Validate Your Nonprofit Name

Nolo will perform a name availability search before submitting your formation documents to the state. We ask that you provide two to three name choices for your nonprofit, in order of preference, and we will use the first one available. Please do a preliminary name search of your own on the website of your state's corporate filing office—so you can take the time to think about another name if your first choice is taken.

Articles of Incorporation Filing

Nolo will prepare your articles of incorporation and send them to the Secretary of State (or other corporate filing office). Your nonprofit will be formed on the date that the Secretary of State receives the document.

Prepare Minutes for Your First Meeting of the Board of Directors

We will prepare minutes of your first meeting of the board of directors, customized according to your interview answers. The minutes will address the election of directors and officers and will include authorizations to get your nonprofit operations started (setting up bank accounts, admitting members if appropriate, and so on).

Guide to Formalizing Your Nonprofit

Next steps on executing your nonprofit documents, holding your first meeting of the board of directors, applying for tax-exempt status, registering for fundraising and charitable solicitations, filing tax forms, and filing your initial and annual reports.

Customer Service Phone Support

Our knowledgeable team can answer your questions about our process, your final documents, and more. If you have any questions, you can start here.

Prepare Your IRS Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If you wish, Nolo will prepare IRS Form SS-4, your application for an employer identification number (the business tax ID number issued by the IRS). We will send your completed SS-4 application to you with your final corporate documents. You will need to sign it and fax it or mail it to the IRS.

Book Details

Nolo's eBook Every Nonprofit's Tax Guide: keep your nonprofit's tax-exempt status and stay out of trouble with the IRS with this comprehensive tax guide. Also, receive a coupon code for 75% off of any nonprofit book in Nolo's store.

Deluxe Corporate Binder and Seal, Personalized

Nolo's Express Premiere package offers you a beautiful, personalized corporate records book that is foil-stamped with your nonprofit name on the spine. The binder includes index tabs and 20 personalized membership certificates. The kit also includes a corporate seal for imprinting your nonprofit name, state, and date of formation on important documents.

Priority Rush Filing

With Nolo's priority rush filing, your articles of incorporation will be couriered to the Secretary of State office, which will form your nonprofit and process your paperwork, within five to ten business days (up to 15 days when the Secretary of State is experiencing delays). You'll receive your final nonprofit documents three to four business days later, by expedited shipping. Without priority rush filing, it typically takes between three to four weeks to receive your nonprofit documents.