Starting a Nonprofit

Starting a nonprofit organization is a serious endeavor. Nonprofits are very unique in nature due to the tax-exempt determination granted to them by the state and the Internal Revenue Service. Chartiable, public good is at the heart of what a 501(c)3 organization, and, as such, governance and accountability strucutures are deliberately designed to encourage good stewardship of the resources that are subject to this beneficial tax designation.

If you are considering starting a nonprofit, be sure to understand how the organization needs to be strucutred, what you have to give up, and the full scope of limitations and benefits of 501(c)3 status. This page contains links to resourcecs that can help you determine if starting a nonprofit is the best decision for you and what is envolved in doing so.

• Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) about nonprofit startup
• Checklist for Starting a Nonprofit Organization in Maryland (pdf)
• Governance Structures (do you want to be in charge OR make a living -- pick one)
• Six Important Facts about Tax-Exempt Organizations (from the IRS)
• Thinking with your Heart or your Head - Starting a Nonprofit to Provide Services Outside of the United States (pdf)
• Funding Sources for Various Types of Organizations in Maryland (Spreadsheet)
• The Charitable Organizations Division of the Office of the Secretary of State has prepared an information page on the necessary steps to form a nonprofit organization in Maryland.

Services Available Through Maryland Nonprofits

Buy the Book

Available now is our popular resource, How to Start a Nonprofit Organization in Maryland, coauthored with the Community Law Center. The book is used in our monthly Starting a Nonprofit training class, and is also available to purchase separately.  It’s a great resource for sample forms and bylaws, laws that apply to Maryland nonprofits, and a step-by-step guide to what’s involved in becoming a nonprofit organization.  The book sells for only $25 (sales tax no included).

Take a Class

• WEBINAR - How To Start a Nonprofit: Planning and Preparation - 1.5 hr
  Learn about what a nonprofit really is, how it is structured, and what you need to know before you even start to formalize an organization or file and papers.

• SEMINAR - Forming a Nonprofit Organization: - The Paperwork - 2.0 hr
  Get a step-by-step overview of the paperwork and filing procedures for incorporating and filing for IRS exempt status. Pick up some tips and tricks and learn about common pitfalls when formally establishing a nonprofit organization at the state and federal level.

  Current available trainings

• What can Maryland Nonprofits do for me? (pdf)

Additional Resources

• Sample Articles of Incorporation (MSWord)
• Sample Bylaws (MSWord)
• Sample Minutes of First Organizational Meeting (MSWord)

Also see:

Consulting and Contract Training

Library Resources and Bookstore