Starting a Nonprofit
Thinking about starting a nonprofit? We’re here to help you explore the process—and decide if it’s the right path.
So, you want to start a nonprofit?
Starting a nonprofit can be an exciting way to pursue a mission you care deeply about — but it’s also a complex legal, financial, and operational process.
This page is designed to help you understand the basic steps, explore trusted resources, and decide whether forming a nonprofit is the right path for your idea.
Important note: These steps provide a high-level overview. Every organization is different, and requirements, timelines, and processes may vary based on your mission, structure, and circumstances. We recommend consulting an attorney for legal advice and next steps. View our Associate Member Directory for trusted legal partners.
Start Here: Watch the “Starting a Nonprofit” Webinar
Start Here: Watch the “Starting a Nonprofit” Webinar
Before diving into paperwork and filing, we strongly recommend starting with our free, on-demand webinar, Starting a Nonprofit, led by Adam Bratton, Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership.
This session covers:
- State and federal requirements
- What the IRS expects in a 501(c)(3) application
- Ongoing compliance responsibilities
- When alternatives like fiscal sponsorship may be a better fit
BONUS: Learn about fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund (PPF).
Before diving into paperwork and filing, we strongly recommend starting with our free, on-demand webinar, Starting a Nonprofit, led by Adam Bratton, Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership.
This session covers:
State and federal requirements
What the IRS expects in a 501(c)(3) application
Ongoing compliance responsibilities
When alternatives like fiscal sponsorship may be a better fit
BONUS: Learn about fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund (PPF).
A High-Level Guide to Starting a Nonprofit in Pennsylvania
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
1. Identifying the Need and Mission
- Clearly define the problem you aim to address and who you will serve
- Assess whether the need is real, significant, and requires creating a nonprofit
- Research existing organizations — if a mission-aligned nonprofit already exists, consider partnering or exploring whether your idea could fit as a program under their work
- Confirm that forming a new nonprofit is the most effective and responsible path for your mission
2. Assemble Your Founding Board
- Pennsylvania requires a minimum of three board members
- Select individuals with relevant skills, experience, and ability to significantly commit
- Develop initial governance expectations
3. Assess Resources & Incorporate
- Understand the financial and administrative resources needed to start and sustain a nonprofit before you are legally able to fundraise
- Recognize that startup costs may require out-of-pocket expenses, similar to starting any business
- Choose a nonprofit name and verify availability through the PA Department of State
- File Articles of Incorporation with required charitable purpose language
- Retain stamped Articles for IRS and future compliance steps
4. Draft & Approve Bylaws
- Outline decision-making processes, board roles, and organizational structure
- Include IRS-required language for tax-exempt eligibility
- Have your board review and formally adopt the bylaws
5. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Apply through the IRS website (free)
- Required to open a bank account, apply for grants, or hire staff
6. Apply for 501(c)(3) Federal Tax-Exempt Status
7. Register with the
Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations (BCO)
- Required for most nonprofits before soliciting donations
- Determine if you qualify for an exemption
- Annual renewal is required to maintain good standing
8. Build Your Year-One Framework
- Develop a business plan outlining programs, goals, and sustainability
- Establish financial and fundraising systems
- Create communication, compliance, and administrative processes to maintain tax-exempt status
Starting Is Only the Beginning: Staying Exempt & Compliant
A significant part of “starting a nonprofit” is understanding how to remain compliant over time.
Failure to meet ongoing requirements can result in penalties or loss of tax-exempt status.
Additional Resources & Tools
Should You Start a Nonprofit?
Legal & Formation Guidance
Planning & Operations
Fiscal Sponsorship
Context & Sector Learning
When You’re Ready: Join The Nonprofit Partnership
The Nonprofit Partnership provides direct support to organizations that have officially received their 501(c)(3) determination.
While we are unable to offer individualized assistance during the formation phase, we are proud to welcome new nonprofits as members once they are legally established.
August 13, 2025
The Rise of Gen Z in Nonprofits: Purpose-Driven Careers and Fresh Perspectives
by Regan Ganoe, Operations & Events Assistant - The Nonprofit Partnership
Gen Z is reshaping the nonprofit sector with fresh ideas, social justice passion, and a drive to lead meaningful change.
Read More ⇢
May 12, 2025
The ROI of Nonprofit Assessment: It’s More Than Just Numbers
by Adam Bratton, Executive Director - The Nonprofit Partnership
Organizational assessments often get a bad rap—but when done right, they cut through the noise, refocus your team on the mission, and turn reflection into real, strategic growth.
Read More ⇢
March 3, 2025
Hitting a Home Run With Your Annual Fundraising Plan
by Jeff Bagel, CFRE - eAdvancement Consulting
A strong annual fundraising plan (AFP) helps nonprofits work smarter and stay mission-focused. Join Jeff Bagel on May 14 to refine your AFP and boost your impact!
Read More ⇢
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests