Resource Library

Thinking about starting a nonprofit in the U.S.? This webinar will walk you through the essential legal and organizational steps to form a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) from choosing your structure and drafting bylaws to filing for tax-exempt status. Whether you're just getting started or refining your plans, this session will give you the tools to move forward confidently in your mission to improve lives for animals.

This basic budget template helps nonprofits plan and track their income and expenses, ensuring financial transparency and effective resource management.

In Part I of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we provide an overview of 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including their types, characteristics, and the process of obtaining tax-exempt status. We also outline the benefits, drawbacks, and costs involved in starting a nonprofit organization in the U.S.

In Part II of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we examine alternatives to starting a nonprofit, offering insights into each option to help individuals choose the best path for pursuing their mission without the administrative responsibilities of running a nonprofit.

In Part III of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we cover important planning steps for starting a nonprofit, including defining its mission, organizing key roles, and making foundational decisions about structure and location.

 In Part IV of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we provide a framework for preparing a simple nonprofit business plan, including guiding questions to help clarify goals and organize financial planning.

In Part V of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we highlight the key role of the Board of Directors in governing a nonprofit, while outlining the expectations and responsibilities of individual board members in supporting the organization’s mission and long-term success.

In Part VI of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we outline the essential steps for incorporating a nonprofit, from selecting a name and defining its purpose to filing the necessary paperwork with the state and preparing for future tax-exempt status applications.

In Part VII of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we guide nonprofits through the process of obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) after the Articles of Incorporation are approved. We include instructions for filling out the application online and tips for faster processing.

In Part VIII of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we outline the key governance documents required to guide a nonprofit's operations, ensuring proper structure, accountability, and compliance before seeking tax-exempt status.

In Part IX of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we guide nonprofits through the process of applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, including deciding which application form (1023 or 1023-EZ) to use based on the organization's size, activities, and timeline, as well as key considerations and tips for successful filing.

In Part X of our Starting a U.S. Nonprofit? series, we provide an overview of the ongoing compliance obligations for nonprofits, including annual IRS filings, state-specific tax exemptions, and registration requirements for fundraising activities. We highlight the importance of staying current with federal, state, and local regulations to maintain tax-exempt status and good standing.

This 75-min workshop covers how nonprofits utilize insurance as a risk mitigator. We will discuss the various insurance policies available (DOL/DOL w/ EPLI, CGL, GL, K&R, HLL), and how to curate an insurance policy portfolio that fits your nonprofit's specific needs.

This webinar will highlight important legal considerations in preparing and filing the Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax. We will focus on reporting obligations of public charities, but much of the material is relevant to operating and non-operating foundations.

This guide explains the essentials of IRS Form 990, helping nonprofits navigate filing requirements, avoid penalties, and meet transparency and compliance standards.

This article provides nonprofits with guidance for complying with public disclosure requirements for their 501(c) exemption applications, helping organizations respond to requests efficiently while minimizing noncompliance risks.

This article provides nonprofit boards with an overview of the legal requirements and best practices for setting executive compensation, focusing on IRS regulations, performance evaluations, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring transparency and fairness in pay decisions.