How to start a nonprofit?
The first legal step is to register an application with the
State of Washington Secretary of State. An application can be found online here or you may call 360-753-7115 to request one mailed. The fee is $30, with annual fees of $10 to remain registered.
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/corps
See also: Title 24 Chapter 3 RCW: Washington State Nonprofit Corporation Act
Nonprofit Resources, Inc.
This website has excellent start-up information with sample templates of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and links to useful forms.
http://www.aristotle.net/~nonprofit/startup/startup.html
Articles of Incorporation
RCW 24.03.025 Articles of Incorporation
Read this to learn what is required in the Articles of Incorporation
Sample Template Articles of Incorporation
From Nonprofit Resources, Inc., Arkansas.
Sample Articles of Incorporation
This is a sample from Minnesota.
Other samples from Washington State will be posted here later.
Mission Statement
The mission statement describes the purpose of your organization. A clearly stated mission statement will help people locate the services you provide and will encourage support from funding sources.
The mission statement is the focus of your organization and all activities must be included within it. Use of broad statements will allow greater flexibility for the development of programs and projects.
Tax-Exempt Nonprofit
Once your organization has been incorporated as a nonprofit, you may wish to apply to the Internal Revenue Service
for tax-exempt status. Follow this link to find out more about the various categories of nonprofits and which type would fit your mission.
Follow these link to a very resourceful handbook to help get that 501-c-3 in place: Prepare Your Own 501-c-3 Application and Help with Form 1023
Bylaws
As this webpage becomes further developed, we hope to display sample bylaws from local organizations.
Here are some bylaws found on the web:
How to Start a Nonprofit:
Sample Bylaws: Here is an excellent template for your start-up bylaws! http://www.aristotle.net/~nonprofit/startup/bylaws.htm
PvD: NonProfit Law - Bylaws, Articles, etc.
This site has How-To Guides with sample Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. http://www.dpg-law.com/main/9803-nonprofits/tr9803-mechanics.html
Business Plans
SBA - Starting Your Business Learn how the Small Business Administration can help you start a business. Whether it's for- or non-profit, this site has useful information about starting a business, writing a plan, and locating resources for successful programs. http://www.sba.gov/starting
The Business Planning Resource Center
Business plan information, Sample business plans, Business plan explanations, Business plan software and small business community links.
http://www.bplans.com
