Starting a nonprofit is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and understanding your state's requirements. This guide explains the eight steps to start a nonprofit organization—plus links to detailed, state-specific instructions for forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit where you live.

Grant funding can open new opportunities for your nonprofit. Writing a strong proposal takes more than filling out forms. This guide walks you through the essential steps, from explaining your mission to preparing a clear budget, so you can write a proposal that gets noticed, even if this is your first time applying.

Starting a nonprofit in Pennsylvania is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Pennsylvania—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in North Carolina is more than filling out forms. It's about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in North Carolina—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Michigan is more than filling out forms. It's about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Michigan—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Washington is more than completing paperwork. It's about building a mission-driven organization that meets the state's requirements and earns public trust. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Washington—from defining your purpose to filing Articles of Incorporation, applying for 501(c)(3) status, and maintaining compliance with state and federal agencies.

Starting a nonprofit in Virginia is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Virginia—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Texas is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following state requirements with confidence. This eight-step guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Texas, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Oregon is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your vision to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Oregon, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status, registering with the Oregon Department of Justice, and maintaining compliance.

Starting a nonprofit in Ohio is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your vision to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Ohio, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status, registering with the Secretary of State, and maintaining compliance.

Starting a nonprofit in New York is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following state requirements with confidence. This eight-step guide explains how to start a nonprofit in New York, from defining your purpose and filing the Certificate of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Illinois is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Illinois—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Georgia is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Georgia, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Florida is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your mission to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Florida, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status and staying compliant.

Starting a nonprofit in Colorado is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your vision to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Colorado—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status, registering with the Secretary of State, and maintaining compliance.

Starting a nonprofit in California is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your vision to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in California, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status, registering with the Attorney General, and maintaining compliance.

Starting a nonprofit in Arizona is more than filling out forms. It is about bringing your vision to life and following the state's rules with confidence. This guide explains how to start a nonprofit in Arizona—from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) status, registering with the Secretary of State, and maintaining compliance.

Starting a nonprofit is more than filling out forms ”it's about bringing your mission to life. This 8-step guide walks you through how to start a nonprofit, from defining your purpose and filing Articles of Incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with confidence.

Launching a nonprofit takes passion. But sustaining it takes funding. From grants and donations to earned income and sponsorships, understanding where your money can come from is key to building a mission that lasts. This guide from Beacon explains the most common funding sources for new 501(c)(3) founders and how to approach each one with confidence.

Choosing between a public charity and a private foundation is a major decision for any nonprofit founder. This guide explains how each type of organization works, their compliance requirements, and which path may best fit your mission—so you can form your organization with clarity, confidence, and long-term vision.

Your legal structure shapes everything from how your board operates to how you apply for tax-exempt status. Learn the main nonprofit structures, what makes them different, and how to choose the right one for your mission.

Stay organized and protect your mission with this nonprofit compliance checklist. Learn what to file—from annual reports and IRS Form 990 to board minutes and charitable registrations—and see how Beacon’s Compliance Guard makes staying compliant simple.

Even well-run nonprofits make mistakes. A missed filing, late report, or outdated record can cost your organization time, money, and credibility. This guide explains the most common nonprofit compliance mistakes and how to prevent them so your nonprofit stays transparent, tax-exempt, and trusted by donors.