Startup

For organizations that want to succeed, doing things right from the beginning is key.

Overview

Proper legal counsel is essential during the formation of any startup, especially a nonprofit. It’s at this point when careful documentation and strategic efficiencies are crucial to support a nonprofit’s success for years to come. During this process, we use our expertise to address potential issues and craft long-term strategies.

Process

Starting a new nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status generally involves two basic legal steps:

1. Forming an entity under state law
2. Obtaining recognition of federal tax-exempt status

Capabilities

Here’s just a short list of the services we provide to facilitate the start-up process for nonprofits:

• Reserve names
• Draft and file formation documents (the Articles of Incorporation, also known as a Certificate of Incorporation in some states)
• Prepare and file registrations to do business in other jurisdictions
• Obtain Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)
• Assist with writing a statement of purpose, mission statement and description of your program activities
• Advise founders on selecting board of directors and determining structural board issues
• Draft bylaws
• Prepare and file IRS Exemption Applications (IRS Forms 1023 and 1024)
• Serve as your representative before the IRS with any inquiries related to your application
• Draft the organizational meeting minutes for the first meeting of the board of directors and/or members
• Prepare governing documents, including Document Retention Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Whistleblower Policy, etc.
• Assist with structuring fiscal sponsorship arrangements