Form a Nonprofit
Form a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit That’s Built for Impact, Funding, and Compliance
Starting a nonprofit takes more than heart — it takes structure, compliance, and strategic positioning. At Bizzhopper, we don’t just file paperwork; we position your nonprofit to be grant-ready, credible, and operational from day one. Whether you’re launching a community initiative, educational program, or charitable cause, we help you build it on a rock-solid foundation.
What Is a Nonprofit Organization?
A nonprofit organization is a legal entity established to further a social cause or provide a public benefit. Unlike a for-profit business, a nonprofit reinvests its surplus revenues into its mission rather than distributing profits to shareholders. Most nonprofits seek 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, which exempts them from federal income taxes and allows donors to claim tax deductions for contributions.
Types of nonprofits that qualify for 501(c)(3):
Charitable
Religious
Educational
Scientific
Literary
Public safety testing
Amateur sports
Animal welfare
Why Form a Nonprofit With Bizzhopper?
We go beyond basic filings by helping you:
Structure your board of directors correctly
Draft IRS-compliant bylaws and conflict-of-interest policies
Submit your 501(c)(3) application (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ)
Align your formation documents with grant funders’ expectations
Every step is designed to support not just approval — but long-term sustainability, compliance, and funding success.
What’s Included in Our Nonprofit Formation Package?
State Nonprofit Incorporation Filing
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
IRS 501(c)(3) Application Filing (1023 or 1023-EZ)
Bylaws & Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Initial Board Resolutions
BOI Compliance Filing
Secure Document Portal
Ongoing Compliance Guidance
Optional add-ons:
How We Form Your Nonprofit
Mission & Name Alignment – We guide you to craft a clear, fundable mission and ensure your name aligns with IRS expectations.
File State Articles of Incorporation – We file in your chosen state with the required nonprofit-specific language.
Draft Bylaws & Board Structure – We prepare compliant bylaws, board resolutions, and conflict-of-interest policies.
Apply for EIN – Required for IRS filings, banking, and compliance.
File IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ – We handle the federal exemption paperwork to receive your 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Ensure BOI Compliance – We file your Beneficial Ownership Information to stay federally compliant.
Get Grant-Ready From Day One
Most new nonprofits struggle with fundraising because they’re not set up correctly. We solve that.
Our grant-readiness approach includes:
Clear, measurable mission statement
IRS-compliant governing documents
Transparent board of directors
Foundational compliance tools
We even connect you with grant research tools and templates to begin preparing your applications.
Common Nonprofit Mistakes (That We Help You Avoid)
Missing IRS language in Articles of Incorporation
Submitting incomplete or incorrect Form 1023
Inadequate or non-compliant bylaws
Failing to separate personal and nonprofit finances
Not understanding the difference between founders and board authority
Pro Tips for Nonprofit Success
Build a diverse, active board early on
Keep board meeting minutes and conflict-of-interest disclosures
Use a separate bank account immediately
Develop a basic website and donation form to build trust
Register in your state if you plan to fundraise there (many states require this)
Track all donations with receipts and accounting software
FAQs
Q: Can I pay myself a salary as the nonprofit founder?
A: Yes, but it must be reasonable, documented, and approved by the board.
Q: How long does 501(c)(3) approval take?
A: 1023-EZ: 2–4 weeks; full Form 1023: 3–6 months. We’ll help you choose the right path.
Q: Can I raise money before IRS approval?
A: Yes, but donors can’t deduct contributions until you’re approved. You must also clearly disclose your pending status.
Q: Can I use my nonprofit to apply for grants right away?
A: Many funders require your 501(c)(3) letter, but some community foundations will support pending organizations with fiscal sponsorship.
Q: Can a nonprofit get business credit?
A: Yes. You can open business accounts, build credit, and access funding. Our BizzFunder portal supports nonprofits too.
Q: Do I need to file BOI?
A: Yes — unless you’re a tax-exempt nonprofit formed before 2024 with no ownership structure. We’ll guide you based on your setup.
Your Mission Deserves More Than Just Paperwork
At Bizzhopper, we set up your nonprofit with strategy and sustainability in mind. From compliance to credibility, we help you launch strong so you can grow with confidence.
Start your nonprofit the right way — click here to begin.