Posts by Audrey Chisholm

Starting a nonprofit doesn’t require everything at once. Many founders feel overwhelmed by paperwork, IRS rules, and compliance details before they even begin. In reality, every nonprofit starts with a short list of core requirements. Before applying for tax-exempt status, fundraising, or launching programs, there are three foundational pieces every nonprofit needs. Once these are…

Many people think about starting a nonprofit at some point. The idea often comes from seeing a need that is not being met or wanting to create long-term change around an issue that matters personally. For others, the motivation develops after years of volunteering, community work, or professional experience. While passion is usually the starting…

Starting a nonprofit often comes with strong opinions—some helpful, many misleading. New founders regularly hear conflicting advice about pay, fundraising, IRS approval, and legal requirements. These misconceptions can slow progress or lead organizations down the wrong path early on. Below are nine common myths about starting a nonprofit, along with the legal and practical context…

If you are thinking about starting a nonprofit, you likely have lots of questions. One question we get a lot from our clients is “How much does it actually cost to start my own nonprofit?” The truth is, the cost of starting a nonprofit depends on many factors. First, you need to figure out the structure…