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The Sure System

SureStart

Start a Private Foundation with Expert Guidance

Private foundations offer full family control and philanthropic flexibility, but require precise compliance. For over 30 years, our specialists have guided families through every step of formation.

50,000+ Nonprofits Formed
100% IRS Approval Rate
30+ Years in Foundation Formation

WHY A PRIVATE FOUNDATION

The Right Structure for Families Building a Legacy of Giving

A private foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity that gives families and closely-held groups full control over their philanthropic giving, funded privately rather than through public donations. This structure requires annual distribution of at least 5% of net assets for charitable purposes, while allowing remaining investments to keep growing. Our seasoned professionals have helped thousands of families establish fully compliant, IRS-approved foundations built to last for generations.

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THE BASICS

What Is SureStart™, Exactly?

SureStart™ is Foundation Group’s end-to-end 501(c)(3) formation service. Instead of piecing together a formation checklist from scattered articles and hoping you didn’t miss a step, you get a dedicated Nonprofit Exemption Specialist and IRS-licensed tax professionals who handle incorporation, bylaws, governance policies, and your IRS application — start to finish.

It’s the difference between assembling nonprofit formation yourself and having a team that’s done it 50,000+ times do it with you.

Foundation Group team

WHAT YOU GET

What’s Included in Every Package

Every SureStart™ package includes the essential legal, tax, and compliance building blocks your nonprofit needs — handled by professionals from day one.

Personal Exemption Specialist
Expertise matters! That's why every SureStart™ client is paired with one of our in-house Nonprofit Exemption Specialists, who is an expert in the particular type of organization you are starting. They will dive deep into your plans, and help you apply with the state government to form your nonprofit according to compliant, best practice.
CoreComplete
Oversight by Tax Pros
Credentials matter, too! Foundation Group is the only nonprofit-focused specialty firm in America providing true tax advice and counsel for nonprofits. Our team includes Licensed Enrolled Agents and CPAs, ensuring federal and state tax compliance for all SureStart™ clients.
CoreComplete
Personal Compliance Specialist
Once your nonprofit is formed, our Compliance team takes over to keep your organization in total compliance with state and federal requirements.
Complete
Name Availability
Your nonprofit's name is your brand. It's your public identity. We research name availability in your state, prior to incorporation, so that you can secure the name you most want or the closest variant possible.
ExpressCoreComplete
Articles of Incorporation
Sometimes called a Charter, this is the document that legally establishes your nonprofit corporation in your chosen home state. Your date of incorporation is usually considered the official, legal birthday of your nonprofit. We prepare your Articles of Incorporation for you to file with your state's Corporations Office.
ExpressCoreComplete
Bylaws
Your bylaws are one of your most important legal documents. They dictate how your nonprofit will be governed by its board of directors. We prepare state- and IRS-compliant, draft bylaws that are best suited to your unique needs. Or, if you already have bylaws, we will review for compliance and advise changes at your direction.
ExpressCoreComplete
Conflict of Interest Policy
Nonprofit organizations are required to have a policy that dictates how its leadership will manage conflict-of-interest. We provide a compliant Conflict of Interest Policy that is plug-and-play ready, and will help your leadership avoid unnecessary problems.
CoreComplete
501(c)(3) Status
This is where it all comes together! As a private service provider, we prepare your 501(c)(3) tax-exemption application and represent it while it is under review by the IRS. We've helped 50,000+ nonprofits through this process with 100% success, since 1995.
ExpressCoreComplete
State Tax Exemption
Some states' Division of Taxation requires nonprofits to obtain a state equivalent to IRS 501(c)(3) status in order to be corporate tax exempt. California and Texas are especially complex in this regard. We work with you to apply for and receive state exemption where necessary.
Complete
State Fundraising Registration
The vast majority of states require nonprofits to register with their Division of Charities prior to seeking donor support or initiating other revenue generating activities. Our Compliance Team works with you to get you registered in your home state, unlocking your ability to raise the funds you need.
Complete
IRS Form 990 Preparation (1st Year)
Equivalent to a corporate tax return for nonprofits, IRS Form 990 must be filed annually by all 501(c)(3) organizations. Failure to file can result in having your nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status revoked. All SureStart™ clients can rest assured, knowing their first year's Form 990 preparation is included in their startup package.
Complete
Ongoing Consultation
SureStart™ clients are provided one year of ongoing access to our consulting staff by appointment or online client portal. Get the answers you need to make better decisions, reduce risk, and grow your organization.
Complete
SureComply™
One year complimentary membership to our SureComply™ compliance services bundle. A $2,000 value!
Complete
Registered Agent Service
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal and government documents on behalf of your nonprofit. Most states require a registered agent with a physical address in the state of incorporation. Your SureStart™ package includes registered agent service so your organization has a reliable, professional point of contact for service of process and state correspondence. Inquire about adding on a virtual mailbox to maintain your privacy throughout the formation process, available through our partner, SnapMailbox™.
CoreComplete
Start Your Nonprofit

Founder working on nonprofit formation

IS THIS FOR YOU?

