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Start your charitable organization and apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Receive tax-deductible donations, qualify for grants, and build a mission-driven organization that makes a real impact.
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What is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit?
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit is a tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, or other qualifying purposes. These organizations operate for the public benefit rather than private profit.
Forming a nonprofit involves two steps: incorporating as a nonprofit corporation with your state, then applying to the IRS for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Once approved, your organization can receive tax-deductible donations and may qualify for grants.
Tax-Deductible Donations
Donors can deduct contributions
Grant Eligibility
Access foundation and government funding
Tax Exemption
No federal income tax on mission activities
Public Trust
Enhanced credibility and transparency
What Type of Nonprofit Are You Starting?
501(c)(3) status covers a wide range of charitable purposes. Find your category below.
Organizations that provide relief to the poor, advance education, or promote social welfare. Includes food banks, homeless shelters, and community services.
Examples: Food banks, homeless shelters, disaster relief
Schools, colleges, museums, and organizations that provide instruction or training. Includes scholarship funds and educational programs.
Examples: Schools, museums, scholarship funds
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other religious institutions. Also includes religious education and missionary organizations.
Examples: Churches, religious schools, ministries
Organizations that conduct scientific research for the public benefit. Includes medical research foundations and scientific education.
Examples: Research institutes, medical foundations
Organizations that promote literature, literacy, and the written word. Includes libraries, literary societies, and publishing for public benefit.
Examples: Libraries, literacy programs, book drives
Hospitals, clinics, and organizations that promote public health. Includes mental health services and health education programs.
Examples: Free clinics, health education, support groups
Organizations focused on environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainability education.
Examples: Conservation groups, wildlife sanctuaries
Museums, theaters, orchestras, and organizations that promote arts and cultural heritage.
Examples: Art museums, community theaters, cultural centers
Organizations that work to improve communities through housing, economic development, and civic engagement.
Examples: Housing nonprofits, community foundations
How to Form Your Nonprofit
We guide you through every step from incorporation to 501(c)(3) approval.
We file your Articles of Incorporation with the state, establishing your nonprofit corporation.
- Name availability check
- Articles of Incorporation
- State filing
We prepare your bylaws, conflict of interest policy, and other required documents.
- Bylaws preparation
- Board resolutions
- Required policies
We help you complete and file IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for tax-exempt status.
- Form 1023/1023-EZ
- Narrative preparation
- IRS submission
Once approved, you're ready to accept tax-deductible donations and pursue your mission.
- Determination letter
- Compliance guidance
- Ongoing support
Choose Your Nonprofit Package
All packages include state incorporation. Add 501(c)(3) application for complete tax-exempt status.
- Articles of Incorporation filing
- Name availability check
- Nonprofit formation guide
- Online document access
- Lifetime company alerts
Does not include 501(c)(3) application
- Everything in Basic
- 501(c)(3) application (Form 1023-EZ)
- Bylaws preparation
- Conflict of interest policy
- EIN/Tax ID number
- FREE Registered Agent (1st year)
- Board meeting minutes template
- Everything in Standard
- Full Form 1023 preparation
- Expedited state filing
- State tax exemption application
- Fundraising registration guidance
- Compliance calendar & alerts
- Dedicated account manager
- Annual report filing
All packages include our 100% satisfaction guarantee
Nonprofit vs For-Profit
Understand the key differences to choose the right structure for your mission.
Key Characteristics:
- Mission-driven, serves public benefit
- Tax-exempt on mission-related income
- Donations are tax-deductible for donors
- Eligible for grants and foundation funding
- No owners or shareholders - governed by board
- Assets must stay with nonprofit purposes
Best For:
Organizations focused on charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes that want to receive tax-deductible donations and grant funding.
Key Characteristics:
- Profit-driven, benefits owners/shareholders
- Subject to income taxes on profits
- Payments are not tax-deductible for payers
- Can raise capital through equity investment
- Owners can receive profits as dividends
- Assets can be distributed to owners
Best For:
Businesses that want to generate profits for owners, raise investment capital, and have flexibility in how profits are used.
Not Sure Which Structure is Right?
Our nonprofit experts can help you determine if 501(c)(3) status is right for your mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common nonprofit formation questions from our experts.
How long does it take to get 501(c)(3) status?
The IRS typically processes Form 1023-EZ applications in 2-4 weeks and full Form 1023 applications in 3-6 months. State incorporation is usually completed within 1-2 weeks. We help you determine which form is appropriate and prepare a complete application to avoid delays.
