No. There are 3 groups that are automatically exempt from this requirement: churches, organizations with less than $5,000 gross receipts, and affiliates of nonprofits that are covered by group exemption. But many churches still choose to obtain 501(c)(3) status for a variety of reasons. If you’re starting any other type of tax exempt organization, you’ll need to apply for tax exempt status. We’ve helped with all three versions of the IRS forms for this process and would be happy to complete the paperwork for you.
How to Start a Nonprofit Organization
We’ve helped 600+ nonprofits get 501c3 status nationwide
Figuring out how to start a nonprofit organization the right way can be overwhelming. With so many voices giving competing advice on to establish a nonprofit, it’s crucial to get the right advice. That’s where we come in. Our nonprofit lawyers and compliance team work exclusively with nonprofits, so we have a wealth of experience.
At Charitable Allies, we’ve worked with over 600 nonprofit founders with starting a nonprofit organization. Whether you’re starting a 501c3 charity or starting another type of tax exempt organization, we can help from start to finish. No matter what state you want to incorporate in, our nonprofit attorneys and legal compliance team will take care of the paperwork so you can go make a difference.
a nonprofit for nonprofits 
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
Services for starting a nonprofit
When you’re creating a nonprofit, you should be able to focus your time and energy where it matters most. We’re here to take care of the paperwork and legal requirements. We’ve helped hundreds of nonprofit founders with starting a 501c3 or other type of tax exempt organization. We’re a nonprofit created to help other nonprofits. Our mission? Making sure you can pursue your charitable mission. You supply the mission and dream. We bring peace of mind to the legal process.
Obtaining 501c3 status
Incorporating with your state
Registering to fundraise
Creating sample board documents like minutes
Creating bylaws & other corporate documents
Obtaining your EIN
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
a nonprofit for nonprofits
How to Start a Nonprofit with Charitable Allies
We believe starting a nonprofit shouldn’t be rocket science. We follow a simple three step process: Meet, Sign, Start. First, reach out to us for a free consultation with a member of our team. In your consultation over video or phone, we’ll talk with you about your goals for creating a nonprofit. During your free 30-minute consultation, we’ll walk through the process of how to start a nonprofit organization. We’ll talk about the legal documents involved, the time it takes and the cost. If you’re looking to form a 501c3, we’ll explain exactly what’s required and how we can support you through the process.
Next, we’ll send you a customized engagement letter, where you can see everything included. Once you sign your engagement letter and pay your initial deposit, we can dive in. You’ll have one point of contact from our team who will complete the paperwork and keep in touch through the entire process. Our goal is to help you learn how to create a nonprofit organization that is built to last. From corporate foundations to animal rescues, we serve a wide range of nonprofit startups.
Starting a Nonprofit Organization: Our Process
If you’re starting a 501c3 or another type of nonprofit organization, you want guidance you can trust. Our attorneys and staff walk alongside nonprofit founders every day to help them learn how to start a nonprofit organization the right way. So what are the steps when you’re starting a nonprofit organization? After you do some preparation, there are just three basic steps to working with us to start a nonprofit:
Request a Consultation
Request a free 30 minute conversation with our team. We'll discuss the timeline, cost and process of creating a nonprofit. Whether you want to start a public charity, private nonprofit foundation, or other tax exempt organization, we can help.
Create Organizing Documents
Next, you've chosen which startup package you’d like and submit some information to our team. You’ll have a dedicated point of contact the entire way through. We’ll draft your articles of incorporation, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, organizational actions, and we'll obtain an EIN for your nonprofit startup.
Apply for 501c3 Status
The last step is to file the right form with the IRS. Whether it's the 1023, 1024, or 1023-EZ, we can help you select the right form and we'll get it completed for you. Once you review and sign off on it, we'll submit it to the IRS so you can get your determination letter as soon as possible. This is a key step in the legal formation of your 501c3
Why Us?
A Straightforward Process
We keep things simple. Talk with us about starting a 501c3 or any other type of nonprofit. Our legal team will talk with you about your options. Pricing is a flat fee, no hidden fees or catch. You’ll have one point of contact on our team who will walk with you through the entire process of creating a nonprofit from start to finish.
A Nonprofit’s Perspective
We’re a nonprofit that serves nonprofits. Our team only works with charitable organizations and founders, so we know the process inside-and-out. When you’re learning how to set up a nonprofit organization, you’ll be guided through the process by someone who understands.
Comprehensive Legal Service
Whether you’re at the beginning stages of starting a nonprofit organization or you’ve had 501c3 status for years, we are here to help. Once you launch, our team is here for the legal needs you might have as your nonprofit grows. Whether you need a contract reviewed or just need some advice on board conflict, our team of nonprofit attorneys is ready to help.
Need legal guidance on how to start a nonprofit?
Schedule a consult with our team. We’ve helped over 600 nonprofit organizations get 501c3 status successfully. If you’re starting a nonprofit organization, you don’t have to do it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
As part of our charitable mission, we offer tons of free resources about starting a nonprofit organization on our blog. There are three basic steps to creating a nonprofit:
- Incorporate with your state.
- Complete your corporate documents (including bylaws, EIN, and a few other documents depending on the type of organization you want to start).
- File for tax exempt status with the IRS.
If you’d like to work with the legal team at Charitable Allies on starting a nonprofit, we can complete the entire process for you, from start to finish. We’ve helped over 600 nonprofits get started nationwide!
Yes, although donations will not be considered tax-exempt until you receive your determination letter. If you get your 501c3 status from the IRS, donations received (properly) after you’ve incorporated will likely be retroactively tax deductible. Keep in mind, you’ll need a separate bank account for the nonprofit. Banks typically require the EIN and articles of incorporation to be filed and approved first. Our sister organization, Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, offers fiscal sponsorship for organizations who are waiting on their 501c3 status so they can start receiving tax deductible donations before obtaining their determination letter. Fiscal sponsorship can also be great for people who want to “try out” their idea for a nonprofit before spending the time and money to get the organization set up as its own nonprofit organization.
No matter if you are starting a nonprofit organization yourself or have someone assist, there are two key costs to keep in mind:
- Each state charges a filing fee to file Articles of Incorporation. Usually this ranges between $25 to $100.
- The IRS charges a filing fee for your application for tax exempt status. Depending on which form is right for your organization, the fee could be as little as $275 or as much as $600.
If you’d like our help, we’re happy to complete the paperwork for you in any state in the US. Our comprehensive startup packages start at $1550, including the filing fees mentioned above.
Yes! We can help set up multiple types of tax-exempt organizations. We’ve helped with a variety of organizations from 501c4 social advocacy groups to 501c7 social clubs. You can read more about some of the different types of organizations we help here. If you’re not sure, please reach out to us and let us know what type of organization you’d like to start. Our team is happy to let you know if we’re able to assist.
Yes! Charitable Allies is proud to help nonprofit founders learn how to start a nonprofit organization in all 50 states. We’ve gotten over 600 approvals from the IRS, so we know the process.