If you are thinking of starting a non-profit corporation, below is a checklist of steps to take before you open for business. Keep in mind that your non-profit's start-up requirements might vary from the list below, depending on the specific type of business you are in, and where your business is located.    

1. Decide on a business name for your non-profit corporation. Keep in mind that your state may require that your non-profit corporation's name include an identifying word such as "incorporated," "limited," "corporation," or an abbreviation of such a term.   (Learn more: Pick a Winning Name for Your Business)
   
   
2. Search availability of your non-profit's chosen business name, and for similarity to existing names. (Learn more: Make Sure Your Proposed Business Name is Available)
   
   
3. Register your non-profit's name (including as a "fictitious business name"). (Learn more: Registering Your Business Name)
   
   
4. Decide where to incorporate your non-profit. (Learn more: Deciding Where to Incorporate)
   
   
5. Choose directors for your non-profit corporation. (Learn more: Corporate Structure: Directors to Shareholders)
   
   
6. Create and sign your non-profit corporation's Articles of Incorporation. (Learn more: Writing and Filing the Articles of Incorporation)
   
   
7. File your non-profit corporation's Articles of Incorporation with your state's Secretary of State, and pay related filing fees.
   
   
8. Write your non-profit corporation's By-Laws. (Learn more: Writing Corporate By-Laws )
   
   
9. Apply for tax-exempt status from the federal and state government. (Learn more: Becoming a Tax-Exempt Organization)
   
   
10. Obtain business licenses and permits for your corporation from:
    • The federal government. (Learn more: Federal Start-Up Requirements)
    • Your state government. (Learn more: State Start-Up Requirements)
    • Your local government. (Learn more: Local Start-Up Requirements)
    
    
11. Open a separate bank account for your non-profit corporation.

Incorporating can be a benefit to your new non-profit organization in the long run -- most notably if your business obtains tax-exempt status -- but the incorporation process can be complicated. To ensure that your new non-profit complies with your state's legal requirements at all steps in the incorporation process, you may wish to consult an experienced business attorney. Click here to learn more.