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STEP 1: Define Your Mission and Purpose

Before filing any paperwork:

• Clarify your mission - What problem will your organization solve?

• Identify your target community  - Who are you serving?

• Write a clear purpose statement that fits IRS-approved charitable purposes (educational, health, religious, scientific, or community benefit).

• Research existing nonprofits to make sure your idea fills a real gap.

Starting A Nonprofit DIY Guide 

STEP 2: Form a Founding Board

• You’ll need at least five to seven board members.

• Choose people who share your passion and bring different strengths (finance, outreach, legal, etc.).

• Schedule your first board meeting to discuss the mission and approve next steps.

STEP 3: Choose a Name and Check Availability

• Visit the Maryland Business Express portal to make sure the name you have in mind isn’t already taken.

STEP 4: Incorporate with the State of Maryland

• File Articles of Incorporation for a nonstock corporation with the

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

• You can file online or by mail. Filing fee is around $170 (as of 2025).

• Your Articles must include:

  • Nonprofit purpose clause (specific charitable purpose)

  • Dissolution clause (what happens to assets if you dissolve)

  • Registered agent name and address

  • Once approved, your nonprofit becomes a legal corporation in Maryland 

STEP 5: Adopt Bylaws and Hold Your Organizational Meeting

• Prepare Bylaws - rules for how your nonprofit will operate (officer roles, meetings, voting, etc.).

• Approve Conflict of Interest Policy and financial control guidelines.

• Keep minutes of your meeting.

• Elect officers and authorize applying for tax-exempt status.

STEP 6: Get Your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Apply free online with the IRS. You’ll get your EIN instantly.

• This number identifies your nonprofit for banking, grants, and tax purposes.

STEP 7: Apply for Federal Tax-Exempt Status 501(c)(3)

This is the most important step for recognition as a charitable organization.

• Complete IRS Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ (for smaller organizations).

• Include your:

  • Articles of Incorporation

  • Bylaws

  • Financial projections (3 years)

  • Narrative of your activities

  • Board list

• Pay the IRS filing fee ($275 for 1023-EZ or $600 for standard 1023).

• Wait for your IRS Determination Letter confirming your 501(c)(3) status.

STEP 8: Register with the Maryland Secretary of State

Before you can legally solicit donations in Maryland, you must register as a Charitable Organization.

You will need to go to the link below to submit your initial registration.

https://onestop.md.gov/

Then you will see Browse by State Agencies.

Click where it says Secretary of State (4 applications available)

Select SOS Charities Initial Registration Form. 

Register to Log in and then create a "New Entity"

Apply online (in blue) and set up an account in OneStop.

As you are completing the form, it will lead you to the Exempt Organization Fundraising Notice based on the information that you input (stating that you have received less than $25,000 in contributions thus far).

Include a copy of your IRS letter - 501 (c)(3)

STEP 9: Open Your Bank Account and Set Up Accounting

• Take your EIN + Articles of Incorporation + IRS letter to open a nonprofit bank account.

• Set up accounting software or spreadsheet to track donations, grants, and expenses.

• Consider getting bookkeeping help early.

STEP 10: Stay Compliant and Grow

• File Annual Report with the SDAT to keep your corporation active.

• File your IRS Form 990 / 990-EZ / 990-N each year.

• Renew your charitable registration with the Secretary of State annually.

• Keep detailed board meeting minutes and financial records.

• Start applying for grants, partnerships, and community programs

Need More Guidance?

Starting your nonprofit can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’d like personal guidance through the process, I offer 1:1 Nonprofit Startup Consultations where I walk you through each step and help you complete your filings with confidence.

Book a Consultation to get personalized support.