Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit doesn't have to be scary. We walk you through every step — in plain, simple language — and generate your actual formation documents.
1.5M+Nonprofits in the U.S.
56States & territories covered
8Documents generated for you
$275Minimum IRS filing fee
how it works
From idea to 501(c)(3) in 7 steps
Here's the big picture. Fill out our intake form and we'll generate the actual documents you need.
01
Define your mission
What problem do you want to solve? Who will you help?
02
Build your board
Gather at least 3 people who believe in your cause.
03
Write your bylaws
We generate these for you based on your answers.
04
Incorporate in your state
File Articles of Incorporation — we show you exactly how.
05
Get your EIN
A free tax ID number from IRS.gov — takes 10 minutes.
06
File IRS Form 1023
We prepare your 1023 summary and all required attachments.
07
Open a bank account
Keep your nonprofit's money separate from personal funds.
We generate your actual formation documents
Articles of incorporation, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, board minutes, and more — all filled in with your answers.
the basics
What is a 501(c)(3)?
Everything you need to know, in plain language — no law degree required.
It's a tax-exempt nonprofit
A 501(c)(3) is an organization the IRS approves as tax-exempt. The name comes from Section 501, part (c), subsection (3) of the tax code.
The big deal? Donations to your org are tax-deductible for donors. That means more people give — because they get a tax break for doing so.
Your organization also doesn't pay federal income tax on money it raises.
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Tax-exempt status
No federal income tax on donations and grants.
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Deductible donations
Donors can deduct their gifts on personal tax returns.
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Public trust & credibility
501(c)(3) signals legitimacy — donors and grantors trust it.
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Grant eligibility
Most foundations and government grants require 501(c)(3) status.
You cannot use the nonprofit to make personal profit
You cannot support or oppose political candidates
You must file an annual report (Form 990) with the IRS
All funds must go toward your stated charitable mission
Board members generally serve as volunteers
all 50 states + territories
State & Territory Guide
Select your state or territory to see exactly what's required — fees, forms, unique rules, and watch-outs.
Choose a state above to see its specific requirements, fees, and unique considerations.
step by step
Your Nonprofit Checklist
Check off each item as you go. Progress saves in this browser session.
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Let's get started!
Check off items as you complete them.
Phase 1
Plan your organization
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Write your mission statement
1–2 sentences: what you do, who you help, and why.
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Define who you will serve
Be specific: what community, what need, what location?
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Research existing nonprofits
Is there already an org doing exactly what you want to do?
Phase 2
Build your team
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Recruit at least 3 board members
Most states require a minimum of 3 (some need 5). Choose committed people with useful skills.
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Assign board roles
At minimum: President (or Chair), Secretary, and Treasurer.
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Find a registered agent
Most states require a registered agent with a physical in-state address.
Phase 3
Set up legally
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Choose your nonprofit's name
Check your state's business registry to confirm it's available.
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Write your bylaws
Use our form to generate bylaws tailored to your org and state.
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File Articles of Incorporation with your state
Fees vary by state ($8 in Kentucky to $170 in Maryland). Check the State Guide for your exact requirements.
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Register for charitable solicitation (if required)
About 40 states require this before you can publicly fundraise. See our State Guide.
Phase 4
Federal tax status
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Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Free, online, instant. Go to IRS.gov. You need this before opening a bank account or filing Form 1023.
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Hold your first official board meeting
Adopt bylaws, elect officers, document everything with minutes.
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Adopt Conflict of Interest Policy
Required for IRS Form 1023. We generate this for you.
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File IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ
1023-EZ ($275) for orgs under $50,000/yr. Form 1023 ($600) for larger orgs. IRS typically responds in 3–6 months.
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Apply for state tax exemption
Most states require a separate application after IRS approval.
Phase 5
Operations
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Open a bank account
In your nonprofit's name only — never mix with personal funds.
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Set up bookkeeping
Track all income and expenses from day one. Wave (free) or QuickBooks Nonprofit work well.
