{"id":5356,"date":"2025-01-10T11:53:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T16:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-iowa-in-seven-steps.html"},"modified":"2025-05-29T14:15:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T19:15:00","slug":"how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-iowa-in-seven-steps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-iowa-in-seven-steps.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Start a Nonprofit in Iowa in Seven Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\"  class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fl-simple-hero-image\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1746200253\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-states-maps-Iowa\/voting-states-maps-Iowa.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-image\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">How To Start a Nonprofit in Iowa in Seven Steps<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">How To Start a Nonprofit in Iowa in Seven Steps<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Start a Nonprofit in Iowa in Seven Steps<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jordan-walker-j-d\/\">Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            May 29, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>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    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Creating a nonprofit corporation in Iowa involves choosing a name, appointing a board of directors, filing nonprofit articles of incorporation, getting an employer identification number (EIN), applying for tax-exempt status, and registering as a charitable organization in Iowa.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><b><i>Form your nonprofit with confidence.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-ia-in-content\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Callout\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $99 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tableOfContent\">\n    <div class=\"table-of-contents\">\n        <span role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" class=\"table-of-contents__title\">Seven Steps to Form an Iowa Nonprofit<\/span>\n                <ul class=\"table-of-contents__list\">\n                        <li><a href=\"#One\" title=\"1. Choose a Name for Your Iowa Nonprofit\">1. Choose a Name for Your Iowa Nonprofit<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Two\" title=\"2. Assemble a Board of Directors\">2. Assemble a Board of Directors<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Three\" title=\"3. File Articles of Incorporation\">3. File Articles of Incorporation<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Four\" title=\"4. Create Bylaws\">4. Create Bylaws<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Five\" title=\"5. Hold Initial Board Meeting\">5. Hold Initial Board Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Six\" title=\"6. Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)\">6. Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Seven\" title=\"7. Apply to the IRS for Tax-Exempt Status\">7. Apply to the IRS for Tax-Exempt Status<\/a><\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are different types of nonprofit organizations formed to help with charity, social causes, religion, education, or politics. Since the goal isn&#8217;t to make money, the organization can apply for exemption from certain taxes.<\/p>\n<p>This article from FindLaw will guide you through the steps to set up a new nonprofit in the state of Iowa.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-main\"\n        \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-bottom\"\n        \/>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-text\">\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-subtitle\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-content fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n            <div>\n                <h2 class=\"fl-title-H2 fl-legal-zoom-cta-title\">Let&#8217;s start your nonprofit!<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-description\"><p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom. <b>Nonprofit registration starts at $99 + filing fees.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-cta-button diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Banner\" aria-disabled=\"false\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-ia-mcta\" target=\"_blank\">\n                <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Get Started<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Seven Steps to Form an Iowa Nonprofit<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"general-step-component\">\n    <div class=\"steps-container\">\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            1\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"One\">Choose a Name for Your Iowa Nonprofit<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Decide on a unique name that aligns with your organization\u2019s purpose. Find out if it is available in Iowa using the Iowa Secretary of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/sos.iowa.gov\/search\/business\/search.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business entity name search tool<\/a>. You can check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to see if the name is already trademarked.\u00a0Check for domain name availability online using websites like GoDaddy and Google Domains. You can also search for the name you want on the internet to see if it\u2019s already used as a website.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            2\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Two\">Assemble a Board of Directors<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>In Iowa, a nonprofit corporation must have a board of directors to help guide and oversee the organization. While Iowa law requires a minimum of one director, the IRS requires at least three directors for tax-exempt status. As practice most nonprofits have several board members to bring diverse perspectives and skills. The board provides corporate governance, making important decisions and ensuring the nonprofit adheres to laws and its own rules. Their tasks include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Setting goals and determining how to achieve them<\/li>\n<li>Overseeing finances to make sure money is spent wisely<\/li>\n<li>Developing policies to guide the nonprofit&#8217;s actions<\/li>\n<li>Holding the organization accountable for its mission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, board members use their networks to connect the nonprofit with resources and often participate in fundraising activities. When choosing board members, look for individuals with skills and experience that match the nonprofit&#8217;s mission. For example, a nonprofit cat shelter might look for a veterinarian to serve on its board because of their valuable expertise in animal health and welfare.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            3\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Three\">File Articles of Incorporation<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>To officially create your nonprofit, draft the Articles of Incorporation in PDF format and upload them to the Iowa Secretary of State&#8217;s website. Filing requirements under the Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.iowa.gov\/docs\/code\/504.202.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iowa Code Section 504.202<\/a> include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nonprofit\u2019s name<\/li>\n<li>Address of the corporation&#8217;s office<\/li>\n<li>Registered agent service\u2019s name and address<\/li>\n<li>Name and address of each incorporator<\/li>\n<li>Whether the nonprofit will have members<\/li>\n<li>Information about the distribution of assets on dissolution<\/li>\n<li>$20 filing fee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The incorporators (people starting the nonprofit) must sign the articles. You can file online through the Iowa Secretary of State\u2019s website, where you\u2019ll need to create an account to <a href=\"https:\/\/filings.sos.iowa.gov\/Account\/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">access the filing system<\/a>. After you file, the state will issue a Certificate of Acknowledgment to the nonprofit.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Or you can let <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-ia-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Txt\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">our\u00a0trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>\u00a0handle your nonprofit creation starting at $99 plus filing fees.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            4\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Four\">Create Bylaws<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Bylaws provide a governance structure for your nonprofit and outline the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and officers. Bylaws set rules for how your nonprofit will operate like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How to conduct the meetings<\/li>\n<li>How to choose new board members<\/li>\n<li>How to make decisions<\/li>\n<li>Methods for resolving issues or disagreements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your nonprofit must have bylaws to get tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            5\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Five\">Hold Initial Board Meeting<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Schedule the first organizational meeting for your board of directors. During this meeting, the board will adopt the bylaws, elect officers, and address other important matters, such as setting initial goals or discussing upcoming projects. Take notes, called minutes, to keep a record of what was decided and discussed. These minutes help ensure everyone is on the same page and provide a reference for future meetings.