NOTE: Some of the following web sites were developed by organizations in other states and contain a few references which are specific to the laws of their state.

1. What to Consider Before Starting a Nonprofit

    What is a Nonprofit?
   http://www.curbstone.org/index.cfm?webpage=13
   From Curbstone Press
   “In the broadest terms, a nonprofit is defined as an organization that does not have owners who profit when revenues exceed expenses.  In other words, a nonprofit may make a “profit,” but it does not distribute its profit to individuals or shareholders as a for-profit organization would.”

   Get Ready; Get Set
   http://www.cnmsocal.org/Services/p_grgs.html (Requires Adobe Reader)*
   From the Center for Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles
   “It should be clear that starting a nonprofit organization requires just as much planning as launching a for-profit business enterprise, if not more.”
   “First, be sure you have a good general understanding of your field...Read everything you can on the topic. Learn what has been tried, what does or does not work. Get to know people who work in the field.  Seek them out, discuss your idea, and listen to their reactions.”

   What are the advantages/disadvantages of becoming a nonprofit organization?
   http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/np_pro_con.html
   From The Foundation Center (the definitive resource for information about foundations, funding and the basic functioning of nonprofits)
   “Many foundations and government agencies restrict their grants to public charities [501c3].”

2. Steps in Forming a Nonprofit

    The following web sites list the steps involved in forming a 501c3 organization and provide links to explain the details.

   Establishing a Nonprofit Organization
   http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/starting_nonprofit.html
   From the Foundation Center

   Start-Up Information
   http://users.aristotle.net/~nonprofit/startup/startup.html
   From Nonprofit Resources, Inc. of Arkansas

   Key Steps in Forming a Nonprofit
   http://www.delawarenonprofit.org/infocentral/startup4.php
   From the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies

3. Nonprofit Boards  

   What are the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards?
   http://http://www.boardsource.org/Knowledge.asp?ID=3.368&print=1
   From the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies

   What are job descriptions for nonprofit board members?
   http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/03/02.html
   From the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

   How do we safeguard against conflict of interest?
   http://www.boardsource.org/Knowledge.asp?ID=3.389
   From BoardSource (the national experts on nonprofit boards)

4. Definitions and Examples

   How to Start a Nonprofit: Sample Articles of Incorporation
   http://users.aristotle.net/~nonprofit/startup/articles.htm

   What should our mission statement say?
   http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/03/21.html

   What’s in a mission statement?
   http://www.allianceonline.org/FAQ/strategic_planning/what_s_in_mission_statement.faq

   Nonprofit Bylaws
   http://tx.essortment.com/nonprofitsbylaw_pzv.htm

   How to Start a Nonprofit: Sample Bylaws
   http://users.aristotle.net/~nonprofit/startup/bylaws.htm

5. Nonprofit Accounting & Budgets  

   How Can We Make a Budget for the IRS Before We Start Work?
   http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/16/57.html
   From the Internet Nonprofit Center’s FAQs  

   Financial Management
   http://www.allianceonline.org/FAQ/financial_management
   From the Alliance for Nonprofit Management (the national resource for information on nonprofit management)

   Basic Guide to Non-Profit Financial Management
   http://www.mapnp.org/library/finance/np_fnce/np_fnce.htm
   From Minnesota’s Management Assistance Program (MAP)

   Sample Budget
   http://npguides.org/guide/budget.htm
   From Nonprofit Guides

6. Forms & Publications  

   Articles of Incorporation-State of Louisiana
   http://www.sec.state.la.us/comm/cforms/f-395.pdf (requires Adobe Reader)*
   State of Louisiana form SS395A: Articles of Incorporation

   Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization
   http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf (requires Adobe Reader)*
   IRS booklet describing rules that apply to 501c3 organizations

   Application for Recognition of Exemption
   http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf  (requires Adobe Reader)*
   IRS form 1023 - Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501c3

   Application for Employer Identification Number
   http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf (requires Adobe Reader)*
   IRS form SS-4 - Application for Employer Identification Number

7. Filling Out IRS Form 1023  

   Help Filling Out Your 501c3 Application
   http://www.form1023help.com/
   Page-by-page help in filling out your 501c3 application.