Give your good cause a great start

Make a difference, more easily. As a nonprofit, you can apply for grants, get 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status if eligible, and protect your assets.
Starts at $99 + filing fees.

Start my nonprofit

Many people finish the application in 15 minutes.

  () See pricing options

These costs are often tax deductible.

Two volunteers sort food donations together.

We've helped over 100,000 nonprofits get started.

We do right by you

We will refund our fee within the first 60 days if you are not satisfied with our services.

Why start a nonprofit

Get tax breaks

You're eligible to apply for state, federal, and other tax exemptions.

Apply for 501(c)(3) status

Contributions to certain types of nonprofits are tax deductible.

Protect your assets

Members and directors are shielded from personal liability for the nonprofit's actions.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Ones that benefit the general public, such as charitable, educational, literary, religious, and scientific organizations.
  2. Civic leagues, homeowner's associations, and groups endorsing a political candidate are common types of nonprofits that don't qualify for 501(c)(3) status.
  3. After you file your articles of incorporation with the state, file a Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ with the IRS. Tip: File a Form 1023-EZ with us to save time.
  4. Both have 501(c)(3) status, but how they get funding differs. Public charities typically get funding through the general public and government. Private foundations typically get funding from a few individuals, a family, or a corporation.
  5. No, but there are many advantages. Incorporating helps protect your personal assets, build credibility with potential donors, and unlock funding reserved for nonprofits with an official corporate structure.

How to start your nonprofit

  1. Tell us your nonprofit name
  2. Answer some questions online
  3. We'll complete and file your paperwork
Want to check out example documents? See samples
An opened binder with the words congrats on your new nonprofit printed on one page, and the words let's go over a few next steps on another page.

Pick the package that fits your needs

Economy

$99 + state filing fees

Get started
  • Preliminary name clearance
  • Articles of incorporation filing with your state
  • Peace of Mind Review™ for missing info, discrepancies, and more
  • 10 non-customized membership certificates
Learn more

Standard

$239 + state filing fees

Get started
Everything from Economy plus:
  • Deluxe founder's kit with certificates, binder, and official seal
  • Corporate minutes forms to record formal meetings and actions
  • 20 customized membership certificates (instead of Economy's 10 non-customized)
Learn more

FASTEST SERVICE

Express Gold

$359 + state filing fees

Get started
Everything from Standard plus:
  • Faster filing of your articles of incorporation with the state
  • Expedited federal tax ID (EIN)
  • Delivery of your package 2-3 business days after everything is finalized
  • 14-day trial of attorney advice. Renews automatically at $39.99/mo. Cancel anytime.*
Learn more

Why choose us

2 million+

businesses

Helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses over 2 million times.

550,000+

consultations

Making experienced attorney help more affordable over 550,000 times.

100,000+

nonprofits

Helping over 100,000 nonprofits get off the ground and make a difference.

Meet our customers

I am absolutely impressed with LegalZoom's ability to complete my nonprofit business and 501(c)(3) in such a short period of time. Simply impressed.

Johnnie S.

Kidz Discovery Ranch
The process was incredibly simple and easy, and the paperwork came very fast. Very happy with this experience, and now we are on our way to building something great for the community!

Melissa L.

Tap Into Community, Inc.
I trust LegalZoom and it's easy to use. I've used LegalZoom extensively over the years, and only have positive feedback. Don't overthink it, just get started doing it.

Jason M.

The Goruck Foundation

Questions?

Ask an attorney

Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side.

Get legal help

Carolyn, Attorney serving NY, 19 years experience

Call an agent at (866) 738-1730 (866) 738-1730

Mon-Fri: 5 a.m.-7 p.m. PT
Weekends: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. PT

Our agents are based in the U.S.

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Ready to form your nonprofit?

Get started

*Telephone consultations with a participating firm, during normal business hours, of up to one half (1/2) hour each, limited to one consultation for each new legal matter. After the 14-day trial period, benefits to the Business Legal Plan (also Business Advantage Pro or Business Advisory Plan) continue automatically at the plan rate (currently $39.99 per month). Cancel online or by calling (877) 818-8787. For full details, see the Legal Plan Contract and Subscription Terms.