Nonprofit Organization Resources

Video and a step-by-step guide to help turn that idea into a real, functioning nonprofit.

An interactive guide to filling out Form 1023 and incorporating your nonprofit organization with the U.S. government.

A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Publication 557 (PDF) is the accompanying instructional guide to Form 1023.

Forms required for incorporation of a nonprofit organization in New York State.

Step-by-step instructions for completing the paperwork necessary to incorporate a nonprofit organization in New York State.

Link to all necessary forms and instructions for applying for sales tax exemption in New York State.

Nonprofit Division: Forms and instructions for state nonprofit corporation filings.

Forms and instructions for New York State nonprofit organizations to apply for sales tax exemption.

The New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) works together with our members, other nonprofits, communities, funders, and stakeholders to build the capacity of nonprofits and communities to enhance the quality of life through responsive, cost-effective service and by forming a long-term, multi-layered service relationship with our member nonprofits.

The Digital Media Law Project operates the Online Media Legal Network (OMLN), a free (pro bono) legal referral service based at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society that supports promising ventures and innovative thinkers in online and digital media by providing access to legal help that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

The New York State chapter of The Foundation Center.

VLA provides pro bono arts-related legal representation and education to low-income artists and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. To do so, we offer legal counseling, educational programs, advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution. We believe that artists should understand certain legal and business matters to protect themselves and their creative endeavors.

A quick reference guide to not-for-profit law in New York State.

BoardAssist, a New York based nonprofit corporation, is the leading personalized board recruiting resource available to the tri-state nonprofit community. We offer New Yorkers who want to make a real change in the nonprofit world a wide selection of board options and advice on selecting the right one for them.

New York Nonprofit Media is the must-read news source for New York’s nonprofits.

Form 1023 and instructions for the incorporation of a nonprofit as a federal 501(c)(3) organization.

Up-to-date information from the IRS about changes to nonprofit (tax-exempt) organization regulations, annual filing procedures, and much more.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy is an independent news organization that has been serving leaders, fundraisers, grant makers, and others involved in the philanthropic enterprise for more than 25 years. It offers a robust advice section to help nonprofit workers do their jobs as well as one of the largest listings of career opportunities. The Chronicle updates its website throughout the day and appears 12 times per year in print.

Nonprofit World Magazine is a “must read” and should be on every nonprofit executive and professional’s desk. The magazine, published quarterly, provides informative and educational articles on the most pressing, challenging topics in nonprofit leadership and management from leading nonprofit experts.

Available online. Current print editions also shelved in Bird Library's 2nd floor periodicals area.

Print issues only, with current editions shelved in Bird Library's 2nd floor periodicals area.

Researched by a nonprofit with over 30 years experience, Funding Alert is the leading e-newsletter for current grant and funding opportunities. (Subscription required)

The National Council of Nonprofits (Council of Nonprofits) is a trusted resource and advocate for America’s charitable nonprofits. Through our powerful network of State Associations and 25,000-plus members – the nation’s largest network of nonprofits – we serve as a central coordinator and mobilizer to help nonprofits achieve greater collective impact in local communities across the country. We identify emerging trends, share proven practices, and promote solutions that benefit charitable nonprofits and the communities they serve.

Nonprofit initiative and searchable open access database that encourages nonprofits to share information about their organizations. Any nonprofit in this database can update its report with information about its mission, programs, leaders, goals, accomplishments, and needs—for free. Find information on close to 2 million tax exempt organizations, along with ability to search for copies of Form 990 data.

Charity Navigator works to guide intelligent giving. By guiding intelligent giving, we aim to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace, in which givers and the charities they support work in tandem to overcome our nation’s and the world’s most persistent challenges.

IssueLab, a service of the Foundation Center, works to more effectively gather, index, and share the collective intelligence of the social sector. We provide free access to thousands of case studies, evaluations, white papers, and issue briefs addressing some of the world's most pressing social problems.