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SureSTART™

Nonprofit Formation Services for New 501(c)(3) Startups

Start a Nonprofit

Starting a nonprofit is complicated. Our seasoned professionals have helped over 50,000 startups nationwide, and they know how to take your idea and help you to create a fully-functioning, 501(c)(3) organization that is IRS-compliant, properly structured, and poised for real success!

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Find Out How We
Can Help You Start
Your Nonprofit

Free Consultation from Nonprofit Specialists

  • US phone numbers only
  • Please select the state in which your nonprofit will be located.
  • Please select the category that best describes your organization.
  • Use this space to provide us with a little more information about your organization's purpose and/or programs(s).
  • How much total revenue do you expect your nonprofit to generate each year?

Why Foundation Group? Our Founder, Greg McRay, explains...

Client Review

“Setting up a 501(c)(3) is a daunting undertaking that requires a LOT of patience and drive. Foundation Group came HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT! From the very first contact, their staff were AMAZING. The knowledge, willingness to teach, guide, encourage, and push at times, was REFRESHING. They LISTENED to our mission, and made sure that EVERYTHING WE DID WAS IN COMPLIANCE with the legal requirements, while staying true to our vision. WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT!”

RICHARD E.

One In A Million Organization
Start Your Nonprofit, the SureStart™ Way

Every SureStart startup engagement provides essential solutions for your startup nonprofit, including:

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 work with you to establish your nonprofit according to compliant, best practice.

Oversight by Licensed 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 IRS-licensed Enrolled Agents and CPAs, ensuring federal and state tax compliance for all SureStart clients.

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.

Federal EIN

We apply for your required Federal Employer Identification Number, or FEIN, which is the numeric identifier assigned to your nonprofit by the IRS.  It is similar to how a Social Security identifies an individual.

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.

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.

Conflict of Interest Policy

The IRS requires 501(c)(3) organizations to have a policy that dictates how its leadership will manage conflict-of-interest.  We provide an IRS-approved Conflict of Interest Policy that is plug-and-play ready, and will help your leadership avoid unnecessary problems.

IRS 501(c)(3) Status

This is where it all comes together!  We prepare your IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exemption application and represent it while under IRS review.  We’ve surpassed 25,000 IRS approvals with 100% success, since 1995.  Your success is money-back guaranteed!

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.

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.  Part of your complimentary SureCOMPLY membership.

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.  Part of your complimentary SureCOMPLY membership.

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.  Part of your complimentary SureCOMPLY membership.

OUR GUARANTEE: YOUR 501(C)(3) APPLICATION WILL
BE IRS APPROVED, OR YOUR MONEY BACK!

FREE CONSULTATION

*SureStart Complete™ Plan. See comparison chart below.

Every SureSTART Complete package includes a complimentary, one-year membership in our SureCOMPLY and SurePLAN programs...a $2,500 value!
*SureSTART Core purchasers receive a 6 month trial membership to SurePLAN.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Your 501(c)(3) application will be approved—or you’ll get 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.

That’s why we can offer something most companies can’t: a real guarantee.

No fine print. No runaround.

Just confidence backed by experience.

Choose the SureSTART™ Plan That’s Right For You

  • SureSTART Levels

    ...Hover for item details

  • Verification that your desired corporate name is available in your stateName Availability
  • Sometimes called a Charter, this is the document that establishes your nonprofit corporation. We prepare your Articles for you to file with your state.Articles of Incorporation
  • Your bylaws dictate how your nonprofit will be governed. We prepare IRS compliant, initial bylaws that are best suited to your unique needs. Or, if you already have bylaws, we will review for compliance and advise/amend at your direction.Draft Bylaws
  • The IRS requires 501(c)(3) organizations to have a policy that dictates how its leadership will manage conflict-of-interest.Conflict of Interest Policy
  • This is your federal identification number, much like a Social Security number is for an individual. It is a requirement for all business entities, other than Sole ProprietorshipsFederal EIN
  • Every SureStart client is assigned to one our nonprofit experts, who will dive deep into your plans, and work with you to establish your nonprofit according to compliant, best practice.Personal Exemption Specialist
  • Approaching 20,000 IRS approvals with 100% success, since 1995IRS 501(c)(3) Status (Guaranteed!)
  • Foundation Group is the only non-CPA specialty service provider for nonprofit formation services that legally offers tax advice. Our team is led by an IRS-credentialed Enrolled Agent, who works to ensure federal and state tax compliance for all SureStart clients. We represent your case under IRS power of attorney (if required), assuring your success.Oversight by IRS-Licensed Tax Specialist
  • Once your nonprofit is formed, our Compliance team takes over to keep your organization in total compliance with state and federal requirements.Personal Compliance Specialist
  • CRITICAL! Many 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.State Tax Exemption
  • One year complimentary membership to our SureCOMPLY compliance services bundle. A $2,000 value! SureCOMPLY
  • CRITICAL! The vast majority of states require 501(c)(3) organizations to register with the Division of Charities prior to seeking donor support or initiating other revenue generating activities...........State Fundraising Registration
  • CRITICAL! Equivalent to a corporate tax return for nonprofits, Form 990 must be filed annually by all 501(c) organizations. Failure to file can result in having your nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status revoked...........IRS Form 990 Preparation (1st Year)
  • One year of access to our consulting staff by appointment or online message center..........Ongoing Consultation
  • Complimentary membership in SurePLAN, our planning, education, and community membership program. A $600 value! SurePLAN

  • Core

  • 6 month trial membership

  • Good

  • Complete

    Total Compliance Solution

  • Best!

Helping good people start great nonprofits
has been our specialty for over 25 years!

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