Nonprofit Start-up
 
Nonprofit Start-up Checklist

CNM provides the following as a way for you to track your progress through the start-up process:
  • Has a unique name been selected? (Check http://www.tn.gov/topics/Online+Services)
  • Have state articles of incorporation been filed? Forms are available from the Tennessee Secretary of State. Forms must include Purpose of Limitation clause and Dissolution clause (741-2286, http://www.tn.gov/sos/bus_svc/forms.htm).
  • Have IRS Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, Form 1023 and instructions, Form 872-C, and Form 8718 been obtained from the IRS (www.irs.gov)?
  • Has a federal employer identification number (EIN) been obtained from IRS (on line at www.irs.govor fax Form SS-4 to 1-866-816-2065)?
  • Has a mission statement been developed which clearly defines the purpose of your organization in terms of why you exist and who you serve?
  • Has a narrative of your services been developed which describes what services you provide, how they are delivered, to whom, by whom and where?
  • Has a board of directors been established?
  • Have by-laws been developed?
  • Do you intend to engage in political activities or lobbying as part of your services?
  • Have the sources of funds and volunteers been identified?
  • Has a plan for fundraising been developed?
  • Has paid staff, if any, been hired?
  • Have all those with special interests and relationships been identified?
  •  Will you engage in unrelated activities which will generate revenue?
  • Has a financial history (3 years) and projection been developed and a balance sheet prepared?
  • Has an application been made to the Tennessee Department of Revenue for a tax exempt certificate? (A copy of the IRS letter of determination is required.)
Other Useful Websites:

Source for the process: http://www.grantspace.org/Tools/Knowledge-Base/Nonprofit-Management/Establishment/Starting-a-nonprofit
Source for information on developing boards: http://www.boardsource.org/
Source for federal and state nonprofit regulations: http://www.muridae.com/nporegulation/
Source for FAQs about various aspects of nonprofits: http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/


Click here for information on CNM's Starting a Nonprofit Workshop

Click here to find out more information on CNM's Consultants