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Planning. Formation. Compliance. Books.
Be Sure with The Sure System!
It's Not Just About Filing.
It's About Foundation.

The real risk isn’t making a typo on an IRS form.

It’s building -or running- an organization that looks official on paper, but falls apart when it matters most.

The truth? Most founders don’t fail because of passion. They fail because they weren’t given a roadmap.You need more than paperwork.

You need a framework. A guide. A system that:

Grounds your mission in clarity
Gets you IRS-approved without second-guessing
Keeps you compliant year after year

The Sure System™ gives you exactly that.

What Is The Sure System?

The Sure System™ is a fully-guided framework that takes you from mission conception to long-term compliance,
whether you’re building a community charity, forming a private foundation, or overseeing the operation of an existing nonprofit organization.

This 4-part system ensures you plan wisely, start correctly, file confidently, and record accurately.  It’s a complete ecosystem designed for your nonprofit’s long-term success!

Build a strong foundation and turn your mission into a structured, IRS-ready plan.

Our private community is built for nonprofit leaders who want connection and clarity. Inside, you’ll find crafted coursework, peer conversations, and early access to resources and events that move your mission forward. It’s a supportive space to ask questions, share wins, and learn from others walking the same path.

Our proprietary, cutting-edge Knowledge Base isn’t a generic help center. It’s the highlights of decades of IRS interactions, compliance insights, and nonprofit best practices distilled into one trusted resource.

No tech background? No problem. This guide gives you a nonprofit-specific overview of what software, tools, and infrastructure you actually need—without wasting time or money on the wrong solutions.

Get clarity on who should be on your board—and what they’re supposed to do. Our smart reference tool walks you through roles, responsibilities, and expectations, helping you avoid common mistakes and confusion.

These bite-sized guides help you tackle foundational topics with focus and strategy. From defining your key objectives to clarifying your services, these guides keep your planning on track.

Clear, practical checklists that show you exactly what needs to happen—and in what order. Ideal for keeping yourself (and your vision) organized and forward-moving.

Short, jargon-free videos that explain the essentials of forming and running a nonprofit. Watch on your own schedule and come back anytime you need a refresher.

A simple but powerful tool to check how well your idea aligns with IRS expectations. This early compliance litmus test helps prevent challenging surprises down the road.

Professionally designed spreadsheets to help you plan, track, and adjust your budget with clarity. These templates are flexible, founder-friendly, and ready for real nonprofit use.

A straightforward intro to how nonprofit accounting works. Learn what’s different, what to avoid, and how to stay organized without hiring a full-time bookkeeper.

An editable starter document to help you define how your nonprofit will function day-to-day. Use it as a blueprint for staffing, systems, and strategic alignment.

Access real-world templates used by successful nonprofits. These samples help you prepare for board reviews, grant proposals, and startup financial planning.

Start with a properly structured financial foundation. Our sample chart of accounts is built for IRS compliance and day-to-day usability—no guesswork required.

Save time and ensure legal coverage with attorney-reviewed policy templates. Customize them to your organization’s needs and launch with confidence.

A full-featured online learning hub designed for new nonprofit founders. Built to grow with you, this coursework platform will deepen your understanding and expand your operational skills over time.

Bring your nonprofit to life with expert filing and formation that guarantees IRS approval.

Before we file anything, we help you get clear on what you’re building—and why. This foundational step ensures your nonprofit idea is IRS-aligned, mission-ready, and built to last.

You’re never alone in the process. A nonprofit formation expert walks with you from start to finish, bringing clarity, structure, and support at every step.

We don’t disappear after the paperwork is filed. We stay in touch, keep you updated, and make sure you’re never left guessing.

Post questions, review documents, and check your project status—anytime. Our digital portal gives you 24/7 access to your formation project, tools and tasks.

We don’t wait for you to chase us down. Our team actively tracks deadlines, forms, and status updates to keep your filing moving forward.

