Your comprehensive guide to finding grants and starting your nonprofit
Where to discover funding opportunities
The official U.S. government website for finding and applying for federal grants across all agencies.
Visit WebsiteSearch for "[your state] grants portal" to find state-specific funding programs and opportunities.
Municipal funding and community grants available through city and county government websites.
Corporate foundation grants and CSR programs from major companies supporting nonprofits.
Comprehensive database of private foundations and their grantmaking activities.
Common questions about starting a 501(c)(3)
To start a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you need: (1) Articles of Incorporation filed with your state, (2) Bylaws that govern your organization, (3) An Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, (4) IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for federal tax-exempt status, (5) State tax exemption application (if applicable), and (6) Initial board meeting minutes documenting formation decisions.
Articles of Incorporation (also called Certificate of Incorporation or Corporate Charter) are legal documents filed with your state's Secretary of State office to officially create your nonprofit corporation. They include your organization's name, purpose, registered agent, initial directors, and dissolution clause. This is the first formal step in creating a nonprofit.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your organization for tax purposes. It's like a Social Security number for your nonprofit. You can apply for free online at IRS.gov using Form SS-4. You'll need your Articles of Incorporation before applying. The EIN is required for opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and applying for grants.
Bylaws are the internal rules that govern how your nonprofit operates. They cover board composition, meeting procedures, voting rules, officer roles, committees, and amendment processes. Bylaws are typically drafted by the founding board, reviewed by legal counsel, and formally adopted through a vote at the first board meeting. Unlike Articles of Incorporation, bylaws are not filed with the state but kept as internal documents.
IRS Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption) is the application nonprofits file to obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Form 1023-EZ is a shorter version for smaller organizations. The form requires detailed information about your mission, programs, governance, finances, and operations. Processing typically takes 3-6 months. Once approved, you receive a determination letter confirming your tax-exempt status.
An IRS Determination Letter is the official document proving your organization has been granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This letter is crucial because: (1) It allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions, (2) Many grants require proof of 501(c)(3) status, (3) It exempts your organization from federal income tax, and (4) It helps you apply for state tax exemptions. Keep multiple copies as you'll need it frequently.
State requirements establish your nonprofit as a legal corporation (Articles of Incorporation, state registration, annual filings) while federal requirements grant tax-exempt status (IRS Form 1023, 501(c)(3) designation). You must comply with both. State requirements vary by location and include charitable registration if you fundraise. Federal requirements are consistent nationwide but have different rules based on your organization's size and activities.
After receiving 501(c)(3) status, you must: (1) Implement required policies (conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention), (2) Set up proper accounting systems and bookkeeping, (3) File annual Form 990 with the IRS, (4) File state annual reports and maintain good standing, (5) Hold regular board meetings with documented minutes, (6) Maintain compliance with tax-exempt requirements (no private benefit, staying mission-focused), and (7) Keep detailed records of all activities, finances, and governance decisions.
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