501(c)

How Do I Start a Nonprofit Organization?

If you've been wondering, "How do I start a nonprofit organization?" we have the answers for you. When you decide to start a nonprofit organization, it's essential to have the right resources. A mistake can cost you money and even your nonprofit. So, it's vital to partner with experts who understand how to run a nonprofit from start to finish. For more than 20 years, RENOSI’s founders have helped thousands of nonprofits get started and stay in business.

How to Start a Nonprofit Organization

RENOSI partners with all different kinds of nonprofit groups. As a result, we've worked with school groups, medical organizations, and large associations. Our experience includes small grassroots nonprofits, but we also partner with large multi-chapter nonprofits. So, whether you seek to start a nonprofit, run or expand it, we will help ensure you meet all regulations.

The following is some information to help guide you as you get started:

  • find a team
    1. Find a team to help start a nonprofit

    The first thing for starting a nonprofit is to recruit a team of officers and other volunteers. These people will help you to spread out the work. That means, as the founder, you'll have the chance to focus on the overall strategy and mission.

  • 2. Create bylaws for a nonprofit, association or foundation

    One of the most vital documents for any business or nonprofit is its bylaws. So, when you start a nonprofit, RENOSI will partner with you to ensure you have bylaws that suit your organization. Take a look at our 501c Sample Bylaws.

    create bylaws
  • budget
    3. Budget to start a nonprofit and also run a nonprofit

    After you start a nonprofit, the next activity to think of is the budget. Reviewing and approving an annual budget is a key function of your board of directors. In addition, financial integrity is essential for the nonprofit, as well as federal and state regulators. As a result, implementing financial controls to protect your assets is critical. Typically, your nonprofit’s board of directors will review and approve the budget created. Take a look at our Guide to Conducting an Internal Financial Review. You can also email us at info@myrenosi.com to receive your free budget template.

  • 4. Update accounts for a nonprofit

    Once you start a nonprofit and have your IRS tax exemption and EIN, it is necessary to open a bank account. The bank will request a specific document called the CP575—this is the IRS letter that assigns your organization its EIN (aka. Employer Identification Number or its TIN, Taxpayer Identification Number). Not only will we obtain the EIN for you, but we will also store it in your online RENOSI files.

    update accounts
  • file on time
    5. File on time to the IRS and state

    Finally, the IRS requires 501(c) groups to file a 990-series tax return after you start a nonprofit. Also, most states require the filing of an annual corporate report, fundraising, and sales tax reports. RENOSI ensures that all these filings get done on time and consistently so that you don't lose your tax-exempt status. (Note: State filing fees may apply)

We make it easy to start and run a nonprofit.

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WHICH 501(c) IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

 
Description
May accept tax-deductible charitable donations
May have members
Membership dues are tax-deductible
May engage in lobbying activity
May engage in political campaign activity
Qualifies for state sales tax-exemption*
Applies with IRS

501(c)(3)
Description Charitable, educational, scientific & research, religious
May accept tax-deductible charitable donations Yes
May have members Yes
Membership dues are tax-deductible Dues may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution to the extent the amount of dues paid exceeds the value of membership benefits received.
May engage in lobbying activity Yes, but to a very limited extent.
May engage in political campaign activity No
Qualifies for state sales tax exemption* Usually, depending on the state
Applies with IRS Form 1023
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501(c)(4)
Description Social Welfare “Lobbying”
May accept tax-deductible charitable donations No
May have members Yes
Membership dues are tax-deductible Dues may be tax-deductible as a business expense depending on the facts and circumstances.
May engage in lobbying activity Yes
May engage in political campaign activity Yes, using a political action committee (PAC).
Qualifies for state sales tax exemption* Not usually
Applies with IRS Form 1024
Get Started

501(c)(6)
Description Business or trade association. Organized to promote the members’ common business interests.
May accept tax-deductible charitable donations No
May have members Yes
Membership dues are tax-deductible Dues may be tax-deductible as a business expense depending on the facts and circumstances.
May engage in lobbying activity Yes
May engage in political campaign activity Yes, using a political action committee (PAC).
Qualifies for state sales tax exemption* Not usually
Applies with IRS Form 1024
Get Started

501(c)(7)
Description Social or recreational (e.g fraternities, sororities, country clubs, community recreational facilities, hobby clubs)
May accept tax-deductible charitable donations No
May have members Yes
Membership dues are tax-deductible No
May engage in lobbying activity Yes
May engage in political campaign activity Yes, using a political action committee (PAC).
Qualifies for state sales tax exemption* Not usually
Applies with IRS Form 1024
Get Started