Get the confidence of having IRS-licensed professionals handle your filing. Our Enrolled Agents (EAs) represent you before the IRS and state authorities, if needed.

Every application is reviewed by a licensed tax pro with deep nonprofit experience. This extra layer of oversight helps ensure your filing is accurate and IRS-ready.

We don’t hope you get approved—we guarantee it. With over 50,000 nonprofits formed, we know how to get it done right.

We secure your Employer Identification Number so you can open a bank account, hire staff, and operate legally as a nonprofit.

We draft and file your Articles of Incorporation to meet both IRS and state requirements. No templates—just tailored, compliant documents.

Your Bylaws are the foundation of your governance. We create custom, IRS-ready documents that reflect your structure and mission.

We prepare and submit your Form 1023 or 1023-EZ with expert precision. Every detail is handled for you—no stress, no guesswork.

We take care of any state-level tax exemption applications needed to protect your nonprofit from income and/or franchise taxes.

We include an IRS-compliant policy that protects your board and keeps your application on track. Expected by the IRS—handled by us.

Plan ahead with a clean, editable budget built for nonprofit realities. Helps you clarify your operations and present well to funders.

*SureSTART Complete clients will receive their first year’s Form 990 preparation, as well as required charitable solicitation registration in their home state.

SureSTART clients receive a trial of our popular SurePLAN membership (SureSTART Core – 6 months; SureSTART Complete – 12 months).

Stay confident and compliant, year after year, without the stress or guesswork.

Compliance is more than a checklist—it’s a strategy. Our Path Forward Approach helps you understand your obligations, anticipate what’s next, and keep your nonprofit in good standing.

Get year-round access to a compliance expert who knows your organization. Ask questions, solve problems, and make decisions with someone who cares deeply about your success.

We’re here when you need us—not just during filing season. Your support doesn’t pause just because your form has been submitted.

Access compliance tools, updates, and your projects anytime. Our digital portal keeps you in control—no emails lost, no paper trails needed.

We stay on top of your compliance calendar so you don’t have to. From filing deadlines to state renewals, we manage the moving parts.

If something comes up, you’re covered. Our Enrolled Agents are licensed to speak directly to the IRS or state authorities on your behalf.

Every filing is reviewed by a licensed professional with deep nonprofit experience. You’ll have peace of mind knowing nothing is left to chance.

We prepare and file your Form 990 (N, EZ, PF, or Full) with accuracy and timeliness. One less thing to worry about—and no risk of penalties.

We check in regularly to catch issues before they become problems. These touchpoints help you stay current, not reactive. Your new emoji will be a happy face.

We handle your registration so you can legally fundraise in your state or multiple states. Required filings? We’ve got you covered!

Annual renewals are filed on time and without surprises. We keep your fundraising status active so your donations stay uninterrupted.

Once a year, we do a deep dive into your compliance health. This proactive review helps identify gaps and strengthen internal practices.

Behind schedule? We’ll file for an extension—on time and at no extra charge. It’s part of how we keep your nonprofit protected.

We electronically file eligible returns for speed, accuracy, and transparency. You’ll get confirmation, tracking, and peace of mind.

SureCOMPLY clients receive a complimentary membership in SurePLAN for the length of their engagement.

Keeps your financial house in order so you can focus on impact instead of spreadsheets.

Bookkeeping can be a complex task.  Our Path Forward approach respects the complexity and creates a compliant bookkeeping system that gives you the financial reporting you need the way you need it.

While your nonprofit benefits from the combined skills and expertise of our entire team, your organization will have a dedicated nonprofit bookkeeping specialist who has primary responsibility for your account and is your main point of contact throughout your engagement.

Just like with all of our services, we’re here for you.  We won’t leave you guessing about what comes next!

Access compliance tools, updates, and your projects anytime. Our digital portal keeps you in control—no emails lost, no paper trails needed.

