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🌱 Guided nonprofit tools for all 50 states and U.S. territories
The easiest way for everyday people to launch a real nonprofit.
Answer plain-language questions and get 13 customizable nonprofit formation and compliance documents, plus a step-by-step filing plan.
What we do: We generate document templates and step-by-step filing guidance. We do not submit filings or government fees to your state or the IRS for you.
Your outcome: Answer the guided questions, receive a labeled filing packet, and see exactly what to file, what to request separately, and what to keep in your records.
No account or payment required to begin. Create an account only when you want cross-device saving or document access.
1.5M+Nonprofits in the U.S.
56States & territories covered
13Documents included with paid access
$275Minimum IRS filing fee
✅ IRS-aligned documents
✅ All 50 states + territories
✅ Plain language — professional help when you need it
✅ Your data stays private
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 customizable document templates for your review.
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.
1.5M+
Nonprofits in the U.S.
56
States & territories covered
13
Documents included with paid access
$275
Minimum IRS filing fee
transparent pricing
What's free, what's paid
Start Your Cause helps you prepare — the IRS and state filing fees are separate and go directly to the government.
Feature
Free
Paid access
State guide (all 56 jurisdictions)
✓
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Nonprofit checklist & FAQ
✓
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9 formation-packet documents generated
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4 annual filing documents
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Form 990 prep guide
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✓
Compliance calendar
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✓
Unlimited document regeneration
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✓
Questionnaire answers saved to your account
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✓
⚠️ Your payment covers document generation and guidance—not government filing. Start Your Cause does not submit filings or pay fees to your state or the IRS. You are responsible for reviewing, signing, and submitting the required filing to each government agency. The IRS charges $275–$600 to apply for 501(c)(3) status, and state fees vary. These fees go directly to the government—not to us.
free nonprofit startup resources
Get a clear answer before you file
Use our plain-language guides and free preliminary screener, each grounded in official state and IRS sources.
Get the printable startup checklist plus occasional plain-language filing reminders. No account or purchase is required.
community partners
Help a founder find a clearer path
Libraries, advisers, attorneys, accountants, consultants, and community organizations may share our free guides. There is no paid endorsement requirement.
Built to make nonprofit formation easier to understand
Start Your Cause helps mission-driven people navigate a formation process that can feel overwhelming, expensive, and inaccessible.
The service is built around a step-by-step approach, plain-language guidance, careful documentation, and transparent boundaries about what customers must file themselves.
The service is designed to provide a clearer, more affordable path through nonprofit formation in plain language, covering all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Our document templates are based on IRS Form 1023 requirements, state incorporation statutes, and nonprofit governance best practices.
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IRS-aligned documents
Templates based on IRS Form 1023 requirements and nonprofit governance best practices
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Secure customer accounts
Supabase securely manages login credentials and stores questionnaire answers in a user-restricted account. Stripe processes payments as described in our Privacy Policy.
⚖️
Legal disclaimer
Start Your Cause provides document templates and educational content — not legal or tax advice. Always consult a licensed attorney before filing.
We generate customizable formation document templates
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? After IRS recognition, qualifying contributions to a 501(c)(3) are generally tax-deductible for donors, subject to IRS rules and each donor’s circumstances.
Recognized 501(c)(3)s are generally exempt from federal income tax on income related to their exempt purposes.
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Tax-exempt status
Recognized 501(c)(3)s are generally exempt from federal income tax on income related to their exempt purposes.
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Deductible donations
Qualifying contributions are generally deductible after IRS recognition, subject to IRS rules and the donor’s circumstances.
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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 compensation rules vary; any compensation should be reasonable, properly approved, and consistent with state law and governing documents
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.
State summaries last reviewed August 29, 2026. Requirements can change; verify all fees, forms, and deadlines with the linked government agency before filing.
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
✓
Write your mission statement
1–2 sentences: what you do, who you help, and why.
