Free Nonprofit Starter Kit
The real startup costs
Forming a 501(c)(3) costs less than most people fear, but it isn't free. Here's the honest range for a small organization:
- State incorporation: $20–$250, depending on your state.
- IRS application fee: $275 for the streamlined Form 1023-EZ, or $600 for the full Form 1023.
- EIN: free, directly from the IRS.
- Registered agent (optional): $0 if you serve as your own, or roughly $50–$150/year for a service, which keeps your home address off the public record and makes sure you never miss a legal notice.
Ballpark
Budget $300–$900 in fees to get fully formed and recognized. Most small, founder-led organizations land near the low end using the 1023-EZ.
Can you cover the basics?
A quick gut check before you start spending:
Budget check
- You have $300–$900 available for formation fees.
- You have a rough year-one operating budget: even a one-page one.
- You have a way to track money (a separate bank account and simple bookkeeping).
- You can keep a small reserve so a slow fundraising month doesn't sink you.
The ongoing costs people forget
Formation is a one-time spend; staying compliant is the recurring one. Plan for:
- Annual state report fees and charitable-solicitation registration (varies by state).
- Form 990 prep each year, free to file the 990-N yourself, more if you hire help.
- Insurance (general liability, and directors & officers) once you have activities or a board.
The Compliance Tracker tracks every recurring deadline and fee so nothing lapses.
Plan the money side properly
Compliance Tracker keeps your filings, fees, and renewals on track, and Nonprofit Formation gets you formed in the first place.
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