Practical, plain-English guides for first-time nonprofit founders. Start with the complete walkthrough, then dig into costs, IRS forms, and your state.
Cost to Register a Nonprofit in All 50 States
The real numbers, from state fees to the $15,000 attorney route, compared.
Complete GuideHow to Start a Nonprofit
The full step-by-step process from idea to a recognized, funded 501(c)(3).
CostsHow Much Does It Cost to Start a Nonprofit?
Every fee, from state filing to the IRS, plus DIY vs done-for-you.
IRS FormsForm 1023 vs 1023-EZ
Eligibility, costs, and timelines, and how to choose the right application.
Funding & TaxThe 2026 Charitable Deduction
What the new tax break for everyday donors means for your nonprofit.
State-by-state guides
The federal 501(c)(3) process is the same everywhere, but each state has its own incorporation, tax-exemption, and charity-registration steps. Find yours:
California
California-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideTexas
Texas-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideFlorida
Florida-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideNew York
New York-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideGeorgia
Georgia-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideOhio
Ohio-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideIllinois
Illinois-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuidePennsylvania
Pennsylvania-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideNorth Carolina
North Carolina-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideMichigan
Michigan-specific steps, forms, and fees.
State GuideArizona
Arizona-specific steps, forms, and fees.
Articles & answers
Short, practical reads on the questions founders ask us most, from IRS timelines to paying yourself and finding funding.
How to Get an EIN for a Nonprofit
The free federal step, done right, in a few minutes.
GovernanceNonprofit Bylaws
What first-time founders must include, in plain English.
GovernanceBoard of Directors Requirements
How many directors you need and what the IRS expects.
IRS TimelineHow Long Does 501(c)(3) Approval Take?
Realistic timelines for the 1023-EZ and the full 1023.
ComplianceNonprofit Tax Filing: Form 990
The annual return every 501(c)(3) has to file.
FoundersCan I Pay Myself From a Nonprofit?
How founder pay works, legally and reasonably.
Getting StartedDo I Need a Lawyer to Start a Nonprofit?
When legal help matters and when it does not.
Getting StartedStart a Nonprofit With No Money
How to launch when your budget is basically zero.
StructureFiscal Sponsorship vs 501(c)(3)
Which path is right for where you are right now.
BrandingWrite a Nonprofit Mission Statement
A simple formula funders and donors respond to.
FundingGrants for New Nonprofits
Where the money is and how to get funded in 2026.
FundingHow to Fund a New Nonprofit
Year-one funding beyond grants: donors, events, and more.
FundingWrite a Grant Proposal
The structure that wins funding, section by section.
Ready for help?
When you want the hard parts done for you, we offer three flat-fee services built only for nonprofits: