Start your nonprofit the right way
Launch an IRS‑Approved 501(c)(3) in About 27 Minutes - Without Attorneys or DIY Mistakes
Answer our online interview and our team prepares and files everything with the IRS and state, backed by a 200% approval guarantee.
We’ll help you choose the right package on the next page.
- 4.8★ from 5,000+ nonprofits
- 200% IRS approval guarantee
- Most founders finish in 27 minutes
Best Starting Points
I’m Ready to Start Now
See our Express vs Enterprise 501(c)(3) packages and pick the one that fits your first 3 years of donations.
I’m Not Sure Which Path Is Right
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll recommend the best package for your situation.
Trusted by Over 5,000 Nonprofit Founders
A fantastic experience!
They said it would take a lot of the work out of forming a nonprofit - and they were right! I have been involved in nonprofits before...
Jay, Org Name
Farwa was amazing!
Farwa was amazing!! She kindly explained everything and answered all our questions in a very understandable way; the process with...
Marissa Pulaski, Folk Farm
Great Experience
I was very novice to the process of establishing a non-profit organization. Instant Nonprofit is incredibly professional, helpful and made the...
Terrance Matthews, Org Name
Simple, Quick and Easy
They made the process very simple and quickly answered all our questions.
Mark Armstrong, Org Name
Ease of Use
Ease of use! they did so well and were so easy to work with. still waiting on our IRS approval!
Christopher Inghram, Org Name
What You Get With InstantNonprofit
- Every required IRS and state document prepared and filed for you
- 1023/1023‑EZ forms handled by specialists
- Custom bylaws and organizing documents
- Ongoing support if the IRS asks follow-up questions
Not Ready to Start Today?
Free Nonprofit Founder Library
Learn the basics of starting and funding a nonprofit until you’re ready.
Free 15‑Minute Strategy Call
Talk through your idea and see if a 501(c)(3) is right for you.
Transparent & Simple Pricing
Choose Your Package
Most Popular
Express
- For nonprofits under $50,000 in deposits in any of your first 3 years (not churches/schools)
- Uses IRS 1023‑EZ where eligible
- Investment: $877 (payment plan available)
- Typical IRS approval timeframe: 4–10 weeks
- Includes full 200% IRS approval guarantee
For larger orgs & churches/schools
Enterprise
- For nonprofits expecting $50,000+ in deposits or churches/schools
- Uses full IRS 1023 form for complex/larger orgs
- Investment: $1497 (payment plan available)
- Typical IRS approval timeframe: 6-20 weeks (we save you 2-3 weeks)
- Includes full 200% IRS approval guarantee
Private Foundation
- For Special Nonprofits with a Single Source of Funding
Launch & Grow Your Mission with the Right Resources, Right Now.
Stop digging through google. get instant access to our complete nonprofit founder resource library 100% for free.
Avoid Mistakes and Delays
Book a FREE "Fast Track 501(c)3 Strategy Session."
We'll give you easy to understand action steps to make starting your nonprofit a breeze!
4.9 Star (35+)
5 Star Rating
How to get started
Easy, 3-Step Process
STEP-1
Take the 30-Second Quiz and Sign Up
Once you check out, you'll provide basic profile information about you and your new nonprofit, with step-by-step guidance along the way, so you can feel confident as you finish all work in 10-15 minutes on average!
STEP-2
Your Specialists will Kick off your 501(c)3 Nonprofit Filing Process
After you verify your profile, we'll run all the checks, provide every document you need in your Mission HQ portal, and begin our done-for-you filings immediately!
STEP-3
We take care of the rest so you can focus on your mission!
We'll deliver good news to your Inbox, and guide you through your well-organized filings and extensive customized support through your Mission HQ Portal - so you can do what you do best!
Sign Up in Just a Few Minutes - Most Customers Complete All Work In 27 Minutes or Less
Every package includes done-for-you Articles of Incorporation, EIN, Bylaws, complete IRS 1023 Application for 501(c)3 Tax-Exempt Status, complete Board Governance Toolkit, and a raft of valuable tools and templates - all with how-to guidance.
