How to Start a Nonprofit in the USA 501(c)(3) [Step by Step]

Get your FREE GUIDE on How to Start a Nonprofit in the USA here: bit.ly/3imOmw8
Please note that we are not lawyers and that we recommend consulting a lawyer or other legal practitioner for advice when starting a nonprofit as laws may vary from state to state.
If you are starting a membership organization, you can get a free trial of Wild Apricot’s Membership Management Software here: bit.ly/2DM2tMq
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In this video, I walk you through the exact steps to start a nonprofit in the USA from scratch. I also cover what you’re required to include in your bylaws, tips when filling out Form 1023, and how much the whole process will cost you. Plus, in the end, I explain what you need to do to maintain ongoing compliance.
Jump to a specific step by clicking on the timestamp:
Video Overview 0:00
1: Benefits of starting a nonprofit: 0:41
2: Registering your nonprofit’s name: 2:12
3: Appointing your board of directors: 2:43
4: Creating Bylaws: 3:53
5: Filing your Articles of Incorporation: 5:05
6: Getting your Employee Identification Number (EIN): 6:54
7: Applying for Tax-Exempt Status with the IRS (Form 1023): 8:08
8: Maintaining ongoing compliance (Form 990): 14:32
IRS Form Links:
✔️Employee Identification Number Registration: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-...
✔️Applying for Tax-Exempt Status Overview and Links: www.irs.gov/charities-non-pro...
✔️Form 1023: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023...
✔️Form 1023-EZ: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023...
✔️Form 990: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f990.pdf
Other Resources Mentioned in the Video:
✔️Full Guide on How to Start a Nonprofit from Scratch (including where to find free computer equipment, cheap office space, etc.): bit.ly/2QT54XH
✔️Find your State Office:www.statelocalgov.net/
✔️Find your State Association: www.councilofnonprofits.org/f...
✔️Legal Resources for Nonprofits: www.nolo.com/
✔️Where to Find Volunteer Board Members and Volunteers: www.volunteermatch.org/
✔️Nonprofit Bylaws Help: nonprofitally.com/start-a-non...
✔️Form 1023 Help: form1023.org/
Best of luck starting your nonprofit!
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🍑Facebook: / wildapricot
🍑KZbin: / wildapricotmemberships...

[@Yvooria]

Caution... The FEIN process that he briefly demonstrates doesn't select the appropriate items for a nonprofit entity. He indicates "sole proprietorship" which does correlate with what he said at the beginning of the video ("you are the owner") but which is not an accurate reflection of nonprofit entities, which are not owned by anyone, by definition. The correct selection is "View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations. . . "... etc. {from an attorney specializing in tax exempt entities}

[@purposetofunctionproductio564]

Question how about forming an 508c1A?

[@boycepressly8776]

Thank you

[@Surferchicusa]

I noticed that too.

[@catmitchell2962]

You are a real gem! This helps so many people in helping themselves to get started. I love when people educate themselves;it adds value to their journey in their own business! 💙

[@jonlehman2812]

Excellent job producing this educational video. You made it much easier to understand!

[@apgaengwa]

Very condensed, very useful. That's a lot in 15min and a lot of useful links. Thank you very much

[@katellerd773]

Terry Your videos are amazing. I am trying to start a nonprofit and this was so very helpful. I look forward to checking out more of your content. I appreciate you.

[@tracycreer5895]

Wow, great video! Explanation is very thorough.

[@pmp96lau]

Great video, love the delivery and the info

[@MsDee-ok8ej]

Excellent video! Straight to the point and loaded with valuable information. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@kingdomdevelopment2774]

This is fantastic. I have been going back and forth on whether or not to go through the process of registering as a non-profit but this video has truly helped motivate me. Thanks man. This is great!

[@christopherbaiza]

Specific, clear, and concise - Nice job and very useful information !

[@Dio27Dipre]

This is really amazing information. I took a whole lot of notes. Thank you for taking the time......

[@JerriahMarie]

OMG YOU ARE A LIFESAVER! I've been struggling trying to figure out the legal aspects of starting my nonprofit organization and I just want to speak for every viewer when I say THANK YOU! This video was so insightful.

[@jenkinsmonica7810]

Thank you very Much. This was such a clean and clear video.

[@Jonesy795]

This was a great and resourceful video. Thank you so much! Super helpful!

[@JadetheGoober]

God bless all your non-profit organizations! Help many people and show love!

[@PedroHernandez-qz9nv]

Very good presentation. You are a very talented communicator. Thank you!

[@chinyerenwonye6965]

Not only was this incredibly detailed and useful, but it was explained with such clarity and enthusiasm that I feel even more invigorated to launch my nonprofit. I will definitely continue using Wild Apricot as both a resource and I will likely consider them for future services.

[@morenike41]

Thank you so much! A great a simple video for overwhelming idea (non-profit), BOD, ideas etc.... I have been looking into Fiverr and other business etc.

[@JadetheGoober]

I have never heard of volunteer match and i was blessed today with this knowledge. Alhamdulillah

[@Travel_fulltime]

That was awesome! You explained everything flawlessly! Can’t wait to start!

[@ShannonOnDemand]

It was really great content. I wish you nothing but success when starting your nonprofit.

[@ayeshaashiq]

thank you so much for posting this video! Exceptional, informative, indeed all a nonprofit organization starter need. It is great! thank you again.

[@rogerwilliams4742]

Awesome explanations and information! Greatly appreciated!!

[@kumalove1380]

Thank you so much for posting this! So much great info simplified for us first timers. You're amazing for doing this!

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oscarlechuga24]

Thank you! Great content. EIN stands for Employer Identification Number (not employee).

[@kde5fan737]

Thank you for making this video. It would have spent a long time reading to fine out all this info, and I would probably missed a lot of it b/c it's kind of "dry".. SO I think you again and wish you well!

[@monicag.8969]

I am surprised with this video! You really helped me!

[@HC-ww1vr]

Great video and thank you so much for sampling the process specially for a non US people. Thank YOU

[@missnene8339]

This was extremely helpful. Texas Cert & Formation is only $25, but they will charge you a dollar for searching your name.

[@JoaquimRamospraia]

Great job on explain the process, i will get a try

[@k.williams9256]

Great tutorial 👌 thank you so much. This was extremely helpful

[@jurywang9562]

This is really useful info guide for non-profit organizations! Let's help more people in the world!!

[@NJ-ds4ft]

This is a gift. Thank you.

[@user-zu3ji5iv9e]

This is a great overview for starting a non-profit. I've started a few NPs, and I wish I'd seen this before.

[@korabliss1011]

Thank you for sharing this information!

[@rebeccagonzalez5864]

Very informative - Thank you.. had to rewind a couple times though, went by very quickly. lol

[@ColinoDeani]

Thanks for the details on the 1023.. This is great info.. well done!

[@botbeats1]

This is how a video should be done! Great Job

[@Cure4theSoulInc]

Thank you for your help with the 501(c)(3) portion. That's the part I really need assistance with.

[@ShannonOnDemand]

Have you been able to get started?

[@courtnrysalamone7677]

This is super helpful, I wanna protect my nonprofit from legal issues and had no idea where to start on regards of a 5013c. Now I just have to pull funds together to get everything up and running to start, im feeling very optimistic now

[@HassanSunni]

Thank you very much, this was very helpful to me I really appreciate it

[@walterramirez8862]

6

[@nefertitikmb4091]

Heyyyyy!...This is an Awesome Video and much appreciated!...I love the Presenter's cool and Non-chalant vibe about it all!...Lol!...His energy really helped me take a Chill pill and enjoy learning about the whole process instead of being stressed out about it!...Thanks!...and Subcribed!...Hope that you will make more video's concerning this topic cause YOU ARE THE BEST!... :)

[@majesticwonder]

He was very calm...like piece of cake 😩🤯😣

[@terrymation]

The presenter is such a cool guy!

[@estermarais6658]

thank you this information is very helpful and straight to the point

[@shagooch4101]

This was a blessing 🙏

[@springwilliams659]

This was phenomenal! Thank you.

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@brayseville8468]

you sir. are amazing!!

[@billionairemindset38]

Awesome video👏 thanks for the information

[@debmcgowan100]

Good job! Thanks for posting.

[@letstalksuccess580]

You are amazing !!! Great information. Thank you

[@theactorsrenaissancetheatr7892]

Awesome Information! Great Job!

[@jerryfilmore5267]

Great video very informative I highly recommend

[@mmecenas11]

You are awesome. Amazing thank you so much.

[@3ctrustee908]

Dope ass video!!! I really needed this. Thank you!

[@crisriddle]

Thank you for the help!

[@cathermione]

thank you for the information!

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

Our pleasure!

[@twilalove3886]

Thank you for being detailed!

[@danzarlengo7127]

Great info - thanks!

[@loladavies7632]

I love this. Please do you help with filing out the forms?. I register the organization already but needs help with rest.

[@bloodyhands]

Don't forget about a Domain name (Website) and Trademark (USPTO) for your Nonprotif before you get too excited about a name. You need to make sure its not already taken by someone else.

[@MrGS53]

Thank you for your time

[@stephneyjohnson9067]

Great video, very helpful!

[@clovergraham1067]

Great presentation, information was very straight forward and helpful.

[@willwalsh9657]

Great information. I have a need and plan to start a non-profit, but can't afford the fees. Great.

[@courtnrysalamone7677]

Yeah thats my problem, i want to start a nonprofit for assistance caring for pets like food banks and stuff but i definately dont have a couple hundred to drop on it. I think i may try a gofundme for the startup and see if i can do that. If youre still looking to start up maybe try a gofundme account if you havent already

[@petersosi3926]

Excellent presentation!

[@Sparkle2122]

And thanks for all the linnks! you are so awesome!

[@yourwhateverhomegirl]

Thank you!! So helpful

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

No problem

[@AshantiQueen]

Thank you.

[@sunvaj6754]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@AE-wi5fh]

From IRS website. Some non profits are not required to file 1023 The following types of organizations are not required to file Form 1023 for recognition of exemption under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3): Churches, including synagogues, temples and mosques. Integrated auxiliaries of churches and conventions or associations of churches. Any organization (other than a private foundation) that has gross receipts in each taxable year of normally not more than $5,000.

[@angelopilato4305]

thank you vary helpful

[@avaryjohnson8051]

Hi!! Great video! I was wondering if you could maybe make another video about starting a non-profit as a teenager because that's something I'm really interested in doing but don't really know how exactly in my situation. Or if you have any tips or suggestions on how to do so.

[@yippeekiyaymfs]

Great video, thank you

[@FullMoon7]

You are THE BEST

[@frasersi]

Thank you!

[@SlightReturn84]

Thank you so much !!

[@rangersasc]

You are super smart thanks a lot

[@zaheeraziz]

Great content

[@truecorbinfan]

This is really amazing information. I took a whole lot of notes. Thank you for taking the time.

[@dayshaunraymond7096]

Any success ?

[@truecorbinfan]

Dayshaun Raymond still haven’t moved forward with this yet lol!!!!

[@ShannonOnDemand]

@@truecorbinfan Why haven't you moved forward yet? You are missing out on grant opportunities, great fundraising opportunities and also doing great work for your community. Do you have any additional questions?

[@truecorbinfan]

@@ShannonOnDemand life happened. I will get back to it in due time!

[@ShannonOnDemand]

@@truecorbinfan I totally get it!!! May God bless your efforts with much success!!!!

[@nfloyd119]

Thank you

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

Our pleasure!

[@jennifersandoval3725]

THANKS SO MUCH

[@LaReineM_]

This Was Great ! I Appreciate It So Much ! When Your In The Application Status Can You Still Launch The Non Profit ?

[@queenmariethedivinemesseng8449]

Thank you so much!

[@CornerstoneLifeMinistries]

You should promote 508(c)(1)(a) also (Faith based Organization). 501(c)3 still has to follow mandates etc. It is completely tax exempt and has 100% freedom of speech etc...

