Idaho Nonprofit Center

  • Donate
  • Idaho Gives
  • Events & Programs
    • Calendar
    • Regional Conferences
    • DEI Webinar Series
    • Leadership Development
    • Executive Director Network
    • Registration & Refunds
  • Membership
    • Member Portal
    • Join the Center
    • Benefits & Pricing
    • Submit RFPs
    • Nonprofit Directory
    • Business Affiliate Directory
  • Resources
    • Starting a Nonprofit
    • Resource Library
    • Blog
    • Recorded Webinars
    • Regional Networks
    • Grant Opportunities
    • Job Board
    • findhelpidaho.org
  • Policy & Advocacy
    • Legislative Watch
    • Public Policy Program
    • Advocacy Tools
    • Sector Research >
      • State of the Sector Report
    • ALICE Report
    • National Council of Nonprofits
  • About Us
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Supporters
    • Friends of the Center
    • Privacy and Email Policy
    • Contact
    • Donate
  • Donate
  • Idaho Gives
  • Events & Programs
    • Calendar
    • Regional Conferences
    • DEI Webinar Series
    • Leadership Development
    • Executive Director Network
    • Registration & Refunds
  • Membership
    • Member Portal
    • Join the Center
    • Benefits & Pricing
    • Submit RFPs
    • Nonprofit Directory
    • Business Affiliate Directory
  • Resources
    • Starting a Nonprofit
    • Resource Library
    • Blog
    • Recorded Webinars
    • Regional Networks
    • Grant Opportunities
    • Job Board
    • findhelpidaho.org
  • Policy & Advocacy
    • Legislative Watch
    • Public Policy Program
    • Advocacy Tools
    • Sector Research >
      • State of the Sector Report
    • ALICE Report
    • National Council of Nonprofits
  • About Us
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Supporters
    • Friends of the Center
    • Privacy and Email Policy
    • Contact
    • Donate

Starting a Nonprofit

There are numerous steps involved with starting a nonprofit organization. The Idaho Nonprofit Center has compiled a list of resources to help you with your decision making process. Please also visit our Business Affiliate Index for organizations that provide individualized consulting services. The Idaho Nonprofit Center is not authorized to provide legal advice or tax services.

While the process of launching a nonprofit organization can be rewarding, it is also arduous and initial funding can be quite challenging. One of the best tools we have found to assess your nonprofit start up readiness is the Nonprofit Startup Assessment tool available on the Candid Learning website. We STRONGLY suggest taking this assessment before you launch.
​
It may be that starting a nonprofit is not the best route for you at this time. The article “Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit” offers ideas for fulfilling your goal without having to go through the lengthy process.

This article "3 Reasons Why Nonprofits Fail and How to Avoid Them" - NonProfit PRO shares useful information to how a nonprofit can try to avoid completely failing as an organization.

Roadmap to Starting a Nonprofit

  • Recorded webinar presented by Amy Little, CEO/President of the Idaho Nonprofit Center
  • Checklist to find out some of the basics to get started in Idaho
  • Resilia helps individuals start nonprofits through their online platform, which enables people to quickly incorporate and gain 501(c)(3) status all in one place.

General Resources

  • SCORE Mentoring
  • Boise State University's recurring class
  • Starting a Nonprofit from Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
  • Help Starting a Nonprofit from the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits
  • When to use a Fiscal Sponsorship
  • Sample Articles, Bylaws, Form 1023, and more
  • Nonprofit Law Resource Library
  • NOLO Legal Articles on Starting a Nonprofit
  • Writing Effective Nonprofit Mission and Vision Statements: Guidance and Case Studies

Idaho State Law Resources

  • Filings for Idaho Nonprofit Organizations​
  • Online Form – Idaho Articles of Incorporation

​IRS Resources

  • IRS HelpLine for Exempt Organizations: 
    1-877-829-5500
  • Applying for Tax Exempt Status brochure
  • Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online
  • IRS Application Form 1023
  • Instructions for Form 1023
  • Frequently Asked Questions about filling out the Form 1023
  • Life Cycle of a Public Charity
  • Compliance Guide for 501c3 Public Charities brochure
  • IRS website for Charities & Nonprofits
  • IRS Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization 
    - 72 pages

Free Trainings:

Webcast: How to Start a Nonprofit

This webcast, which discusses the legal and practical considerations of starting a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, was given on September 15th by Daniel A. Hershey, and was sponsored by ReadyTalk. A recording of the presentation (audio and accompanying slideshow) is still available on ReadyTalk's website.

Topics covered in the presentation include:
​
  • State and federal requirements
  • Governance
  • Bylaws and articles of incorporation
  • IRS Form 1023
  • Charitable registration and annual compliance
  • Board minutes and resolutions
  • Insurance
  • Fiscal sponsorship

Free Online Course: Establishing a Nonprofit

This course from GrantSpace describes 12 tasks you will need to accomplish as part of the process of establishing a nonprofit organization:
​
  • File the certificate of incorporation
  • Select individuals to serve on the board of directors
  • Develop vision and mission statements
  • Establish bylaws and board policies
  • Obtain an employer identification number (EIN)
  • Open a bank account and establish check signing procedures
  • File for federal tax exemption
  • Follow state and local nonprofit regulations
  • Find office space and obtain office equipment
  • Recruit staff and prepare a personnel manual
  • Establish a payroll system and procure necessary insurance coverage
  • Develop an overall fundraising plan

Upcoming Events

Our Supporters

© Idaho Nonprofit Center 2023. All rights reserved.
5257 W Fairview Ave, Suite 260, Boise, ID 83706
(208) 424-2229 | info@idahononprofits.org | Site Map
NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP