Nonprofit Formation Guide
How to Start a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
A structured overview from incorporation through federal and state compliance, with disclosed partner recommendations.
Costs vary by jurisdictionTimelines vary by agencyPartner links disclosed
1
Choose Your State & Register Your Organization
- ›File Articles of Incorporation with your state (required before IRS filing)
- ›Must include: organization name, purpose, registered agent, dissolution clause
- ›Check your state filing office for current filing fees
- ›ZenBusiness is an optional third-party filing provider
File with ZenBusiness
Nonprofit formation package — handles state filing and EIN
GrantScholar may earn a commission if you choose these partners, at no cost to you.
2
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- ›An EIN is an organization's federal tax ID; check current bank, IRS, and grantmaker requirements
- ›Apply free at IRS.gov or get it included with ZenBusiness formation
- ›IRS processing times vary; check IRS.gov for current guidance
- ›Confirm EIN requirements with the bank and each grantmaker
3
Get a Real Street Address
- ›Review the current IRS form instructions to determine which address information is accepted
- ›An address may be needed for bank accounts, Google for Nonprofits, and IRS correspondence; confirm each organization's rules
- ›Keep your Foundation address separate from your personal home address
- ›Review whether a virtual mailbox meets each agency's requirements and see the provider for current pricing
Get Address — Anytime Mailbox
See provider for current pricing, locations, and terms
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4
File IRS Form 1023-EZ (Small Organizations)
- ›Use the current IRS eligibility worksheet to determine whether Form 1023-EZ is available to your organization
- ›File online at pay.gov and confirm the current filing fee
- ›IRS approval times vary by filing and current workload
- ›Once approved, you're officially a 501(c)(3) — donations become tax-deductible
- ›If Form 1023-EZ is unavailable, review the current full Form 1023 instructions
5
Open a Nonprofit Bank Account
- ›Never mix personal and organizational finances
- ›A dedicated account may be required for grant disbursements; confirm with the grantmaker
- ›Ask the bank which organizational documents and address information it currently requires
- ›Compare current account terms across banks and credit unions
- ›Review each grantmaker's disbursement and account requirements
6
Register with Your State (Charitable Solicitation)
- ›Check each applicable state's charitable-solicitation registration rules before requesting donations
- ›Registration is separate from your Articles of Incorporation filing
- ›Check the applicable state agency for registration, renewal, and fee requirements
- ›Confirm authorization requirements with the applicable state agency
7
Review Google Ad Grants
- ›Once you have 501(c)(3) status, apply for Google for Nonprofits
- ›Google provides official eligibility, application, and account-compliance guidance for its nonprofit advertising program
- ›Requires: 501(c)(3) determination letter, nonprofit website, Google account
- ›Google sets and may change program eligibility and account terms
Ready to Find Grants for Your Nonprofit?
Once your organization is ready, search foundation and government grants and confirm eligibility with each grantmaker.