SureStart™ is for you if:

  • You’re ready to turn your mission into a nonprofit and need a clear path forward.
  • You want expert guidance through nonprofit incorporation and the 501(c)(3) application process.
  • You’d rather focus on building your organization than navigating unfamiliar paperwork and requirements.
  • You want a strong foundation for fundraising, governance, and ongoing compliance.

Ready to get your SureStart™?

Let's Do It

THREE SIMPLE STEPS

Nonprofit formation, done right, the first time.

Foundation Group’s Nonprofit Exemption Specialists and IRS-credentialed tax professionals have formed 50,000+ nonprofits. We make it simple.

1

You Share Your Plans

Tell us about your mission, your structure, and your goals. Your dedicated Nonprofit Exemption Specialist reviews your situation so there’s no guesswork about what your organization needs.

2

We Build Your Foundation

We prepare your Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and governance policies, and file everything with your state — accurately, and in the right order.

3

We Secure Your IRS Approval

We prepare and file your 501(c)(3) application, handle all IRS follow-up correspondence, and keep you informed until your tax-exempt status is approved.

HEAR FROM OUR FOUNDER

Why a Private Foundation Might Be Right for You

WHY NONPROFITS TRUST FOUNDATION GROUP

Years Serving Nonprofits

30+Three decades of exclusive focus on 501(c) tax-exempt compliance. This is all we do — not as a side practice, but as our sole expertise.

Enrolled Agents

PROSEvery form we prepare is overseen by IRS-licensed Enrolled Agents — the highest federal credential for tax representation nationwide.

Nonprofits Served

50k+Tens of thousands of 501(c) organizations have trusted us with their compliance — from first filing to annual returns, year after year.

Expertise That Goes Beyond Basic Nonprofit Formation

Foundation Group's team includes Enrolled AgentsEnrolled Agents are federally authorized tax practitioners with advanced credentials and broad authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Earning this status requires passing a comprehensive IRS exam (or qualifying federal experience) plus ongoing continuing education — the same unlimited practice rights held by attorneys and CPAs., federally authorized tax practitioners with advanced credentials and broad authority to represent taxpayers in matters before the IRS.

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Earning Enrolled Agent status requires either passing a comprehensive three-part examination covering federal tax matters or qualifying through prior IRS experience. Enrolled Agents must also meet ongoing ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years.

Like attorneys and CPAs, Enrolled Agents have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, meaning they can represent taxpayers across a wide range of tax matters and IRS offices. That depth of expertise gives our clients access to professionals who understand the federal requirements surrounding nonprofit tax exemption and how those requirements affect the work we prepare together.

Enrolled Agents are independent tax professionals and are not employees or representatives of the IRS. Foundation Group is a privately owned, independent nonprofit services firm and is not affiliated with any government agency.

To verify the credential of any enrolled agent (including our own!) you can follow this link.

Interested in learning more about Enrolled Agents? Click the link below.

Learn more about Enrolled Agents in Treasury Department Circular 230.

YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE

Path Forward

Path Forward™ is the guidance system woven into everything we do. For nonprofit formation, that means helping you understand exactly where your organization stands, what still needs to happen, and what deserves your attention next.

From your first filing through IRS approval, we keep you informed with clear reporting, practical guidance, and a team that understands the nonprofit landscape. You get more than paperwork handled — you get a clearer view of your organization and experienced guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Talk to Our Team

Foundation Group team consulting with a client

Nonprofit Compliance - 100% Moneyback Guarantee

Your Private Foundation 501(c)(3) Application Will Be Approved, or Your Money Back.

We've helped more than 50,000 nonprofits earn IRS tax-exempt status, with a 100% approval rate. That kind of track record doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of 30 years of expert preparation, precision processes, and unwavering focus on nonprofit compliance. No fine print. No runaround. Just confidence backed by experience.

