Excellent
Support for Every Nonprofit Mission
Starting a nonprofit can feel complex. Beacon makes it simple with clear, affordable guidance and nonprofit-first support so you can launch your mission with confidence.
Have questions? Call (888) 340-0089 to speak with a business specialist.
Excellent
Support for Every Nonprofit Mission
Starting a nonprofit can feel complex. Beacon makes it simple with clear, affordable guidance and nonprofit-first support so you can launch your mission with confidence.
Have questions? Call (888) 340-0089 to speak with a support specialist.
Guided Support for Every Type of Nonprofit
From public charities to private foundations, Beacon simplifies formation with clarity, confidence, and nonprofit-first care.
Charity vs. Private Foundation: What’s the Difference?
Understanding how each structure operates helps you identify which best supports your mission and approach to funding.
Charity
Purpose
Serves the public through charitable, educational, religious, or community-focused programs.
Use of Funds
Uses donations and grants to directly operate programs and services.
Tax Benefits
May apply for 501(c)(3) status, allowing donors to make tax-deductible contributions once approved.
Governance
Led by an independent board of directors or trustees who ensure accountability and community impact.
Funding Sources
Supported by public donations, fundraising, and grants.
Private Foundation
Purpose
Supports charitable work primarily through grants to other organizations rather than direct programs.
Use of Funds
Provides grants or donations to public charities and qualified charitable projects.
Tax Benefits
Can also apply for 501(c)(3) status, though foundations follow additional IRS requirements, including annual payout and reporting rules.
Governance
Often governed by founders, family members, or appointed trustees who manage assets and grantmaking.
Funding Sources
Funded by a single primary source, such as an individual, family, or corporation, and sustained through investments.
Real Stories. Lasting Impact.
Founders across the country are turning their missions into registered nonprofits with Beacon’s clarity, care, and trusted support.
This is my first go around starting a non profit and I must say the process can be very intimidating but this team's people are truly created for helping people. They slowly walked me through, encouraged me to ask questions and even when I was double charged for fees, they were MORE than willing to help me to get everything corrected! As I said, this is my first time doing this so I cant compare to any other companies providing the same services but Beacon set the bar for me! I will choose them for every business endeavor! Thank you so so much again for helping me to make my dreams come true!
Beacon Nonprofit Resources Made Simple
Plain-language guides to help you form your nonprofit, understand structures, and stay compliant.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Your State
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.
How to Start a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Pennsylvania
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.
How to Start a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in North Carolina
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.
How to Start a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Michigan
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Washington
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Virginia
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Texas
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Oregon
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Ohio
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in New York
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Illinois
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Georgia
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Florida
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Colorado
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in California
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps in Arizona
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.
How to Form a Nonprofit Organization in 8 Steps
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.
We're Here to Help
Have questions about starting or running your nonprofit? Call us at (888) 340-0089 or explore our FAQs for quick answers.
Guiding Nonprofits from Vision to Impact
With clarity, guidance, and support, Beacon helps founders launch with confidence and sustain long-term impact.