Home » Starting A Business » Forming a Non-Profit Organization

Forming a Non-Profit Organization

Step-by-Step

Is a non-profit the best vehicle for you to accomplish your goals? Be sure you understand NonProfit Basics provided by www.nolo.com (http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-29948.html)

 

Types of Nonprofits

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a non-profit organization can be an non-stock corporation or an LLC. Once a non-profit founder(s) has determined the vision, here are the suggested steps, in order, to creating a non-profit:

1. Incorporate as a Virginia Non-Stock Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) through the State Corporation Commission's Office of the Clerk.
2. Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or EIN) through the IRS. Apply online or download, print, and mail the SS-4.
3. File IRS Form 1023 to request 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
4. Register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization so that you may accept donations. The registration package may be found here. You cannot register get a sales and use tax exemption from the Virginia Department of Taxation until you have registered
5. Apply for Commonwealth of Virginia non-profit status using VATAX NonProfit Online.
6. Check if you will have local business zoning, home occupancy, or license requirements.

Helpful Resources

(VDBA has found these sites helpful to some users, but is not responsible for their content):

USA.gov for Non-profits

GuideStar - connecting people with non-profit information

The Nonprofit FAQ

The NonProfit Times - an online periodical

Connect Richmond Now - a variety of articles and resource listings

Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations (VANNO)

Virginia Bar Association ProBono Resource Center