Nonprofit Services
That Build Sustainability

Supporting Your Mission with Practical Legal Solutions

What Sets Our
Nonprofit Services Apart

Many attorneys treat nonprofits just like any other business. Others focus exclusively on mission without considering sustainability.

We understand that successful nonprofits need both: a clear mission and the practical foundation to sustain it. We believe in the proverb 'No margin, no mission' and can help your nonprofit set itself up for long-term, mission-driven sustainability.

  • Mission + Sustainability: We balance your charitable mission with practical business principles.
  • Experienced Guidance: We've helped nonprofits navigate complex legal and tax challenges.
  • Practical Solutions: Our advice is grounded in real-world nonprofit experience.
  • Full-Service Support: From formation to tax compliance, we provide comprehensive guidance.
  • Affordable Options: Our nonprofit services are priced to respect your budget constraints.

Why Nonprofit Legal Support Matters

Protect Your Mission

Proper legal structure ensures your organization can fulfill its mission while protecting board members and stakeholders from personal liability.

Tax Advantages

Correctly establishing and maintaining your nonprofit status provides significant tax benefits and fundraising opportunities that support your work.

Sustainable Growth

Strategic legal planning helps create a foundation for sustainable growth, allowing your nonprofit to expand its impact over time.

Our Nonprofit Legal Process

We've developed a comprehensive process to help you establish and maintain a sustainable nonprofit organization.

  • Initial Consultation

    Our process begins with a thorough consultation to understand your mission and goals:

    • Discuss your nonprofit vision and intended impact

    • Explore your funding model and revenue strategies

    • Assess your timeline and budget constraints

    • Evaluate whether a nonprofit structure is truly the best fit

    • Consider alternatives like fiscal sponsorship or B Corporation status

    This consultation helps ensure we're building the right foundation for your specific needs.

  • Structure Planning

    Based on your goals, we'll help you determine the optimal legal structure:

    • Select the appropriate nonprofit classification (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), etc.)

    • Design a governance structure that supports your mission

    • Develop bylaws that reflect your organization's values and operations

    • Create conflict of interest and other essential policies

    • Plan for sustainable revenue streams that comply with nonprofit regulations

  • State Formation

    We'll help you establish your nonprofit at the state level:

    • Prepare and file articles of incorporation or organization

    • Draft comprehensive bylaws that meet state requirements

    • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    • Complete initial state registrations and reports

    • Establish proper board governance structures and procedures

  • IRS Tax Exemption

    For most nonprofits, obtaining federal tax exemption is a critical step:

    • Prepare Form 1023 or 1023-EZ (for 501(c)(3) status)

    • Develop your narrative description of activities

    • Create budgets and financial projections

    • Respond to IRS questions and requests for additional information

    • Monitor application progress and maintain communication with the IRS

    This process typically takes 3-12 months, and we'll guide you through each step.

  • Operational Setup

    With your legal foundation in place, we'll help you prepare for operations:

    • Develop board meeting procedures and documentation

    • Create essential policies (conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention)

    • Establish financial controls and procedures

    • Address employment and volunteer management legal issues

    • Set up fundraising compliance systems

  • Launch & Compliance

    As you begin operations, we'll ensure you're meeting all legal requirements:

    • Register for charitable solicitation in appropriate states

    • Implement donor acknowledgment procedures

    • Address any specific regulatory requirements for your activities

    • Ensure proper record-keeping and transparency

    • Set up calendars for required filings and renewals

  • Ongoing Support

    Your nonprofit's legal needs will evolve as you grow:

    • Annual compliance reviews and filings

    • Guidance on program expansion and new activities

    • Assistance with complex transactions and partnerships

    • Support for major fundraising initiatives

    • Periodic governance reviews and updates

    We can provide ongoing support tailored to your organization's changing needs.

Nonprofit Services We Offer

Nonprofit Formation

Comprehensive support to establish your nonprofit:

  • Entity selection guidance (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), etc.)
  • State incorporation documents
  • Bylaws and governance policies
  • IRS Form 1023/1024 preparation and submission

Alternative Structures

Exploring options beyond traditional nonprofits:

  • B Corporation formation and certification
  • Fiscal sponsorship arrangements
  • Donor-advised funds
  • Social enterprise models

Compliance & Governance

Maintaining your nonprofit's legal standing:

  • Board governance policies and training
  • Annual filing requirements (990s, state reports)
  • UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax) planning
  • Conflict of interest and ethics policies

Ongoing Support

Partner with us for your nonprofit's journey:

  • Revenue stream diversification strategies
  • Fundraising compliance
  • Risk management and liability protection
  • Strategic partnerships and collaboration agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every charitable mission requires a separate nonprofit entity. Alternatives include fiscal sponsorship, donor-advised funds, or even socially responsible for-profit models like B Corporations. During your consultation, we'll explore whether forming a nonprofit is truly the best approach for your goals, or if another structure might better serve your mission while reducing administrative burden.

The timeline varies depending on complexity, but typically: 2-4 weeks for state incorporation, 3-6 months for IRS 501(c)(3) determination with Form 1023-EZ (if you qualify), or 6-12+ months with the full Form 1023. We'll help you understand the specific timeline for your situation and explore options for operating while your application is pending.

501(c)(3) organizations (charitable, religious, educational) offer tax deductions for donors and can receive grants from private foundations. Other designations like 501(c)(4) (social welfare), 501(c)(6) (business leagues), or 501(c)(7) (social clubs) have different tax implications and allowable activities. We'll help you select the classification that best fits your mission and operational plans.

Nonprofits can and should generate revenue to sustain their mission. This can include program fees, merchandise sales, events, and other activities. The key is structuring these activities appropriately and understanding when they might generate Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT). We can help you develop revenue streams that support your mission while maintaining compliance with nonprofit regulations.

Nonprofits must maintain compliance with various federal, state, and local requirements including: annual IRS Form 990 filings, state annual reports and charitable solicitation registrations, board governance obligations, public disclosure requirements, and specific regulations related to your activities. We offer ongoing compliance support to ensure these requirements are met efficiently.

Initial formation costs typically include legal fees, filing fees (state incorporation and IRS Form 1023), and operational setup expenses. Our nonprofit formation packages start at the same rates as our business formation packages, with additional services available as needed. Ongoing compliance costs vary based on your organization's size and activities. During your consultation, we'll provide transparent pricing based on your specific needs.

Ready to Build a Sustainable Nonprofit?

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward creating a nonprofit that makes a lasting impact.