[@ricksivley7047]

Very good presentation however I have a few small questions that I feel like you have quick easy answers to. 1. Am I limited to a nonprofit only in the United States because I'm wanting to be based out of the United States but help needy people through gospel missions in Southeast Asia and most specifically the Philippines. 2. How long from beginning to end does it typically take to set up all the paperwork to get the green light to start? 3. How much money from start to finish will it cost to go through the process? 4. Eventually once I get a track record I will be most likely receiving from churches, friends and family members however in the beginning I will self fund my own personal monetary donations So is that okay with a 501 c3 and obviously I would think I would be able to use my own donations as a personal tax write-off correct? Btw, I'm now helping people in the Philippines with my own money however since I don't have a nonprofit or going through a non-profit organization it's just money that I'm sending that I cannot use later as my own personal tax write-off. Thank you very much for considering and answering these questions because so far I haven't been able to find these answers on the internet but you're very knowledgeable about the subject so I'm hoping you can give me some feedback. Thank you very much again

[@burtonh1]

"You may not distribute any of the income you make from the non-profit." What is the difference between distributing any income and paying exorbitant salaries?

[@OnePiece-xy9dv]

thanx

[@tigistgeberehiwot8960]

Hi thank you for the info 🙏but question though do you have to have a board member?

[@mariojean-louis8116]

Thank you for the video! It is very informative. What if I have 2 members on the board who live outside of the united states. There are no provisions on the form to indicate the country.

[@Sparkle2122]

Great Video!!!!! Very Helpful!!!! Thank you! I just verified my non profit name with my state and someone already has it. When i do find a name that is open, if my organizaotion grows to the point where I can operate nationwide, do I need to verify someone in another state isn't also operating with the same name?

[@chrisnicula6256]

Board directors can be paid for services rendered as long as those services are outside the scope of governance and oversight and don't contain conflicts of interest. It is common in the early stages of a non-profit for directors to wear many hats including those of the employed roles of the non-profit. In such a case the director performing the role would be voted to do that role by the other directors excluding his/herself as a voter. compensation for the service to be voted on the same way. example: the founding director, typically the executive director is voted to be the delivery driver for the non-profit and would include an industry delivery driver equivalent compensation of let's say $17/hr. This is totally acceptable. Of course solid record keeping and a lack of conflict of interest is highly recommended. The director to be voted for cannot be a voter on the matter nor can he/she vote on compensation. Also best to document why the decision was made. This is a basic example, do your own research.

[@GloryBeToGodForever]

Hi Mr. Terry, thank you for the information. I have a question, do I need to appoint Board of Directors? Is there another legal way to file for a non-profit without having a board? *God* bless.

[@axelfoleyt]

You most definitely do not need a board to file for non-for profit. You don’t need them to use the standard buy was available. All of this can be done after incorporation of course. Not good advice.

[@GloryBeToGodForever]

@Axis Of Energy Hi. Do you mean I can file for a non-profit without the need of having Board of Directors? Did not quite understand your comment. *God* bless.

[@UniversalMysticsOfChrist]

Apricot Man: "May not apply to you". Me: "This all applies to me."

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

Hahaha! We're glad it was all relevant for you.

[@mislam3247]

Thanks so much. I will be contact with you.

[@magicalpatterns]

I also heard about a fiscal organization, do you know anything about this? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@sidewaysrain7609]

Actually the process is ridiculously simple and money can be spent on salaries for board members staff etc.

[@ingridmarin3153]

HI there. one question please. do all member have to be legal as in citizen ? do all member need identification and social security proof?

[@gardiniahan251]

Step No. 5 is to obtain an "employer" ID number, not an "employee" ID number. I am sure that this is just a little typo. Otherwise, this is a great presentation.

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

It is! Thank you for catching that. We're glad you found the video helpful otherwise.

[@Surferchicusa]

so it seems to me that there is a LOT of jumping the gun. This is supposed to be about SETTING UP a nonprofit from the beginning, and yet you're stating that any donations or other gifts should be listed. How can there be any gifts or donations when the Articles of Incorporation haven't yet been filed, and the corporation isn't yet a FUNCTIONING 501(c)3 ?

[@jdtools6038]

Was curious about donations? and do people make a living on non profit? while still helping the community?

[@KapilAnjali]

This is great. Do 501 c3 charities pay payroll tax and sales tax if they employee someone?

[@WildApricotMembershipSoftware]

Yes. In the US, the only employment tax a 501c3 is exempt from is FUTA. Source: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-what-are-employment-taxes

[@zzzacupuncture3546]

Thank you for share, how to open the yoga or Healing retreat as nonprofit in CA ? Any experienced pls share.