Start Your Nonprofit — MissionForge

Step 1

Let's start with the basics.

Every great nonprofit begins with a name and a home state. This information will appear on your Articles of Incorporation.

Organization Name The official legal name for your nonprofit corporation

Please enter your organization's name

State of Incorporation The state where your nonprofit will be legally formed

Please select a state

Organization Type

501(c)(3)

Charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or literary

501(c)(4)

Social welfare or civic organizations

501(c)(6)

Business leagues, chambers of commerce

Step 2

What's your mission?

The IRS needs to understand your organization's purpose. This is the heart of your 501(c)(3) application.

Mission Statement One or two sentences describing why your organization exists

Please enter a mission statement

Detailed Purpose Explain in more detail what your organization will do and why it matters. This goes in your Articles of Incorporation.

Please describe your organization's purpose

Purpose Category Select the category that best describes your organization. This affects IRS form eligibility.

Charitable

Relief of poverty, community development

Educational

Schools, tutoring, scholarships, training

Religious

Churches, ministries, faith-based

Scientific

Research, environmental, health

Step 3

What will you actually do?

The IRS wants specifics. Describe the programs, services, and activities your organization will conduct.

Primary Activities List the specific programs, services, or activities your organization will carry out

Please describe your primary activities

Who will you serve? Describe your target beneficiaries or community

Please describe who your organization will serve

Geographic Scope

Local

City or county

Statewide

Entire state

National

Across the U.S.

International

Global operations

Step 4

Let's talk money.

Your expected revenue determines which IRS form you'll file — the streamlined 1023-EZ or the full Form 1023.

Expected Annual Revenue (first 3 years) An estimate is fine. This determines your IRS form eligibility.

Under $10K

Just getting started

$10K – $50K

Growing operations

Over $50K

Established funding

Primary Funding Sources How will you fund your operations?

Will you have paid staff?

Check this if you plan to hire employees (not just volunteers) within the first 3 years

Step 5

Who's on your board?

Most states require at least 3 directors. You'll need a President, Secretary, and Treasurer at minimum.

You need at least 3 board members

Step 6

Registered agent info.

Every corporation needs a registered agent — a person or company authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the organization.

I'll serve as my own registered agent

Common for small nonprofits. You'll receive official mail and legal notices at your address.

Registered Agent Name

Please enter the registered agent's name

Registered Agent Address Must be a physical street address in your state of incorporation (no P.O. boxes)

Please enter the registered agent's address

Step 7

Review everything.

Double-check your information before we generate your formation documents.

Complete

Your documents are ready.

Download your formation package below. These documents are customized for your organization and state.

Articles of Incorporation

Your official formation document to file with the state

Bylaws

Internal governance rules for your organization

Conflict of Interest Policy

Required by the IRS for 501(c)(3) applications

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