How to Start a Nonprofit

• Why Should I Do This Work?

  This may be the most important question. Make sure you are very clear on your mission and let it help guide you through your work. Every leader will ask themselves WHY? But great leaders are able to answer the question.
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• How Do I Become a Legal Nonprofit in Alabama?

  • Name Reservation https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos_nameReservation/welcomDomestic Business Entities Brochure 2021.pdf (alabama.gov)e.action
  • SOS Online Services (alabamainteractive.org)
  • File the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos_nameReservation/welcome.action
  • File Form 1023 with the IRS https://www.irs.gov/uac/About-Form-1023
  • Register as a nonprofit with the Attorney General's office http://www.ago.state.al.us/Page-Consumer-ProtectiAttorney General's Office - State of Alabama (alabamaag.gov)on-Consumer-Charities
  • File Form 990 each year. Form 990 is due approximately 3 months after the end of the organizations fiscal year. Check the IRS website for exact dates Exempt Organization Filing Requirements: Form 990 Due Date | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
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• Where Can I Get Technical Assistance?

  Join the Association. We have great corporate members (preferred partners) that can help you with legal, financial and organizational questions as well as highly qualified staff members that are here to answer your questions. If you need more than a phone call, we offer professional development and training focused on the needs of the sector.
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• What Should I Do First?

  • Determine how you will measure success as you implement your programs.
  • Get educated about the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with starting and operating a nonprofit.
  • Create business plan and a 3 year budget to ensure sustainability.
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• Who Will Be Involved?

  Just as it "takes a village to raise a child", it takes much more than a solo founder to keep a nonprofit alive. If the only people excited about this idea are the founder and family members, then perhaps this is a good idea for a for-profit rather than a nonprofit. Having lots of people willing to help launch a nonprofit (board members, volunteers, donors & staff) can signal broad community support. So look around to see who is ready to support creating a new nonprofit.
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