Nonprofit Startup
One of the most common questions we get at CNE is “How do I start my own nonprofit?” Here, we provide a few resources to assist those interested in beginning the process.
Note: While we offer resources to help guide your research and process, none of this information is intended to be legal advice.
Are You Ready? Take the Nonprofit Start-Up Readiness Assessment.
Nonprofit Start Up Workshop
CNE and the El Pomar Nonprofit Resource Center offers a workshop several times each year that aims to help answer questions and provide direction for those thinking about starting a nonprofit.
- Explore the nonprofit climate in Colorado Springs
- Assess your readiness for starting a nonprofit organization
- Present alternative options to forming a nonprofit
- Delve into the steps you should take before filing (board development, by-laws, etc.)
- Address the regulatory steps you will need to take if you decide to start a nonprofit
Helpful Resources
- National Council Nonprofits - Informative list of resources for How to Start a Nonprofit.
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Once you have decided to move forward with starting your nonprofit, you will want to ensure you are complying with all federal, state, and local regulations governing the establishment and operations of a nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations with the Colorado Secretary of State and IRS: Form 1023 Checklist; Filing for nonprofit status ; Lifecycle of a public charity.
Legal Advice
CNE partners with several law firms in town who provide guidance and legal advice to individuals interested in starting a nonprofit and those in process of completing their Form 1023.
Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit
Not all charitable ideas are best suited as an independent nonprofit organization. A potential alternative lies within a Fiscal Sponsorship. Check out the infographic below and learn more.