1. Before you begin, some issues to consider.
2. Five alternatives to starting a nonprofit.
3. Starting a nonprofit: some early preparation.
4. What are the key steps in forming a nonprofit?
5. What forms and documents do we have to file?
6. What takes place at our first board meeting?
7. Who can I contact at the IRS that can help?
8. Five reasons to incorporate your nonprofit
9. Do I need a lawyer to do this, how much should it cost?
10. How do I apply for a nonprofit mail permit?
11. Can a nonprofit be a business?
12. How should our board be structured?

Five alternatives to starting a nonprofit

1. Study the list of nonprofits already active in the same area and join their efforts as a volunteer, a board member or even as staff.
   

2. Analyze the list of nonprofits already active in the same area, identify the three most compatible with your ideas, and meet with them to explore creating a special project or initiative -- and negotiate your involvement.
   

3. Explore the list of national organizations in the area of your interest, and see if a local chapter is needed in your geographic area.
   

4. If your effort will be quite local and small, consider forming an unincorporated association or club -- have meetings and activities but skip the reporting requirements (an option for groups with annual budgets under $25,000).
   

5. If you are considering creation of a group to finance activities or needs of others (scholarships, family emergency funds for a specific population, etc.), explore sponsorship of the fund by a community foundation or other organization.

Source: Special thanks to Jon Pratt, Executive Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits .