Your Nonprofit Startup Checklist
A free, printable planning checklist for your purpose, board, budget, official steps, and continuing responsibilities.
Use this as a planning tool, not a complete legal filing list. Requirements differ by state, organization type, and activities. Check boxes as you work; they stay checked only while this page remains open. Use your browser's Print command to keep a copy.
Purpose and program
People and governance
Money and practical arrangements
Official steps
Continuing work
Questions to bring to a free consultation
Which stage am I at? Which official instructions apply to my organization? What can I do myself next? What requires a state office, lawyer, accountant, or another qualified professional?
Want to talk through your next step?
Send us a request. A real person will get back to you within a few hours and happily walk you through the steps. The consultation is free, including if you plan to do the work yourself.
Request a free consultationGeneral educational information, checked against the linked sources on October 21, 2026. Rules vary by state and circumstances. Use current official instructions for your own filing.