Checklist to Become a 501 c 3 Non-Profit Organization

Determine coalition’s purpos

Form Steering Committee or Executive Board

File articles of incorporation.

Draft bylaws. 

Develop strategic plan.

Develop budget and resource development plan. 

Establish record-keeping system for the coalition's official records. 

Establish accounting system.

File Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determination of federal tax exemptions.

Meet requirements of state, county, and municipal charitable solicitation laws.

Obtain employer identification number from IRS.

Register with state unemployment insurance bureau.

Apply for nonprofit mailing permit from U.S. Postal services

 Obtain directors' or officers' liability insurance.