Starting a Nonprofit Organization: One-Stop Answer Page

First Steps Answer These Questions Read this first. You should be able to answer the five questions listed here before you begin.

Overview A summary of what you should know before you begin. Do I Need to Incorporate? Anthony Mancuso has put together helpful FAQs.

FAQs Putnam Barber and associates answer some important questions.

Getting Started Start-up Resources Links to help you get started. Find sample bylaws and how to write a mission statement here.

Forms, Samples and Legal Matters Links to IRS forms and instructions and sample articles of incorporation.

Fiscal Sponsorship Maybe there's an alternative to starting a new nonprofit.

Getting Your Tax Exemption FAQs about the tax-exemption process.

Planning Nonprofit Budgeting You'll need a budget before you do just about anything.

Business Plans Nonprofit organizations are a business. You need a plan.

Management Resources Links to Internet nonprofit management resources.

Strategic Planning Think about the long-term issues when you do strategic planning.

Boards of Directors Board Governance for Small Nonprofits Don't try to do too much too fast.

Practical Hints for Building Your Board Some tips on recruiting and keeping board members.

Board Resources Links to Internet resources for nonprofit boards.

Board Orientation Materials Here are the materials you should give new board members. Raising Money for Your Organization First Rule of Fundraising A basic introduction to the art and science of fundraising.

Articles About Fundraising A collection of articles about fundraising from your About.com guide.

Fundraising Resources Internet resources for fundraisers.

Online Fundraising What is online fundraising? Find some answers here.