How To Start a Nonprofit in Alaska in Ten Steps

Before you name your nonprofit, you should have a mission statement with a clear idea of what you want your nonprofit to accomplish. When choosing a name, think of something that aligns with your mission. The name must also be unique so others won’t confuse it with another charity or business entity.

To do a name search in Alaska, go to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website and search the corporation database. If the name is not registered, it is available to use.

Then, check if the name is already used on the internet or registered as a domain name. Use the ICANN Domain Names Registration Lookup tool to search for the name. If the name is not registered, you can use it. You may also consider registering it as a domain name for you to use on your websites and prevent others from using it.

Finally, search the name on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. If the name is a registered trademark, you cannot use it. If your name is essential to your brand and you do not want others to use it, consider trademark registration.

A board of directors serves to govern your nonprofit and make major decisions. They oversee your activities, review financial statements, and help with charitable solicitations to further your mission. Board members have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the organization and avoid self-dealing. In Alaska, you must have at least three members on your board.

You may ask someone with connections or a high profile to serve on your board. They can help with networking and fundraising for your nonprofit. They should also have a passion for your mission and have some professional expertise. For example, you may want a CPA or accountant to explain financial reports or a retired lawyer who can help with legal issues or compliance.

To set up a corporation in Alaska, you must complete and file Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation with the Alaska Division of Corporations.

The information needed is

• Name of the corporation (it must have a corporate ending such as “corporation, company, incorporated, limited,” or abbreviation of one of those words)

• Corporate purpose

• Registered agent name and address

• Name and address of Initial Board of Directors

• Name and signature of Incorporator(s)

If filing by mail, send the Articles of Incorporation along with the $50.00 filing fee to the State of Alaska Corporations Section, PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806.

You can complete an online application with the Alaska Department of Commerce.

Or you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your nonprofit creation starting at $99 plus filing fees.

Nonprofit organizations must have corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy for federal tax exemption. Corporate bylaws detail how to run the organization, defining members’ roles and responsibilities, holding elections, when to meet and the number of officers needed to make significant decisions. Board members must sign a conflict-of-interest statement certifying they will act in the best interests of the organization and not enrich themselves.

At your initial meeting with your board of directors, you will elect the officers of your organization, adopt your bylaws, and handle any other administrative matters. It is important to record notes of your board meetings, called the “minutes,” and keep them with your corporate paperwork and legal documents.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for issuing Federal Employer Identification Numbers. The EIN identifies your organization. You need an EIN to open bank accounts and for tax purposes. You apply for the EIN by going to the IRS website and completing Form SS-4.

With your incorporation paperwork and EIN, you can now apply for federal tax-exempt status with the IRS. You file an application form based on your type of nonprofit as defined under the Internal Revenue Code.

• For 501(c)(3) charitable, religious, and educational nonprofit organizations, use Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. If your annual gross receipts won’t exceed $50,000, file Form 1023-EZ and pay the fee at the Pay.gov site.

• For 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, use Form 1024-A.

• Other tax-exempt or nonprofit organizations, such as 501(a), use Form 1024.

Once you are approved, the IRS will send a determination letter to confirm the organization’s nonprofit status.

Alaska does not have a state income tax or sales tax, so once you have federal tax-exempt status, you do not need to file anything with Alaska state for a state tax exemption.

You must file an initial report within six months of your incorporation date, providing the names and contact information of your registered agent and board members. This initial report filing can be done online. There is no charge for the report filing.

A nonprofit organization operating in Alaska must apply for a business license. You can complete a business license application at the Business Licensing section of the Division of Corporation’s website. The state fee for a business license is $50.

Any charitable organization that solicits contributions of money or property in Alaska must register with the Alaska Department of Law. There are instructions for online registration. You can complete the charitable registration form online after paying a $40 fee. You will have to renew your registration each year.