The first step is conducting a needs assessment to ensure there's genuine community need for your proposed organization. Engage with community members, stakeholders, and review local resources to clarify your mission and avoid duplicating existing services.

You need to incorporate by filing articles of incorporation with your state, select a board of directors, and draft bylaws. This structural foundation is vital for tax-exempt status and organizational credibility.

501(c)(3) is a federal tax exemption allowing donations to be tax-deductible and providing exemption from federal income tax. Organizations apply by filing IRS Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ.

Recruit a diverse group committed to your mission, typically with at least three unrelated individuals. Board members will oversee governance, compliance, and strategic direction.

Bylaws are internal rules governing board structure, meetings, and decision-making processes. They are required for incorporation and provide operational clarity.

Most states require nonprofits to register before soliciting donations, often called charitable solicitation registration. Requirements vary by state, so review specific rules before launching fundraising campaigns.

You must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and may need separate state tax IDs depending on your operations.

Incorporation can take a few weeks. Federal 501(c)(3) approval may take 3–12 months depending on application completeness and IRS processing backlogs.

Nonprofits must file annual IRS Form 990, renew state registrations, uphold governance policies, and maintain accurate records to retain tax-exempt status.