🌱 Guided nonprofit tools for all 50 states and U.S. territories
The easiest way for everyday people to launch a real nonprofit.
Start Your Cause guides you through every step of forming a 501(c)(3) — in plain language anyone can understand — and generates customizable formation document templates.
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.
1.5M+Nonprofits in the U.S.
56States & territories covered
12Documents included with membership
$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
12
Documents included with membership
$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
Subscriber
State guide (all 56 jurisdictions)
✓
✓
Nonprofit checklist & FAQ
✓
✓
8 formation documents generated
—
✓
4 annual filing documents
—
✓
Form 990 prep guide
—
✓
Compliance calendar
—
✓
Unlimited document regeneration
—
✓
Questionnaire answers saved to your account
—
✓
⚠️ Your subscription pays for 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 by a compliance professional who believes in your mission
Start Your Cause was built in Illinois to help mission-driven people navigate a formation process that can feel overwhelming, expensive, and inaccessible.
Founded by Kristin Kokalis, SHRM-CP, PMP, the service draws on her experience supporting HR, benefits, and compliance work across multi-state and federally regulated environments. That background shaped the site’s step-by-step approach, plain-language guidance, and focus on careful documentation.
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.
📋
IRS-aligned documents
Templates based on IRS Form 1023 requirements and nonprofit governance best practices
🔒
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.
🏛️
Tax-exempt status
Recognized 501(c)(3)s are generally exempt from federal income tax on income related to their exempt purposes.
💝
Deductible donations
Qualifying contributions are generally deductible after IRS recognition, subject to IRS rules and the donor’s circumstances.
🤝
Public trust & credibility
501(c)(3) signals legitimacy — donors and grantors trust it.
📋
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.
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.
🌱
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.
✓
Assign board roles
At minimum: President (or Chair), Secretary, and Treasurer.
✓
Find a registered agent
Most states require a registered agent with a physical in-state address.
Phase 3
Set up legally
✓
Choose your nonprofit's name
Check your state's business registry to confirm it's available.
✓
Write your bylaws
Use our form to generate bylaws tailored to your org and state.
✓
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.
✓
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
✓
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.
✓
Hold your first official board meeting
Adopt bylaws, elect officers, document everything with minutes.
✓
Adopt Conflict of Interest Policy
Recommended governance practice and addressed in Form 1023. We generate a template for you.
✓
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).
✓
Apply for state tax exemption
Most states require a separate application after IRS approval.
Phase 5
Operations
✓
Open a bank account
In your nonprofit's name only — never mix with personal funds.
✓
Set up bookkeeping
Track all income and expenses from day one. Wave (free) or QuickBooks Nonprofit work well.
✓
Register for charitable solicitation in your state (if not done)
Required in ~40 states before publicly fundraising.
✓
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.
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 must act in the nonprofit’s interests. Compensation, if any, should be reasonable, properly approved, and consistent with applicable law and governing documents.
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 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.
🔒
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.
🏛️
Form 990 Prep Guide
Revenue, expenses, balance sheet, program narrative, and governance checklist
IRS annual filing
📍
State Annual Report
State-specific annual report template with compliance checklist and deadlines
State filing
📝
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 for document templates, filing prep guides, state guidance, and more.
Important before purchasing: Your subscription pays Start Your Cause for 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.
Monthly
$12
per month
✓All 8 formation 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 — save 45%
Annual
$79
per year — just $6.58/month
✓Everything in Monthly
✓All document updates included
✓Annual compliance calendar
✓Save $65 vs monthly
🔒 Secure subscription payment via Stripe · Billing help: hello@startyourcause.org