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Stage 6 of Non-Profit Incorporation: Dissolution

Non-Profit Dissolution from The Startup Garage

If the time comes that your non-profit has accomplished its mission or you need to dissolve the non-profit for other reasons, consult your state’s Attorney General web page for detailed instructions on the steps to follow.  If your non-profit is incorporated in California, follow the steps outlined below. Decision to Dissolve Can be done by […]

Stage 5 of Non-Profit Incorporation: Sustain

Sustain Legal Non-Profit from The Startup Garage

File Annual Registrations with the IRS IRS Form 990, Return of Organizations Exempt from Income Tax, is the most detailed and misunderstood filing for non-profits.  It is a complete documentation of an organization’s financial history and is often used to hold the organization accountable for its past actions and future decisions.  Recent rulings by the IRS […]

Stage 4 of Non-Profit Incorporation: State Filing

State Filing Non-Profit Incorporation from The Startup Garage

Once all your federal forms have been filed, you can move on towards your state-specific forms. Each state varies in what type of forms they need submitted for non-profit organizations but a few of the typical forms include: Application for state tax exemption California requires a separate application for exemption from state taxes: Form 3500 […]

Stage 2 of Non-Profit Incorporation: Planning

Non-Profit Incorporation Planning From The Startup Garage

Create a Business Plan Beyond the Mission Statement and Purpose that you have already drafted, you should create an entire business plan that will serve as a roadmap as you get your operations started.  The Business Plan includes your mission and purpose, but also provides detail on all aspects of your business: the budget and […]

Stage 1 of Non-Profit Incorporation: Vision

Vision for Non-Profit Incorporation by The Startup Garage

Define a Mission Statement and a Purpose At this point in your planning you know what your general goal is for your non-profit, but now you need to put it in writing in a way that is clear, concise, and answers the question about why you started the non-profit.  Take care in constructing your mission […]

Overview of the Stages of Non-Profit Incorporation

Overview Stages Of Non-Profit Incorporation By The Startup Garage

Once you have decided to incorporate your non-profit, your next task is to prepare to file with the state government to attain official non-profit corporation status. The first stage of your preparations includes articulating your purpose as an organization and drafting a mission statement.  You also need to recruit a board of directors.  Whether you […]

501(c)(3): Public Charity vs. Private Foundation

501(c)(3): Public Charity Vs. Private Foundation by The Startup Garage

A public benefit corporation that files for tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) to the IRS is further classified into one of two categories: public charities and private foundations.  The two classifications differ in the amount and type of paperwork that must be filed to the IRS, and you can read up further on the specifics on […]

Considering 501(c)(3)? Charity vs. Charitable

501(c)(3): Charity vs. Charitable By The Startup Garage

If you have decided to incorporate your non-profit as a public benefit corporation with the ultimate goal of obtaining a 501(c)(3) status and federal tax exemption, please consider the following explanation of one of the terms commonly used in the non-profit lexicon. The requirements for a federal tax exemption for qualifying as a 501(c)(3) organization […]

The Three Categories of Non-Profit Corporations

The Three Categories of Non-Profit Corporations By The Startup Garage

Non-profits that choose to incorporate are classified into one of the following three categories.  The chosen category must be stated on the Articles of Incorporation that are submitted to the state for filing.  The three differ from one another primarily in stated purpose, how their assets can be distributed, and the amount of regulation. Public […]