Start a 501(c)(3) or Other Nonprofit

When it comes to starting a 501(c)(3), The Foundation Group is the professional resource America’s nonprofits turn to the most!  Whether you are starting a charity, foundation, church, school, or any other nonprofit organization, our full-service solution makes it simple for you to get there.  How?

  • Over 12,000 nonprofit organizations started
  • Expert counsel, not just document prep
  • We’ve never lost an IRS case
  • Your approval is guaranteed!

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Free Download:  10 Questions You Must Consider Before Starting a Nonprofit

You want to start a nonprofit. Great!

But what does it really take to start a nonprofit?  What are the non-negotiables that simply must be in place in order to get started with any hope for success?  What steps are required to make sure the organization you are starting can work in tight economic conditions?

Download our free guidebook and learn the questions you should be asking before you get started on your adventure.

Click to download!

Essential Compliance Services

Your compliance filings cannot be an afterthought.  Staying on top of state and federal requirements is essential to long-term organizational success.  Our Compliance Team works with hundreds of nonprofits each year, assisting them with things such as:

Trust our experts to keep your nonprofit running smoothly!

Foundation Group – Empowering Nonprofits Since 1995

The Foundation Group is America’s #1 provider of formation services to new nonprofits.  With over 12,000 clients served, no one has more experience.

And formation is just the beginning…Our compliance department ensures that our clients stay on the right side of state and federal regulations.

Let Foundation Group empower your nonprofit!

More about FG

Nonprofit Mini-FAQ

What is a 501(c)(3)?

First of all, it's not a 5013c or a 503c or any of the hosts of other mistaken identities that it gets called. A 501(c)(3) organization is simply a nonprofit organization (usually incorporated) that has applied for and obtained recognition of tax exemption by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

What types of organizations qualify?

In order for the IRS to recognize an organization as being qualified for 501(c)(3) status, it must satisfy the IRS's general definition of being organized for charitable purposes. "Charity" is broadly defined to include the following organizational purposes: religious, educational, charitable (benevolence), scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering of national or international amateur sports, or prevention of cruelty to animals and children.

How do you start a 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organization?

Answering that question is what we are about. Check out our nonprofit organization startup page for more details...or just give us a call on our toll-free number at the top of the page.

Need More Answers?

Check out our FAQ page for more detailed answers to these and other important questions.

Client Feedback...

Dealing with the IRS is the last thing a motivated foundation like Back to Wild wants to spend its time and energy on. Thanks to Foundation Group, we have our 501(c)(3) status fast and question free from the IRS. (You) were very professional and knew exactly what we did not…so indeed, a great partner for any new nonprofit.

– John Dodson, Back to Wild Foundation - http://www.backtowild.org/

I was amazed and jubilant when I opened our IRS approval letter. The high quality of The Foundation Group’s work can be seen in the fact that it took only 15 days from the time of submission to approval by the IRS. Your error-free attention to details helped smooth the way. I heartily recommend The Foundation Group to anyone seeking assistance in the 501(c)(3) process.

– Rev. David Cole, Golden Gate Senior Fellowship

If you are blessed and fortunate enough to find this web site, I suggest you go another step further. The Foundation Group has proven their capabilities continuously. I am just another example of that. God bless and take that next step with the Foundation Group!

– David L. Thomas, Light Bearer's, Inc.

Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate your knowledge, customer service and attitude. More companies should use your model of ensuring their customers’ success.

– Ferman Ansel, Arabian Horse Legacy Foundation - http://www.insallah.org

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you…can’t say it enough. You don’t know what this will mean to all the children and their families that we will serve!!!

– Vicky Morris, Lil Bit O' Heaven Foundation - http://jubileeranch.org

Absolutely quote me…The board of directors is astounded, as is our CPA. I mark it up to you knowing your business and making sure that all requirements are met. You are wonderful to work with, insightful, put into the “right words” our intent…THANK YOU so much from the entire Board of Directors.

– Lee Denlinger, Int'l Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians - http://www.ifrm.org/ifrm/index.php

Today is a true red letter day around here!  We have just received our Determination Letter from the IRS recognizing the Foundation to Illuminate America’s Heroes as a public charity under the Code!  We are ecstatic and grateful to you and to your wonderful organization for all of your expertise.  You may be sure that we will be recommending the Foundation Group!

– David Jamison, President, Foundation to Illuminate America's Heroes

On behalf of the Northmont Friends in Service for Humanity (FISH), Inc., I would like to express our deep appreciation for the support of the staff at Foundation Group for their assistance in guiding us through this process of becoming a nonprofit Corporation and a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.  All of us on the Board of Directors have been impressed with the friendliness, technical knowledge, and professionalism of the Foundation Group staff.  With grateful appreciation…

– Randall Leverage, President, Northmont F.I.S.H.