Have a charitable idea but unsure how to get it off the ground? There are two common routes to launching a charitable project in the U.S., each with unique benefits and challenges that we explore in this article: Fiscal Sponsorship : Faster, cheaper, less administrative work, but also less control over your funding and operational procedures and processes. This route is often most suitable for new, low / underfunded, or short-term projects that are gaining traction. Independent Non-profit...

Common Terms Used in the Nonprofit World Term Simple Meaning 501(c)(3) A tax-exempt status for nonprofits with religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Annual Report A summary of the nonprofit's activities, accomplishments, and financial status for the year. Articles of Incorporation A legal document filed to officially create a nonprofit organization. Attorney General A state official who oversees nonprofit compliance and investigates fraud or misconduct. Audit A formal review of...

Running a nonprofit organization involves a variety of costs, even when it is managed by volunteers. These costs vary depending on the size, location, and scope of the organization’s activities. Below is an overview of the typical expenses incurred annually by nonprofits, with an emphasis on realistic price ranges. We’ve even provided a Comprehensive Cost List at the bottom (skip there now!). We estimate that on average the annual cost of running a compliant, small, volunteer-driven...