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.
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
- Becoming a program of Jannus- Organizations who need to create economies of scale by taking advantage of the centralized administrative support Jannus's shared services team provides would benefit from this model
- 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
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:
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
