501(c)(3) Status & Nonprofit Startup Package

Most start-up nonprofits seek Section 501(c)(3) status to both avoid income tax and facilitate fundraising efforts (e.g., tax-deductible gifts from donors, eligibility for foundation grants).

To be eligible for 501(c)(3) status, an organization must be both organized and operated exclusively for one of the following purposes:

  • Charitable (generally defined very broadly to mean “providing services beneficial to the public interest”)
  • Educational
  • Scientific
  • Literary
  • Religious
  • Testing for public safety
  • The prevention of cruelty to children or animals
  • Fostering national or international amateur sports competition

But the IRS does not recognize exempt status simply because you ask for it—you must prove in writing that your organization meets a category of exempt status.

Our Nonprofit Start-Up Package makes the application process easier to navigate, allowing you to concentrate on what you love.

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Need help with governance and compliance? Perkins offers a flat-fee package for your day-to-day legal questions and concerns.

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