How to Start a Non-Profit in North Carolina
One of the most common questions we hear is "How do I start my own nonprofit?" By following the steps here, we hope that many of your questions will be answered. These resources are certainly no substitute for legal advice from an attorney familiar with the law of tax-exempt organizations in North Carolina.
While we offer the resources here for informational purposes, we highly recommend also consulting with legal counsel to ensure that you are in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing the establishment and operations of a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.
Here is a link to more information on starting a North Carolina nonprofit, as well as a guide provided by the NC Center for Non-Profits:
Mentors & Advice
Where Alamance County non-profits can receive guidance about start-ups and funding:
Small Business Center - Alamance Community College - Provides counseling for both for-profit and non-profit start-ups. Free one-on-one counseling and advice. There are lots of free classes on topics such as start-ups, marketing, and more.
North Carolina Center for Non-Profits - A private, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as a statewide network for nonprofit board and staff members, an information center on effective organizational practices, and an advocate for the nonprofit sector as a whole.
Government & Association Help, Advice and Training
- USA.gov Federal Government Gateway for Nonprofits - Find information and services for nonprofits, including grants, loans, assistance, taxes, management and more.
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service - "Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits" - links, documents, forms, and advice for nonprofits from the IRS.
- Resources for Filing 990 form - Non-profits are required to file Form 990.
- Grants.gov - Central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $400 billion in annual awards.