How To Create A 501c3 Online From Scratch


There are several steps to creating a 501c3 organization online from scratch. 501c3 designation is a tax exemption provided by the IRS. It provides several benefits such as exemptions from federal income taxes, reduced postal rates, and tax-exempt financing. The designation is awarded to businesses organized and operating for purposes such as charity, education, religion, science, and more. As an entrepreneur, use these purposes to tackle social issues with your business, and become tax-exempt in the process. In fact, there are about 1 million charities in the US, but many fail due to missteps by their owners. As a charitable entrepreneur looking to start a 501c3 nonprofit, understand nonprofits pursue social purposes instead of profits. Moreover, they require the same amount of foresight, planning, and organization-heading knowledge as for-profit businesses. Read on to discover how to create a 501c3 online from scratch.

Determine Business Name

The first step in starting a 501c3 nonprofit online is to know how to register your brand name and decide it for your charitable organization. There are several laws and restrictions that vary by state. In general, however, the name of your nonprofit can’t be the same as any other corporation on file with your state. Additionally, it must end with a corporate designator, such as “corporation,” “incorporated,” or “limited.” Typically, abbreviations of these designators are allowed. To find out if your name is available for use, contact your state’s corporations office. They can also reserve names for a fee. Surely, determining a business name for your nonprofit determines your forward-facing brand.

Develop Business Plan

Second, you need to determine a business plan for your 501c3. This step is imperative, since potential investors, donors, board members, and other important individuals will often ask to see copies of business plans. When creating one from the ground up, there are several major areas to cover. Include an executive summary as a concise version of your plan. Outline products and services you’ll offer to determine the value your nonprofit will create. Next, outline marketing plans that determine who your organization will service, how you’ll find them, and how they’ll be convinced to support your efforts. There are several more aspects to sound business plans, but these three have a more significant effect on the sustainability of your nonprofit. Absolutely, determine a business plan to outline how your nonprofit will operate.

Recruit A Board

Third, you need to recruit board members. Forming your board typically should be done before incorporating, since many states require the names of board members in the incorporation documents. Your board assists you with incorporation as well as the many challenging processes of running a nonprofit. Of course, the best board members depend on your nonprofit, but generally, members should be dependable, accountable, and align with your mission. When searching for board members, divide it into thirds. One third of members should access financial resources or solicit donations. Another third should have management expertise in various areas such as financial and legal. The last third should be connected to your community and be an expert in your field so they can speak in public. Certainly, recruiting a board provides professional assistance with running your nonprofit.

Articles Of Incorporation

Next, it’s time to incorporate. The formations and requirements for nonprofit incorporation vary from state to state. In general, you’ll need to file Articles of Incorporation, also called a Certificate of Incorporation in some states. Depending on your state, you may need to provide additional documents such as a Certificate of Disclosure, Proof of a Corporate Name, and any filing fees. Additionally, many states require you to publish your Articles of Incorporation to local newspapers a certain number of times, then file proof of publication. When drafting your Articles of Incorporation, consider outlining bylaws as well as conflict of interest and compensation policies. Definitely, filing Articles of Incorporation establishes your nonprofit as a legitimate business.

Tax Exemption Status

Lastly, you must file for 501c3 tax-exempt status with the IRS. To do so, you must apply directly to the IRS with Form 1023. This form is 28 pages on its own, and documents to be submitted can easily become 100-plus pages with the required attachments and schedules. In fact, think of Form 1023 as a audit of proposed and/or previous activities that thoroughly examines your nonprofits governing structure, purpose, and planned programs. Additionally, the IRS heavily scrutinizes your documents for any conflicts of interest or potential insider benefits, both of which will easily disqualify you from exempt status. Of course, filing for 501c3 tax exempt status finalizes your business into a nonprofit organization.

Creating an 501c3 online from scratch can be done in a myriad of ways. One way involves determining a business name as the first step. Second, determine a business plan that outlines how your organization operates. Third, recruit board members to assist you with the nonprofit’s running. Next, incorporating your business is essential to establish your nonprofit as a legitimate business. Finally, file for 501c3 tax-exempt status with the IRS to finalize your business into a nonprofit. When wondering how to create a 501c3 online from scratch, consider the steps outlined above.

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