Starting a Nonprofit and Nonprofit Law:

Web Sites

The following web sites offer general advice on forming a nonprofit organization. For more in-depth information available in books, see, Starting a Nonprofit Organization and Nonprofit Law: Printed Works.



BoardSource FAQs

Offers much advice on nonprofit organization management and nonprofit boards. The categories, Organizational Issues and Nonprofit Sector would be good ones for nonprofit startup information. The site has been maintained for promoting information on building effective nonprofit boards.

Council on Foundations

An association of foundations and corporations which serves the public by promoting and enhancing effective and responsible philanthropy. See sections, Starting a Foundation.

Establishing a Nonprofit Organization

A well-organized, clearly-outlined tutorial from the Foundation Center. Covers 12 major tasks involved in founding a nonprofit organization. Topics covered include filing for incorporation, developing mission statements, bylaws, and policies, board development, filing for tax exemption, recruiting staff, and developing a fundraising play. The Foundation Center also has an FAQ, Starting a Nonprofit Organization, which one might want to read before beginning the tutorial.

Free Complete Toolkit for Boards

Excellent, comprehensive, and quality advice by Carter McNamara of Authenticity Consulting. A part of the Free Management Library, maintained by The Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits of St. Paul, MN.

501(c)(3): To Be or Not To Be? pdf

Advice from the Los-Angeles Grantsmanship Center.

Info Central: How to Start a Nonprofit Organization

An excellent site for all would-be nonprofits, by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Sample bylaws and articles of incorporation are included.

Nonprofit Good Practice Guide

Management information from Dorothy A. Johnson of the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.

Nonprofit Law Resource Library

Expert advice and clarification of terms and processes in starting a nonprofit organization. A site of Herwit & Associates, legal counsel for philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.

Starting a Nonprofit Organization: Frequently Asked Questions and Nonprofit Links

This site, maintained by the Society for Nonprofit Organizations, is an excellent overview on the subject, and the FAQs answer such questions as, Do I need a lawyer? Where can I get money to start? and When can I start soliciting donations?

Starting a Nonprofit Organization in Georgia

Although this site is maintained by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, it has expecially clear, concise, and well-organized information and advice for all people thinking of forming a nonprofit.

Tax Information for Charities and Other Nonprofits

A site of the Internal Revenue Service. Outlines types of tax-exempt organizations (Types of Tax-Exempt Organizations), the application process, special rules and procedures and more.

WisBar: Nonprofit Business Assistance Program

Nonprofit organizations through this assistance program can receive up to two hours of free counseling from a business lawyer.

Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Members of this association share time and expertise in community service. Check this website for posted member opportunities.

Wisconsin.gov: Applying for an EIN and the SS4 Form

Instructions to help one file for a federal Employer Identification Number. The SS4 form is the form to fill out for applying for the number. This number is often necessary for filling out other application forms required of nonprofit organizations.