{"id":4832,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-form-a-non-profit.html"},"modified":"2025-11-06T22:52:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T03:52:00","slug":"how-to-form-a-non-profit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-form-a-non-profit.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Form a Nonprofit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Form a Nonprofit<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A nonprofit corporation<\/span> is a business structure<\/span> that allows a business to promote a charitable mission. Because it has a different mission than a for-profit<\/span> corporation<\/span>, it may not have to pay state and federal taxes<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you think of starting a nonprofit organization<\/span>, you’re probably driven by a powerful passion to make a difference. It’s crucial to remember that a nonprofit is still a small business<\/span>. Before you dive into creating a nonprofit corporation<\/span>, you need to get serious about the business side of things.<\/p>\n

Meticulous planning and thorough preparation are a must. The following step-by-step guide will help you create a solid foundation for your new nonprofit<\/span> endeavor.<\/p>\n

Form your nonprofit with confidence.\u202fOur trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $99 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Name Your Nonprofit Startup<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you plan to create a nonprofit corporation<\/span>, you should choose your name<\/strong><\/a> first. If you are incorporating, you will probably be required to register a name.<\/p>\n

When naming your new nonprofit<\/span>, you should try to think of one that will be memorable to your members and donors. You should also check social media<\/span> and domain name availability.<\/p>\n

There are a few legal considerations to keep in mind too:<\/p>\n