What's the difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ?
Form 1023-EZ is a streamlined application for smaller nonprofits (projected annual gross receipts under $50,000 and total assets under $250,000). It's faster and less expensive. Form 1023 is the full application required for larger organizations or those that don't qualify for 1023-EZ.
Can nonprofit founders receive a salary?
Yes, nonprofit employees (including founders) can receive reasonable compensation for their work. The key is that compensation must be reasonable and comparable to similar positions in similar organizations. Excessive compensation can jeopardize tax-exempt status.
How many board members do I need?
Most states require at least 3 board members for a nonprofit corporation. The IRS prefers boards with unrelated members to ensure proper governance. We recommend having at least 3 unrelated board members who are committed to your mission.
Can a nonprofit make money?
Yes! Nonprofits can and should generate revenue to sustain their mission. The difference is that profits must be used to further the organization's charitable purpose, not distributed to owners or shareholders. Many successful nonprofits have significant revenue.
What ongoing compliance is required?
Nonprofits must file annual Form 990 with the IRS, maintain proper records, hold board meetings, and comply with state registration requirements. Some states require annual reports and charitable solicitation registration. Our compliance services help you stay on track.
Can I convert my existing business to a nonprofit?
Converting a for-profit business to a nonprofit is complex and may have tax implications. Generally, it's easier to form a new nonprofit corporation. However, we can help you understand your options and the best path forward for your situation.
Do I need to register to fundraise?
Most states require nonprofits to register before soliciting donations from their residents. Requirements vary by state. Our Premium package includes guidance on fundraising registration to help you comply with state laws.
What is a fiscal sponsor?
A fiscal sponsor is an existing 501(c)(3) that allows new projects to receive tax-deductible donations before obtaining their own tax-exempt status. This can be useful while your 501(c)(3) application is pending, but forming your own nonprofit provides more control.
Can a nonprofit have members?
Yes, nonprofits can have members with voting rights, though it's not required. Many nonprofits operate with just a board of directors. If you want members, your bylaws should define membership classes, rights, and responsibilities.
What happens if my 501(c)(3) application is denied?
If denied, you can appeal the decision or address the issues and reapply. Common reasons for denial include incomplete applications, activities that don't qualify as charitable, or private benefit concerns. Our expert preparation helps avoid these issues.
Can I start fundraising before getting 501(c)(3) status?
You can raise funds after incorporating, but donations won't be tax-deductible until you receive 501(c)(3) status. If approved, tax-deductibility is retroactive to your formation date (if you apply within 27 months). Using a fiscal sponsor is another option.
What is the public support test?
Public charities must receive a substantial portion of support from the general public or government (typically at least 33%). This distinguishes them from private foundations, which have stricter rules. Most nonprofits qualify as public charities.
Can a nonprofit own a for-profit business?
Yes, nonprofits can own for-profit subsidiaries or conduct unrelated business activities. However, income from unrelated business activities may be subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT). The nonprofit's primary activities must remain charitable.
How do I dissolve a nonprofit if needed?
Dissolving a nonprofit requires board approval, filing dissolution documents with the state, settling debts, and distributing remaining assets to another 501(c)(3) organization. You must also notify the IRS and file final tax returns.
Success Stories
Real experiences from nonprofit founders who are changing the world.
Youth Education Foundation
"Cannki Kicker made forming our education nonprofit so simple. Within 4 months, we had our 501(c)(3) status and received our first foundation grant. Now we're serving over 500 students annually."
Community Food Bank
"The team guided us through every step of the process. Their expertise with the 501(c)(3) application was invaluable. We've now distributed over 100,000 meals to families in need."
Medical Research Institute
"As a scientist, I knew research but not nonprofit law. Cannki Kicker handled everything professionally. Our institute has now received over $2M in research grants."
Why Choose Our Nonprofit Service?
Experience the most comprehensive nonprofit formation service available.
95% Approval Rate
Our expert preparation results in a 95% first-time approval rate for 501(c)(3) applications.
Fast Processing
Get your nonprofit incorporated quickly with same-day state filing available in most states.
Expert Guidance
Our nonprofit specialists understand IRS requirements and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Mission-Focused Support
We understand nonprofits and are committed to helping you achieve your charitable mission.
Secure & Confidential
Bank-level encryption protects your information. We never sell your data to third parties.
Compliance Support
Stay compliant with ongoing support, reminders, and resources for nonprofit management.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join over 50,000 nonprofit founders who have trusted us with their formation. Start your nonprofit today and begin your journey to change the world.