Our Accounting Services division is overseen by long-time industry experts, including CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and other accounting and bookkeeping professionals who understand the importance of getting it right everytime.

Whether you come to us with a well-established bookkeeping system, or you are essentially starting from scratch, we will make sure your chart of accounts is up to par with what you really need.

A key component of any bookkeeping service, your dedicated bookkeeper will reconcile your bank, credit, and other accounts to ensure accurate and timely records.

Journal entries are sometimes needed to record transactions or make corrections to accounts.  Your bookkeeper will keep your records accurate and up-to-date, posting journal entries when needed.

We will prepare and file any necessary year-end Form 1099-NECs for nonemployee contractors and vendors.  *First 5 are complimentary.

Some larger organizations may be required to secure an audit from a qualified CPA firm annually in order to comply with state law.  When necessary, our Bookkeeping Team can interact with your audit firm, assisting them with answers to questions they may have. *First 2 hours are complimentary.  Additional hours are billed at $125/hr.

A key benefit of our Sure System is that all services are integrated, meaning that all of our teams directly collaborate on client services. Your bookkeeper will work with your tax preparer, your state solicitation registration specialist, or any other necessary team member to ensure we take a holistic approach to all of your service deliverables.

SureBOOKS clients receive a 10% discount on SureCOMPLY membership, a considerable value over a-la-carte purchase.

Because we are preferred partners with both Quickbooks and Gusto, you can receive substantial discounts on Quickbooks Online and Gusto Payroll subscriptions through your SureBOOKS engagement.

SureBOOKS clients receive a complimentary membership in SurePLAN for the length of their bookkeeping engagement.

The Sure System (How It Works)

Schedule a Call

We’ll talk through your goals, challenges, and needs and help you understand how our Sure System approach is better than simply buying services a-la-carte.  We can match you to the right setup.

Map Your SurePLAN

If you’re early-stage, this is your starting place. We’ll help shape your mission, programs, and budget to be IRS- and funder-ready. Already drafted something? We’ll review and strengthen it.

SurePLAN is included with all SureSTART Complete and SureCOMPLY packages, or a membership can be purchased separately for only $49/month.

File With SureSTART

We help you start your nonprofit by preparing every required state and federal filing and supporting and representing your application through governmental review, with an IRS approval guarantee.

Stay Compliant With SureCOMPLY

We prepare your Form 990, state charitable solicitation registrations, and more—so you stay in good standing, automatically.

Record Confidently with SureBOOKS

Built for nonprofit compliance and designed for clarity, this added level of service completely eliminates guesswork.  Be confident that your books are accurate, timely, and understandable.

Some Common Concerns We Address

Worried founders and nonprofit professionals often come to us saying:

“I submitted the Form 1023-EZ, but I don’t think that was right.”
“Our mission changed, and now our programs don’t match.”
“We lost our nonprofit status. Can we get it back?”
“I didn’t realize I had to register with the state to fundraise.”
“We haven’t filed a Form 990 in two years. Are we in trouble?”

These aren’t edge cases. They’re everyday realities for nonprofit founders and professionals who were handed a checklist, but no partner.

You don’t need to learn the hard way. You just need a system built by people who’ve walked thousands of nonprofits through this before.

Guidance You Can Count On

This isn’t just an online portal or chatbot (although our state-of-the-art portal makes communication easy and efficient).

When you work with Foundation Group, you’re assigned a real person who reviews your mission, asks questions beyond the surface-level, and walks with you through each phase of your journey.

Over the past 30 years, we’ve guided founders of public charities, private foundations, and sole member nonprofits alike—because while each structure is different, the need for clarity and compliance is the same.

You’ll interact with:

IRS experts who’ve reviewed thousands of 501(c)(3) applications
Nonprofit specialists who know the difference between “close enough” and “fundable”
Compliance specialists who stay ahead of federal and state regulations so you don’t have to

We don’t bury you in legal jargon. We keep you in the loop and out of trouble.

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