Blog Posts

An important part of starting your 501c3 nonprofit is assembling a team of volunteers to help you execute your vision. Volunteers can be a huge benefit because they provide you with a team that can carry out projects and initiatives. However, you need a volunteer agreement to minimize the risk of liability associated with building…

As you talk to donors about giving to your nonprofit, you will most likely get many questions. A popular question may be the donor wanting to know precisely how much they can write off on their taxes. Here are a few general guidelines that you may find helpful. Individual Donations An individual may generally deduct…

The first significant donation I received for my nonprofit was a $3,000 check from a gentleman I did not know. He was moved by our story and the work we were doing for students. Social media makes it easier than ever to get the word out about what you are doing and reach people passionate…

There are three primary types of financial statements: an income statement, a balance sheet, and a statement of cash flows. Each of these statements is incredibly important to have for your nonprofit and can benefit your organization. Here is a brief overview of the three types of financial statements. Income Statement, or the Profit &…

There are several key documents that you want to have accessible at all times as it relates to your nonprofit. These documents are the foundation of good record-keeping as it relates to running a nonprofit. Here are 9 of the legal records that you need to keep to meet IRS standards. Articles of Incorporation This…

Having multiple nonprofits under an umbrella nonprofit may seem like a good idea. This is because the parent organization, or the umbrella, may provide resources to the smaller organizations. Many people ask if they could have multiple nonprofits under an umbrella nonprofit. Let me answer this frequently asked question about starting your nonprofit. Have you…

The Trademark Application Process Many people mistakenly think that the application process is complete after you submit your trademark application. This could not be farther from the truth! Instead, one of the most important parts of the application process begins after you have submitted your application. This is the part where you have to respond to the examining attorney’s…

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…

Hiring someone to help you start and grow your nonprofit is a big decision and one you shouldn’t make lightly. If you’re thinking about hiring a nonprofit attorney, there are a few things you should look for to make sure you are making the best investment. We want to make it as easy as possible…