From idea to tax-exempt nonprofit, one clear step at a time.
501c360 walks you through incorporating your nonprofit, governing it properly, and preparing your IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, in plain language, with checklists, templates, and reminders that keep you compliant long after approval.
Six phases, one place
Built for the people actually doing the paperwork.
Pick the path that fits you and the roadmap, explanations, and forms adjust to your situation.
First-time founder
Starting a brand-new nonprofit from scratch and want every step spelled out.
Existing organization
Already operating and now seeking formal 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS.
Fiscally-sponsored project
Under a sponsor today and weighing whether to become independent.
Consultant or attorney
Managing applications for multiple clients from one roster, each with its own roadmap.
Answer plain-language questions. Your documents build themselves.
Each phase is a short set of guided steps. Templates fill in with your answers, and the roadmap tracks what's done and what's next.
Plan
- Choose your path
- Mission statement
- Organizational purpose
Incorporate
- Name & availability
- State incorporation guidance
- Articles with the required IRS language
- Registered agent
- EIN application
Govern
- Board & officers
- Bylaws builder
- Conflict-of-interest policy
- Initial board meeting & minutes
IRS application
- Public-charity classification
- 1023-EZ eligibility screen
- Narrative of activities
- Financial projections
- Compensation & disclosures
- Review all answers
Submit
- Assemble the document package
- Pay.gov account, fee & submission walkthrough
Maintain
- Post-submission tracking
- Compliance dashboard: Form 990, state renewals, board records
Every builder, generator, and checklist. Nothing metered.
One purchase unlocks the whole platform, with no per-document or per-client fees.
Document builders
Articles of incorporation, bylaws, a conflict-of-interest policy, board minutes, your narrative of activities, and a budget, each filled in from your answers.
1023-EZ screening & full 1023 workflow
Find out whether you qualify for the shorter form, then work through whichever application applies to you.
Editable document package
Download everything you've built as a reviewable package you can edit, share with your board, and file.
State-by-state guidance
Filing agencies, fees, processing times, and charity-registration notes for all 50 states and DC.
Compliance dashboard
Form 990 deadlines, state renewals, and board records so you stay in good standing after approval.
Consultant workspace
Manage unlimited clients from one roster. Each client keeps an independent roadmap, documents, and progress.
Two plans. No per-document fees on either.
Founders pay once and keep it for life. Firms that form nonprofits for clients pay by the year and add as many organizations as they file.
One payment, no renewals. For founders forming their own nonprofit.
- 2 organizations included. Add up to 3 more at $199 each
- Every builder: articles, bylaws, conflict-of-interest policy, minutes, narrative, budget
- 1023-EZ eligibility screening and the full 1023 workflow
- Downloadable, editable document package
- State-specific incorporation guidance for all 50 states + DC
- Compliance dashboard: Form 990, state renewals, board records
Lifetime access. Nothing to renew.
For attorneys and consultants who form nonprofits for clients.
- 3 organizations included. Unlimited beyond that at $199 each
- Everything in Founder, for every client
- One roster. Each client keeps an independent roadmap, documents, and progress
- Client links: clients enter their own details with no account, you review and file
- Your firm's name, logo, and colors, with your own address on 501c360.com
Billed yearly. Renew any time and it extends your term.
What happens after you subscribe
The questions founders ask most.
What is 501(c)(3) status?
It is federal recognition from the IRS that your organization is exempt from federal income tax and that donations to it are tax-deductible for donors. It is separate from being incorporated in your state.
Do I incorporate before applying to the IRS?
Yes. In almost all cases you form a nonprofit corporation at the state level first, obtain an EIN, adopt bylaws, and then apply to the IRS for tax-exempt recognition. 501c360 takes those in order.
How long does IRS approval take?
Form 1023-EZ is often processed in 2–4 weeks. The full Form 1023 commonly takes 3–6 months, and sometimes longer if the IRS requests more information.
Does 501c360 file with the IRS for me?
No. 501c360 prepares your documents and walks you through the Pay.gov submission, but you review and submit everything yourself. Nothing is sent to any agency without your authorization.
Is this legal advice?
No. Legal information explains how the law and IRS processes generally work, and that is what 501c360 provides. Legal advice applies the law to your specific facts and recommends what you should do, which requires a licensed attorney or tax professional. When your situation is unusual, such as significant insider compensation, complex funding, international activities, or foundation classification questions, consult a professional.
What does lifetime access mean?
One payment, no expiry. Every builder, generator, and the compliance dashboard stays available for as long as the platform runs, tied to the email you sign in with. A Founder plan covers two organizations; you can add up to three more for $199 each.
I form nonprofits for clients. Which plan is for me?
Practice. It's $899 a year with three organizations included and no limit beyond that at $199 each. You get one roster where every client keeps an independent roadmap, documents, and progress. Send each client a private link: they fill in their own details with no account, and you review before anything is filed. Add your firm's name, logo, and colors, and clients see your brand, including at your own address on 501c360.com.
What counts as an organization?
One nonprofit you're forming, with its own roadmap and documents. Slots are counted when an organization is created. You can archive one you're no longer working on, but that doesn't free the slot.
Ready to start your nonprofit the right way?
Sign in with your email and the roadmap is waiting. Your progress saves as you go.