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One plain checklist for both. Work down the list if you are starting out, or check off what you have already done and see what is left. Every step says why it matters, in plain words, with a link to the details. It is free, and you do not need an account to start.
New here? Start at the top. Each step builds on the one before it.
Your state will not let two nonprofits share a name. Check the Secretary of State's business search before you settle on one. A clear, plain name also helps donors and grant reviewers find and trust you. Keep it simple and easy to say.
Read: How to start a nonprofitIncorporating is what makes your group a legal entity and protects your board from personal liability. You file Articles of Incorporation with your Secretary of State, name a registered agent, and pay a small state fee. The IRS also wants specific purpose and dissolution wording here, so go slow on that part.
Read: How to start a nonprofitAn EIN is your nonprofit's federal tax ID. You need it before you apply for tax-exempt status or open a bank account. It is free and usually issued right away on the IRS website. Never pay a third-party site for one — you do not have to.
Read: How to get an EIN for a nonprofitBylaws set how your board makes decisions, and a conflict-of-interest policy shows the IRS you will handle money fairly. The IRS asks about both on your application, and a surprising number of new nonprofits skip the conflict-of-interest policy. You can adopt both at your first board meeting.
Read: Nonprofit bylaws and conflict-of-interest policyA nonprofit is run by a board, not an owner, and most states require at least three directors. The IRS also prefers a board where most members are not related or paid, because that shows real independent oversight. Choose people who believe in the mission and will show up.
Read: How to start a nonprofitThis is the application that makes your nonprofit tax-exempt and lets donors deduct their gifts. Most small groups can file the shorter Form 1023-EZ if they expect under $50,000 a year. Larger groups file the full Form 1023. Check the eligibility worksheet before you pick one.
Read: Form 1023 vs 1023-EZAbout 41 states require charitable solicitation registration before you ask the public for donations. It is one of the most commonly missed steps. Registering keeps your fundraising clean and your reputation safe. The rules and renewal dates differ by state, so check where you operate.
Read: Charitable solicitation registration by stateGeneral liability covers everyday accidents, and directors and officers (D&O) insurance protects your board members personally if the organization is sued. Many new boards have no D&O cover and do not realize they are exposed. It is often affordable, and good board members will ask about it.
Read: A plain guide to nonprofit insuranceA dedicated bank account keeps your nonprofit's money separate from personal funds. That protects your tax-exempt status and makes bookkeeping far easier. Most banks will want your EIN, your Articles of Incorporation, and a board resolution naming who can sign. Bring those and it is a quick visit.
Track income and spending from day one, even if it is a simple spreadsheet at first. Funders and the IRS will ask what money came in and where it went. Clean records make that easy instead of stressful. Good habits now save you a painful catch-up later.
Read: What is nonprofit software?Your fiscal year sets when your annual filings are due, so pick it on purpose rather than by accident. Then name your first program — the real work your nonprofit exists to do. That first program is where running your nonprofit begins, and where Ember picks up once you are set up.
You have done the hard part. Save your checklist and Ember keeps the dates you entered — your 990, your state renewal, your registration. Then it sends calm reminders that reach you in time. It is free, and your whole team is included. No credit card, no trial clock.
Free plan · Unlimited users · No credit card. Your checklist stays in your browser until you save it.
Yes. Ember Spark is free, with no account needed to start. Check off every step, read the guidance, and follow the links without signing up. Saving your progress and turning on reminders is optional and also free. It just needs an email so we can reach you.
Very. Mark what you have done, and the list shows what is left. It also flags the steps new nonprofits most often miss, like state fundraising registration and D&O insurance. That way you can catch a gap early.
Usually no. Many small nonprofits complete every step themselves. State rules vary, and the IRS wants exact wording in your Articles of Incorporation. So a short review by a lawyer or accountant can be worth it. This is general information, not legal advice.
On the free public checklist, nothing leaves your browser until you choose to save. If you save, the facts you enter — like your state, EIN, and fiscal year — start Ember's compliance calendar for you. You never re-enter them.