What to Consider Before You Start a Nonprofit
By Joanne Fritz, About.com Guide to Nonprofit Charitable Orgs
There are many questions to answer before you decide to start a nonprofit organization. What type of nonprofit should you start? Are you prepared to take on that responsibility? Is there another nonprofit that is accomplishing the same mission that you propose? How will your nonprofit be like and not like a business?
- Just What Is a Nonprofit?
- Nonprofit Incorporation
- Seeking Tax Exempt Status for Your Nonprofit
- Your Nonprofit's Mission
Just What Is a Nonprofit?

The term nonprofit is used rather loosely to describe groups that come together to achieve a mission, rather than to make a profit.
- What is a Nonprofit?
- How Does a Nonprofit Differ From a Business?
- Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Start a Nonprofit
- 7 Essential Tips for Starting a Nonprofit
- 8 Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit
Nonprofit Incorporation

Becoming a nonprofit begins with incorporation at the state level.
- Pros and Cons of Incorporating as a Nonprofit
- An Overview of Nonprofit Incorporation
- How to Incorporate as a Nonprofit: A Check List
Seeking Tax Exempt Status for Your Nonprofit

Many nonprofits incorporate at the state level and never proceed to the next level. But there are many benefits to becoming tax-exempt.
- How the IRS Classifies Nonprofit Organizations
- Do You Really Need to Apply for 501(c)(3) Status?
- How to Apply for 501(c)(3) Status
Your Nonprofit's Mission

Mission is everything for a nonprofit. Find it, articulate it, stick to it.

