{"id":9761,"date":"2022-04-01T16:27:12","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T20:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/?p=9761"},"modified":"2022-04-01T16:27:27","modified_gmt":"2022-04-01T20:27:27","slug":"the-one-and-only-guide-that-makes-starting-a-nonprofit-simple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/the-one-and-only-guide-that-makes-starting-a-nonprofit-simple\/","title":{"rendered":"The One and Only Guide That Makes Starting a Nonprofit Simple"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that the nonprofit sector makes up 10% of the American workforce?<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only can starting a nonprofit organization benefit a cause that you’re passionate about, but it can also help create employment opportunities in your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before taking the plunge, you need to know the right order of steps to take. This will help you set up your nonprofit legally and get the right people for your board of directors from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ready to start your own nonprofit organization, keep reading. Below is our simple guide to help you get started today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Choose a Name and Mission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step on your nonprofit checklist is to choose a name and mission for your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your name should be reflective of your organization’s values, and it should be easy to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mission is a statement of what your nonprofit organization does and why it exists. A well-crafted mission statement will guide your organization’s decision-making. It will also help you determine whether your programs and activities are aligned with your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a Board of Directors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your board of directors is a group of people who are responsible for nonprofit governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The size of your board will depend on the type of organization you have and how much expertise is required. Generally, experts suggest a board composed of 8-14 people<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Board members are typically volunteers who are passionate about your organization’s mission. They may also have expertise in organizational leadership or areas such as finance, law, or fundraising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incorporate Your New Nonprofit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating your organization will protect your board members from personal liability. It will also make your organization eligible for certain types of funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To incorporate your nonprofit, you will need to file articles of incorporation with your state. Make sure to check your state’s association of nonprofits in case there are any state-specific requirements you need to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

File for Tax Exemption<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important steps in how to start a nonprofit is to get tax-exempt status from the IRS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IRS requires nonprofits to submit form 1023 to get this status. Depending on the state you’re in, you may need to file for state-level exemption as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tax exemption is crucial for letting you collect tax-deductible donations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grow and Scale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once your nonprofit is all set up, you can start collecting donations and securing funding such as grants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To raise awareness of your nonprofit, you’ll need to create a marketing and communications plan. This can involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n