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            6\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Six\">Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>An EIN is like a Social Security number for a nonprofit corporation and helps the IRS identify your organization for tax purposes. Nonprofits need an EIN to open a bank account and hire employees. To apply for an EIN online, go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/employer-identification-number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS website<\/a> to complete and submit the application. After you submit the form, you&#8217;ll get the EIN immediately.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            7\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Seven\">Apply to the IRS for Tax-Exempt Status<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>To apply for federal tax-exempt status, a nonprofit corporation needs to fill out special forms for the IRS. If the nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) organization, which includes charities, religious, and educational groups, it should use Form 1023 or the simpler Form 1023-EZ. If they can use the 1023-EZ, they must submit it online using the <a href=\"http:\/\/pay.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pay.gov<\/a> website. If the nonprofit is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, it should complete Form 1024-A. For other types of nonprofit organizations, like those under 501(a), Form 1024 is the right one to use. Once your tax-exempt status is approved, you will receive a determination letter from the IRS.<\/p>\n<p>In Iowa, a nonprofit recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS is automatically exempt from paying state income tax. However, if the nonprofit earns unrelated business income, it must pay taxes on that money. To report this unrelated business income, the nonprofit must fill out a special form called Iowa Form 1120. Nonprofits still must pay state sales tax on things they buy unless some other sales tax exemption applies. You can find more information about <a href=\"https:\/\/revenue.iowa.gov\/taxes\/tax-guidance\/sales-use-excise-tax\/sales-use-tax-guide\/nonprofit-entities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nonprofit state tax exemptions<\/a> on the Iowa Department of Revenue website.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><b>After Filing a Nonprofit<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>After you startup your nonprofit, maintain its good standing by complying with the following reporting requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>File Annual Returns with the IRS.<\/b> Nonprofit tax-exempt organizations must file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/annual-filing-and-forms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>IRS Form 990 or Form 990-EZ<\/u><\/a> each year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>File Biennial Reports.<\/b> Instead of annual reports, nonprofits in Iowa have to file a Biennial Report with the Secretary of State between January 1 and April 1 every two years, on odd-numbered years like 2023 or 2025. It doesn\u2019t cost anything to file this report.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Iowa nonprofits don\u2019t need a state business license but should confirm whether local government offices require specific licenses or permits. State law does not require nonprofits in Iowa to register with the state to solicit donations, but professional fundraisers and charitable trusts must register with the Iowa Attorney General.<\/p>\n<p>Starting a nonprofit may seem challenging, but we&#8217;re here to guide you through every step. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/checklist-starting-a-non-profit-corporation.html\">Starting a Nonprofit Organization Checklist<\/a> and explore our resources on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/non-profit-organizations.html\">Nonprofit Organization Law<\/a>. If you need personalized guidance, consider seeking advice from an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">experienced attorney<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Or you can let <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-ia-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Txt\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">our\u00a0trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>\u00a0handle your nonprofit creation starting at $99 plus filing fees.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:\u202f<\/b>The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm 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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\" fl-section-sidebar  \"><div class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Kickstart your nonprofit in minutes!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <p>LegalZoom\u2019s simplified registration process helps you get your nonprofit off to the right start.<\/p>\n<p><b>Nonprofit plans start at $99 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-ia-es\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">Get started<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=state_biz:dir:lz_esum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">\n                        Starting a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">\n                        Business Tax Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Organization Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/mergers-acquisitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mergers &#038; Acquisitions Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/antitrust-trade-regulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Antitrust Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/banking-finance-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Banking &#038; Finance Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/franchising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchising Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business &#038; Commercial Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section\n    class=\"fl-next-steps\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-legal-zoom\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-next-steps-content\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column fl-next-steps-column-legal-zoom\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-column-left\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help fl-legal-zoom-help-with-icons\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-legal-zoom-help\"\n            >\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n                >\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-main fl-desktop\"\n                    \/>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-bottom\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-text\">\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-subtitle\">\n                        <p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <h2 class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-title fl-callout-md\">\n                        Need Help Forming a Nonprofit?\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-description fl-text-lg-medium\">\n                        <p>FindLaw&#8217;s trusted partner, LegalZoom, provides a straightforward process to help you set up your nonprofit. Join the millions who launched their organizations with\u00a0LegalZoom<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">. Nonprofit plans start at $99 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-ia-footer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-help-button diy-biz-affiliate\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Ft Banner\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" aria-disabled=\"false\" target=\"_blank\">\n                        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start My Nonprofit<\/span>\n                        <i\n                            class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                        ><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-help-links\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-help-links\"\n            >\n                <h2 class=\"fl-help-links-title fl-callout-sm\">\n                    Related Resources\n                <\/h2>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin fl-text-lg\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Filing LLC Taxes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/filing-llc-taxes.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Filing LLC Taxes<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"LLC Member Tax FAQs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llc-member-tax-faqs.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">LLC Member Tax FAQs<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/starting-a-limited-liability-company-llc-checklist.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains how to form a nonprofit in Iowa, covering naming, board recruitment, incorporation, and tax-exempt status. Learn how to start your Iowa nonprofit today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":5123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleDIYConversionController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-5356","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5356","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5356"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5356\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":400892,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5356\/revisions\/400892"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5356"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5356"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5356"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=5356"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=5356"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}