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Register for charitable solicitation in your state (if not done)
Required in ~40 states before publicly fundraising.
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Set up annual report reminders
Most states and the IRS require annual filings. Missing them can cost your exempt status.
questions & answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers to what people wonder about most.
intake form
Let's build your nonprofit
Answer each question. We'll use your answers to generate your actual formation documents.
Step 1 of 8 — Your Cause
What is your nonprofit about?
A nonprofit helps people, animals, or the community — without making personal profit. Let's start with your big idea.
Example: "Bright Future Youth Center" or "Paws & Claws Rescue"
Explain it like you're telling a friend. What hurts your community?
What programs, activities, or services will you offer?
Example: "Our mission is to provide safe after-school programs for underserved youth in Chicago."
Step 2 of 8 — Who You Help
Who does your nonprofit serve?
The IRS needs to know your nonprofit benefits the public — not just a private group.
Be specific! Example: "Kids ages 5–12 in Cook County, IL" or "Stray cats in rural Texas"
A rough guess is totally fine.
City, county, state — or is it online/national?
💡 Most people choose Public Charity. It's the most common type and easiest to raise donations for.
Step 3 of 8 — Your State
Where will you incorporate?
Every state and U.S. territory has different requirements, fees, and rules. Select yours and we'll show you exactly what you need.
This will appear on your Articles of Incorporation.
Step 4 of 8 — Leadership
Who will lead your nonprofit?
Every 501(c)(3) needs a board of directors — at least 3 people in most states who make key decisions. Board members volunteer their time and cannot personally profit.
A friend, colleague, or community member who supports your cause.
New Hampshire requires 5 incorporators. Other states may too.
💡 Tip: Choose people with diverse skills — finance, legal, marketing, or program expertise. A strong board makes your IRS application stronger.
Step 5 of 8 — Finances
Money and budget
The IRS wants to know how you'll earn and spend money. This also feeds directly into your Form 1023 financial section.
A rough guess — this helps determine whether to use Form 1023-EZ (under $50K) or 1023 (over $50K).
Step 6 of 8 — Legal & Compliance
A few legal questions
These help ensure your documents are correct and your application to the IRS is complete.
💡 Nonprofit legal aid clinics in many areas offer free or low-cost help. Search "nonprofit legal aid [your city]".
Form 1023-EZ: $275 (orgs under ~$50K/yr). Form 1023 full: $600.
⚠️ If you checked church, school, or hospital — you likely cannot use Form 1023-EZ and must file the full Form 1023. These org types have additional IRS requirements.
Step 7 of 8 — Governance Details
A few more details for your bylaws
These details will be filled into your bylaws and board minutes automatically.
For example: purchases over $500 require board approval. This goes into your bylaws.
Step 8 of 8 — Review & Generate
Here's your summary 🎉
Review your answers below, then generate all your formation documents with one click.
Your Formation Documents
Click any document to open it — filled in with your answers. Print it or save as PDF.
Your State-Specific Next Steps
yearly compliance
Annual Filing Documents
Generate your yearly IRS and state filing documents — filled in with your nonprofit's details. Updated for the current tax year.
Documents will be filled in for the selected year
✓ Subscription active. All annual filing documents are unlocked.
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Annual filing documents require a subscription
Subscribe to unlock Form 990 prep guides, state annual reports, board meeting minutes, and donor acknowledgment letters — all filled in with your nonprofit's info.
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Form 990 Prep Guide
Revenue, expenses, balance sheet, program narrative, and governance checklist
IRS annual filing
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State Annual Report
State-specific annual report template with compliance checklist and deadlines
State filing
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Annual Board Meeting Minutes
Complete minutes template with officer elections, budget approval, and 990 authorization
⚠️ Never miss a filing: Failing to file Form 990 for 3 consecutive years automatically revokes your 501(c)(3) status. Set a recurring calendar reminder for May 15 every year.
pricing
Simple, transparent pricing
One subscription. Every document your nonprofit needs — formation, yearly filings, state guides, and more.