Frequently Asked Questions
It is difficult to encompass all of the information about starting a nonprofit organization within a few articles. So, we have included a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
Should We Hire a Professional Grant Writer?
This is a tough question and depends on the nonprofit's resources.
This is a tough question and depends on the nonprofit's resources.
Are the services that I offer through my nonprofit required to be free?
Are the services that I offer through my nonprofit required to be free?
Are the services that I offer through my nonprofit required to be free?
I want to set up a nonprofit organization. Can a nonprofit pay its staff?
I want to set up a nonprofit organization. Can a nonprofit pay its staff?
I want to set up a nonprofit organization. Can a nonprofit pay its staff?
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.
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?
An organization that is exempt from federal income tax, as described in Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), is required to report changes to its bylaws.
An organization that is exempt from federal income tax, as described in Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), is required to report changes to its bylaws.
What are Articles of Incorporation? Why Does My Nonprofit Need Them?
When you incorporate as a nonprofit, the state in which you incorporate will required Articles of Incorporation.
When you incorporate as a nonprofit, the state in which you incorporate will required Articles of Incorporation.
I am so confused about contracts and agreements.
I am so confused about contracts and agreements. I want to help people, not worry about legalese. Are there some guidelines for what to do when?
I am so confused about contracts and agreements. I want to help people, not worry about legalese. Are there some guidelines for what to do when?
I'm starting a nonprofit. When can I start accepting donations?
Naturally, a start-up nonprofit is anxious to start raising money. But, it is best to wait until all the details are wrapped up.
Naturally, a start-up nonprofit is anxious to start raising money. But, it is best to wait until all the details are wrapped up.
Does My Nonprofit Really Need to Apply for 501(c)(3) Status?
Many nonprofits do not need to apply for 501(c)(3) status. Here are two questions to ask yourself before you go through the arduous process of applying....
Many nonprofits do not need to apply for 501(c)(3) status. Here are two questions to ask yourself before you go through the arduous process of applying....
How Do I Apply for 501(c)(3) Status?
Applying for 501(c)(3) status is not easy. We have some suggestions and resources for you.
Applying for 501(c)(3) status is not easy. We have some suggestions and resources for you.
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.
The term, nonprofit, is used rather loosely to describe groups that come together to achieve a mission, rather than to make a profit.
How Does a Nonprofit Differ From a Business?
Here are some of the differences between a business and a nonprofit.
Here are some of the differences between a business and a nonprofit.
Do I Have to File for Tax Exempt Status to Be a Nonprofit?
Does your organization have to become a tax-exempt nonprofit?
Does your organization have to become a tax-exempt nonprofit?
Can a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Sell Adspace?
Selling ads in a publication published by a nonprofit is often a good way to increase revenue. But, what are the pitfalls?
Selling ads in a publication published by a nonprofit is often a good way to increase revenue. But, what are the pitfalls?
How Can I Find Low-Cost Legal Advice?
Sometimes good legal advice is crucial to starting your nonprofit organization.
Sometimes good legal advice is crucial to starting your nonprofit organization.
Can an Organization Be Part Profit and Part Nonprofit?
It is not wise to try to have a hybrid, nonprofit/for-profit organization.
It is not wise to try to have a hybrid, nonprofit/for-profit organization.
Should We Suggest Donation Levels?
Should you include suggested donation levels on your donor's return envelope?
Should you include suggested donation levels on your donor's return envelope?
We Have a Tax ID Number. Are We a Nonprofit?
Does having a tax id number make you a nonprofit?
Does having a tax id number make you a nonprofit?
Do I Have to Register to Raise Funds Online?
There are new rules governing online fundraising.
There are new rules governing online fundraising.
Can We Start Raising Funds or Do We Have to Register First?
It is not enough to become an IRS registered nonprofit in order to raise funds. Most states require registration too.
It is not enough to become an IRS registered nonprofit in order to raise funds. Most states require registration too.
What Is Unrelated Business Activity?
Most nonprofits engage in some kind of business activity to help support their organization. But, what activities are related and what are unrelated? And, what are the tax implications?
Most nonprofits engage in some kind of business activity to help support their organization. But, what activities are related and what are unrelated? And, what are the tax implications?
Can We Receive Tax-Exempt Contributions When We Are So Tiny?
Sometimes, organizations are too small and have too few resources to become a full nonprofit. Or, their purpose is limited and temporary. How can they solicit tax-free contributions?
Sometimes, organizations are too small and have too few resources to become a full nonprofit. Or, their purpose is limited and temporary. How can they solicit tax-free contributions?