A Nonprofit for Your Favorite Cause?

Column distributed by Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Links to resources referenced:

National Center for Charitable Statistics: Nonprofit Sector In Brief Dashboard
- https://nccs-urban.shinyapps.io/sector-in-brief/
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “I’m guessing that a few of you may have the same urge to fill a perceived gap in your own way. And if that’s you, I know there are hundreds of thousands more of you. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), there are more than 1.85 million nonprofits, based on 2024 data.”

Foundation Group: 11 Must-Dos for Starting a Nonprofit
- https://www.501c3.org/11-must-dos-for-starting-a-nonprofit/
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “Add to that list questions suggested by Greg McRay, founder and CEO of The Foundation Group: ‘Who is the target or beneficiary group that my organization will impact?’ and ‘How will I accomplish my mission?’ The Foundation Group provides startup, compliance and consulting services to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Why is not enough. In ‘11 Must-Dos for Starting a Nonprofit,’ McRay writes that you also need to address who, what, where, when, and how.”

Kindful: “How to Start a Nonprofit: Complete 12-Step Guide for Success”
- https://kindful.com/blog/how-to-start-a-nonprofit/
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “Once you’ve identified the mission, the work begins. Among the 12 steps Sharon Cody, JD, lists in the Kindful article ‘How to Start a Nonprofit: Complete 12-Step Guide for Success’ are:”
National Council of Nonprofits – Our Network
- https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/find-your-state-association
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “One resource provided by the National Council of Nonprofits is a list of state nonprofit associations.”
The Alliance: Voice of Community Nonprofits
- https://ctnonprofitalliance.org/
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “For example, in my home state of Connecticut, there is the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.”
Legal Zoom: How to Start a Nonprofit
- https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/how-to-start-a-nonprofit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=how%20to%20create%20a%20nonprofit&utm_content=391306231828&utm_campaign=SMB%20|%20NP&utm_campaignID=626937746&utm_adgroupID=47055255731&utm_partner=googlesearch&g_acctid=207-817-4230&g_campaign=SMB_|_NP&g_campaignid=626937746&g_adgroupid=47055255731&g_adid=391306231828&g_keyword=how%20to%20create%20a%20nonprofit&g_keywordid=kwd-345683783034&g_network=g&g_type=search_display&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=626937746&gbraid=0AAAAADlKzrckBdl6V_MKslpUpw4uqmbAn&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoZbBBhDCARIsAOqMEZWM2oe-X3Sk8NWxOL8_ktGAS7vI7XbjGLZ5yER1HiTspoetaDG8EWUaAjbMEALw_wcB
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “Another resource is Legal Zoom’s ‘How to Start a Nonprofit.’”
IRS: Where’s my application for tax-exempt status?
- https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/wheres-my-application-for-tax-exempt-status
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “Once you decide to go ahead, be aware that it will take some time before you are recognized as a nonprofit. The IRS provides details on getting federal tax-exempt status, including processing times for the various forms of nonprofits, on its website.”
National Council of Nonprofits – How to Start a Nonprofit
- https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/how-start-nonprofit
  - Related column excerpts:
    - “Beyond the tax-exempt approval, there are other issues, as highlighted by the National Council of Nonprofits article ‘How to Start a Nonprofit’: ‘Will you need office space or a facility? What will the program costs be, including labor (which may include payroll taxes and benefits)? In some cases, special licenses, permits, or certifications will be necessary to provide certain services.’”