✓
Define who you will serve
Be specific: what community, what need, what location?
✓
Research existing nonprofits
Is there already an org doing exactly what you want to do?
Phase 2
Build your team
✓
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
Recommended governance practice and addressed in Form 1023. We generate a template for you.
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File IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ
Form 1023-EZ ($275) is available only to organizations that satisfy all IRS eligibility requirements, including financial thresholds. Organizations that are not eligible use Form 1023 ($600).
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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 customizable formation document templates and a state-specific filing checklist.
Before you begin: Completing this questionnaire does not submit anything to a government agency. After generating your documents, you must review, sign, and file the appropriate document with your state; request an EIN separately; and submit Form 1023 or 1023-EZ separately to the IRS.
Your answers are saved on this device. No account is required to begin.
Step 1 of 8 — 5-minute quick start
See your personalized starting point
Answer four questions first. We’ll immediately show your state, mission, document packet, and next steps before asking for the filing details.
Example: "Bright Future Youth Center" or "Paws & Claws Rescue"
One sentence is enough. You can refine it later.
Used for your account and, only with permission below, one reminder about saved progress.
Your answers autosave on this device. Start Your Cause never sells questionnaire information.
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.
Use the organization’s website if it already has one. Leave this blank if it does not.
Explain it like you're telling a friend. What hurts your community?
What programs, activities, or services will you offer?
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.
This person or company must meet your state's requirements and be available at a physical address during business hours.
Do not use a P.O. box. Confirm the agent has agreed to serve before filing.
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 must act in the nonprofit’s interests. Compensation, if any, should be reasonable, properly approved, and consistent with applicable law and governing documents.
Some state filings require an incorporator address. Review your state's official form before submitting.
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 estimate is helpful. Revenue and asset thresholds are part of Form 1023-EZ eligibility, but the IRS has additional eligibility requirements too.
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 if your organization meets all IRS eligibility requirements. Form 1023: $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 your formation document templates and filing instructions with one click. Generation does not submit any filing.
Your Formation Documents
Click any document to open it—filled in with your answers. Review it carefully, then print it or save it as a PDF.
These documents have not been filed. File only the required formation document with your state. Keep bylaws, policies, and board minutes in your organization’s records. Apply for an EIN and federal tax-exempt status separately with the IRS.
Your packet is ready to generate
Unlock all 9 personalized formation documents
The Formation Package is one payment for 12 months of account and document access. Regenerate documents as your plans change. Stripe securely processes payment.
No automatic renewal for the Formation Package
Your saved answers remain available across devices when signed in
Government filing fees are separate; Start Your Cause does not submit filings
Billing and access help: hello@startyourcause.org
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 paid access
Choose the Formation Package or Compliance Membership 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
Pay once to build your nonprofit, or choose ongoing monthly compliance support.
Founding 10: Formation Package for $49Enter code FOUNDERS49 in Stripe checkout to save $30. Limited to 10 first-time customers. One payment; no automatic renewal.
Important before purchasing: Your payment covers Start Your Cause document generation, educational guidance, and account access. It does not include filing services or government fees. We do not submit documents to your state or the IRS. You are responsible for reviewing, signing, and submitting required filings.
Compliance membership
$12
per month
✓All 9 formation-packet documents
✓All 4 yearly filing documents
✓Form 990 / 990-EZ / 990-N prep guide
✓State report templates (all 56 jurisdictions)
✓Annual board meeting minutes
✓Donor acknowledgment letters (5 templates)
✓State guide for all 50 states + territories
✓Unlimited document regeneration
✓Email support
Best value — no automatic renewal
Formation Package
$79
one payment — 12 months of access
✓All formation and annual document templates
✓12 months of account and document access
✓All document updates included
✓Annual compliance calendar
✓One payment — does not renew automatically
Regularly $79 · Enter FOUNDERS49 at checkout
🔒 Secure payment via Stripe · Formation Package does not renew · Billing help: hello@startyourcause.org