How to Structure My Nonprofit

 

“How to Structure My Nonprofit — A State-Guided Blueprint for Success.”

 

 

 

 

 

🏛️ Course Overview

 

 

Purpose: Teach participants how to legally form, structure, and operationalize a compliant nonprofit organization that meets both state and IRS 501(c)(3) requirements.

Format: 8 weeks · 1 session per week · 2–3 hours per session

Delivery: Online / In-person cohort with worksheets, templates, and weekly assignments

Outcome: A fully structured nonprofit with board, bylaws, EIN, tax-exempt status, and compliance plan.

 

 

 

 

📘 Week-by-Week Breakdown

 

 

 

Week 1 — Understanding the Nonprofit Model & Legal Framework

 

 

• Definition of a nonprofit and its purpose
• Differences between nonprofit vs for-profit vs faith-based organizations
• Overview of state charitable registration process
• Selecting your mission statement and public benefit purpose
• Researching your state’s Secretary of State requirements
• Assignment: Draft mission, vision, and purpose statements

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2 — State Incorporation & Entity Formation

 

 

• Step-by-step: Filing Articles of Incorporation with your state
• Naming rules & availability search
• Registered agent requirements
• Understanding corporate structure (Officers vs Board of Directors)
• Sample state forms & filing fees (state-specific examples)
• Assignment: Prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation

 

 

 

 

 

Week 3 — Building Your Board & Governance Structure

 

 

• Roles & responsibilities of board members per state law
• Bylaws requirements and templates
• Conflict-of-interest policy
• Holding your first board meeting and recording minutes
• Creating a Board Resolution Book
• Assignment: Create and adopt bylaws + board roster and minutes template

 

 

 

 

 

Week 4 — IRS 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status Application

 

 

• Understanding IRS categories and eligibility tests
• 1023 vs 1023-EZ application overview
• Preparing narrative statement and financial projection
• Required supporting documents (EIN, bylaws, conflict policy, etc.)
• Common mistakes and how to avoid denials
• Assignment: Draft your IRS application packet (checklist included)

 

 

 

 

 

Week 5 — State Tax Exemption & Charitable Registration

 

 

• Applying for state sales and property tax exemptions
• Annual reporting and renewal requirements
• Charitable solicitation registration process and Attorney General oversight
• State vs federal compliance comparison
• Assignment: Prepare state tax exemption and charitable registration forms

 

 

 

 

 

Week 6 — Financial Structure & Internal Controls

 

 

• Setting up nonprofit bank account and chart of accounts
• Board approval for financial transactions
• Budgeting and grant-ready financial templates
• Internal controls, recordkeeping, and audit standards
• Assignment: Build a 12-month budget and internal financial policy draft

 

 

 

 

 

Week 7 — Compliance & Reporting

 

 

• Annual filings (Form 990, state annual reports, renewals)
• Maintaining good standing with state and IRS
• Policies: Whistleblower, Document Retention, Ethics Code
• Risk management and insurance considerations
• Assignment: Create a compliance calendar and policy binder

 

 

 

 

 

Week 8 — Funding & Program Development

 

 

• Overview of grant types (federal, state, foundation)
• How to align mission with funding priorities
• Developing a program outline & impact logic model
• Building partnerships & community credibility
• Branding your nonprofit for visibility (website, social media, registrations)
• Final Project: Present a complete Nonprofit Structure Portfolio including Articles, Bylaws, EIN, IRS draft, Budget, and Board Plan

 

 

 

 

 

📑 Course Inclusions

 

 

• Coach Brown’s Nonprofit Formation Workbook
• State-specific checklists (VA, TX, AL, GA, FL versions)
• Sample forms (Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Conflict Policy)
• IRS Form 1023-EZ guide
• Board orientation slides + templates
• Grant readiness starter kit