Exempt Status Overview and Links: irs.gov/charities-non-profits/applying-for-tax-…
✔️Form 1023: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf
✔️Form 1023-EZ: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023ez.pdf
✔️Form 990: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f990.pdf

Other Resources Mentioned in the Video:
✔️Full Guide on How to Start a Nonprofit from Scratch (including where to find free computer equipment, cheap office space, etc.): bit.ly/2QT54XH
✔️Find your State Office:statelocalgov.net/
✔️Find your State Association: councilofnonprofits.org/find-your-state-associa…
✔️Legal Resources for Nonprofits: nolo.com/
✔️Where to Find Volunteer Board Members and Volunteers: volunteermatch.org/
✔️Nonprofit Bylaws Help: nonprofitally.com/start-a-nonprofit/nonprofit-b…
✔️Form 1023 Help: form1023.org/

Best of luck starting your nonprofit!

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