Our 200% Guarantee means you get IRS approval or double your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does IRS approval of tax-exempt status take?
For the past decade, the average IRS approval time ranged from 10 to 18+ months - but even with the Full 1023 Application for 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Status, Instant Nonprofit files average 4 - 6 months, eliminating 1/2 to 2/3 of the delay for our family of founders. At this time, the average approval time for Instant Nonprofit Streamlined customer applications is 4 to 8 weeks.
How can you offer faster-than-normal tax-exempt approval?
Over the course of filing thousands of 501(c)3's, we've built up a body of expertise when it comes to using the right formula for fast approval. Just as we promise to be as human as possible with our customers, we do the same with the good folks at the IRS.
Does InstantNonprofit help with grant writing or fundraising as well as filing my 501(c)3?
InstantNonprofit offers basic fundraising training & resources, 100% free upon purchase of one of our 501(c)3 Formation packages. We also offer professional fundraising training through a long-time partner, who raises tens of millions for a broad array of causes. Finally, we have a growing list of vetted grant writers who are available for introductions.
What if I already formed an LLC (or other entity), or obtained an EIN, prior to engaging InstantNonprofit?
Some customers approach InstantNonprofit for our services, hoping that they can utilize an LLC or other entity formed independently prior to engaging us. It’s important to note that the LLC entity type is not compatible with a 501(c)3 nonprofit; if you mistakenly started an LLC for the purpose of taking a step toward starting a nonprofit, it will need to be dissolved (we can help with this). The correct type of entity is the Nonprofit Corporation (called a Non-Stock corporation in Virginia). It's also important to note that even in cases where the correct entity type was filed, there is also required addenda (Purpose and Dissolution Clause), without which the IRS will reject your application. If you filed a Nonprofit Corporation but failed to add the required language prior to starting with us, don't worry! We'll carefully examine your documents and file the proper amendment at no charge (not including government fees). Also any EIN that is or was assigned to another entity at any time is NOT able to be applied to your new nonprofit - a new one must be obtained. The BEST thing to do is NOTHING - it's usually better to start fresh with InstantNonprofit - because we do it all FOR you!
Can I be reimbursed, or receive a write-off against my personal income taxes, for my nonprofit startup
costs?
Yes, you may choose to be reimbursed (your nonprofit can pay you back after it raises funds or receives a grant), or you can choose to write it off as a charitable donation on your personal or business income taxes. Keep receipts for such expenditures, and it's wise to create a paper trail, such as an invoice or acknowledgement of the expense provided by the nonprofit to the source of funds.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
The IRS has created two paths to 501(c)3 tax-exempt status based on expected donations: Organizations confident that they will raise more than $50,000 in the current tax year, or any of the following two tax years (these qualify for our Enterprise Plan) One for organizations with expected donations below $50,000/year (or do not have a clear path to exceed that amount (these qualify for our Express Plan) About 88% of our customers qualify for Express, while the other 12% choose Enterprise. The IRS 501(c)3 designation is the same. If you choose the Express Plan and then exceed your wildest fundraising dreams, there is no penalty, and you do not have to re-file a thing! You will simply report your donations to the IRS in the following year as normal. Your investment in service fees and government filing fees is visible on the following page when you click "get started".
Can my for-profit and nonprofit work together?
Yes. You can build a strategic partnership with your for-profit and nonprofit, however, your nonprofit will be set up as it’s own entity and operate separately from your for-profit.
If I start a nonprofit under the Express plan and exceed $50,000 in donations, what happens?
Nothing. While the Enterprise package is designed for larger organizations that anticipate donations exceeding $50,000 in years 1, 2 or 3, and the Express is for organizations expeting to fall below $50,000, there are no penalties for Express customers who exceed those numbers. The IRS does not come back and make you file another application. You simply must report your revenues on the appropriate 990 tax form.