Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Nonprofit Organization
What Type of Nonprofit Should We Register For?
Confused about whether you should become an incorporated nonprofit or an unincorporated association? Here are some guidelines that will help.
What Is an EIN and Why Does My Nonprofit Need One?
Nonprofits are business entities so they need an EIN, or Employer Identification Number. The EIN is easily obtained from the IRS.
What happens if we change our mission statement? Do we have to report it?
Do you have to report changes to your mission statement or your nonprofit's name to the IRS? A nonprofit lawyer provides an answer.
What Is an Unincorporated Nonprofit Association?
There are more informal nonprofit organization than you might think. They are often called unincorporated nonprofit associations.
Are All Nonprofits Tax-Exempt?
There are two ways to be tax exempt plus there are several kinds of nonprofits. Which are you?
What Are the Most Common Mistakes That Nonprofit Startups Make?
Avoid these common mistakes of nonprofit startups.
Can Nonprofits Engage in Political Activity?
That depends on what kind of nonprofit your organization is.
What Is a Faith-Based Nonprofit?
How is a faith-based nonprofit defined? How do they fit into the overall scheme of nonprofit organizations? What legal requirements exist for them in terms of taxes and reporting?
Why does the IRS take so long to approve the application for a nonprofit?
Why does the IRS take so long to approve the application for a nonprofit?
How Do I Start a Local Chapter of a National Nonprofit?
One alternative to starting your own nonprofit is to associate with an existing nonprofit that has local affiliates.
I want to set up a nonprofit organization. Can a nonprofit pay its staff?
Can a nonprofit have a paid staff? Absolutely.
Are the services that I offer through my nonprofit required to be free?
A nonprofit organization can charge for services or products to help fund its charitable purpose.
When do I need to apply for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status?
In order to receive a tax-exemption dating from the time of your incorporation, you need to file IRS Form 1023 within 27 months of your incorporation.
Do Changes in Our Nonprofit Bylaws Have to Be Reported to the IRS?
Bylaws dictate how your nonprofit will operate. They are important enough that changes should be reported to the IRS.
What Are Bylaws? Why Does My Nonprofit Need Them?
Bylaws are the rules that govern the internal management of an organization.
What are Articles of Incorporation? Why Does My Nonprofit Need Them?
One of the first steps toward incorporating as a nonprofit organization is filing articles of incorporation with your state office.
Does My Nonprofit Really Need to Apply for 501(c)(3) Status?
You may or may not need to become a full-fledged tax-exempt charity. Here's how to figure out whether you should.
How Do I Know if My Nonprofit Staff Is Paid Too Much?
Usually, nonprofit pay is far from excessive, but sometimes organizations do get into trouble because a staff member, usually the CEO or Executive Director, is being paid too much.
It's the last thing you want to do, but sometimes it's better to close your...
Sometimes nonprofits have to be closed. There are procedures you should take to shut your organization down in the proper way.
Can paid staff members serve on a nonprofit's board?
Conflict of interest is one problem that comes up when it comes to having paid staff on a nonprofit's board.
Where Should We Incorporate Our Nonprofit?
The corporation should be incorporated somewhere that is connected to its activities. Consider where the board members reside, where funds are raised, and where events are held.
Are board members of an NPO personally liable for the nonprofit's debts?
Before you join a board of directors, make sure you understand your personal liability if something should go wrong.
What's the Difference Between a Church and a Religious Organization?
What is the difference between a church and a religious nonprofit?