Choose the SureStart™ Plan That’s Right For You

SureStart™ LevelsHover for item details ExpressTotal Annual Revenue Under $50k CoreThe Essentials CompleteTotal Compliance Solution
Name Availability
Articles of Incorporation
Draft Bylaws
IRS 501(c)(3) Application Preparation and Filing
Conflict of Interest Policy–
Personal Exemption Specialist–
Oversight by IRS-Licensed Tax Specialist–
Personal Compliance Specialist––
State Tax Exemption––
SureComply™––
State Fundraising Registration––
IRS Form 990 Preparation (1st Year)––
Ongoing Consultation––
Ready to Get Started? See If You Qualify Let's Talk! Let's Talk!

TIRED OF THE GUESSING GAME?

Formation Has a Lot of Moving Parts. We Already Know Them All.

Here’s what most first-time founders don’t know until they’re already stuck:

  • Which IRS form actually applies to you — Form 1023 or the shorter 1023-EZ, and whether you even qualify for the short form.
  • What your bylaws legally need to say — generic templates miss state-specific and IRS governance requirements.
  • Whether your state requires fundraising registration — most do, and the rules vary widely.
  • What happens if the IRS has questions — and who's going to answer them.

Get Expert Help Now

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Private Foundation

What is a private foundation?
A private foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization typically funded by a single source — an individual, family, or corporation — rather than through broad public support. It offers more control over grantmaking and governance than a public charity, in exchange for stricter IRS compliance rules.
How is a private foundation different from a public charity?
Public charities rely on broad public support and generally face fewer restrictions. Private foundations can be closely controlled by a family or small group and are typically funded privately, but face additional rules — including a minimum annual distribution requirement and an excise tax on net investment income.
How much does a private foundation have to give away each year?
The IRS generally requires private foundations to distribute at least 5% of the fair market value of their net investment assets annually for charitable purposes. Our team helps you plan distributions correctly from year one.
Can my family control the foundation?
Yes. Unlike a public charity, a private foundation can be governed entirely by family members or a closely connected group, giving you direct control over its mission and grantmaking for generations.
What is self-dealing, and why does it matter?
Self-dealing rules restrict certain financial transactions between a private foundation and its “disqualified persons” — typically founders, family members, and substantial contributors. Getting your governing documents and policies right from the start helps you stay clear of these rules.
What ongoing compliance does a private foundation need?
Private foundations must file an annual IRS Form 990-PF, may owe excise tax on net investment income, and must meet state-level registration and tax requirements. Our SureComply™ membership handles all of this for you.
What makes private foundations unique?

Private foundations are the cornerstone of philanthropy. They play an essential role in helping fund charitable activities around the globe. Although some may perform their own programs, most foundations are organized for the purpose of assisting public charities through grants and other giving.

A distinct characteristic of private foundations is their flexibility. Control can be vested with a founding family or other closely connected group. Funding is often closely obtained, as well, since many private foundations do not seek public donations. In addition, private foundations are unique in that they are required to annually distribute as little as 5% of net assets for charitably-related purposes, allowing for investments to continue to grow to fund future gifts.

Why start a private foundation?

For families and others looking to establish a heritage of charitable giving, a Private Foundation provides the perfect vehicle. Unlike a public charity, a private foundation can be managed by family members only, if you so choose. What better way to instill a legacy of giving that can impact your family for generations!

A private foundation can be a wise choice for non-families, too, if closer control and/or closer funding are critically important to you.

How do I start a private foundation the right way?

Private foundations, while flexible, are subject to tighter compliance restrictions than charities. You need professionals who understand the rules and who can help you establish a foundation that is ethically structured and maximizes impact.

In our experience in helping over 20,000 nonprofits, we know that those who partner with Foundation Group have a huge head start at long-term success. Our team of experts will prepare your state and federal formation documents, and represent your case before the IRS, tackling any questions or concerns they may have on your behalf.

Best yet, you will get powerful insights and strategic advice, specific to the needs of private foundations, that will jump-start your vision with compliant best practice. Issues like conflict-of-interest, personal services, and grant distributions don’t have to be a headache. Trust our team to make the complex understandable.

Take advantage of our educational materials to learn more about private foundations.

GET STARTED

Ready to Start Your Foundation?

Request a free consultation and a member of our team will reach out to discuss your private foundation options. Most responses within one business day.

Prefer to talk now?(888) 361-9445

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