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How do I start a non-profit organization?

The Texas Secretary of State definition of a nonprofit is:

A nonprofit corporation is created by filing articles of incorporation with the secretary of state in accordance with the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act ("TNPCA"), articles 1396-3.02 amd 1396-3.03. "Non-profit corporation" means a corporation no part of the income of which is distributable to members, directors, or officers [TNPCA, article 1396-1.02A(3)]. A nonprofit corporation may be created for any lawful purposes, which purposes must be fully stated in the articles of incorporation. Not all nonprofit corporations are entitled to exemption from state or federal taxes.

What does it take to start a nonprofit organization?

There are many details and steps necessary in starting a nonprofit organization. The following online resources and books will provide guidance. It is important to have your application for tax-exempt status and other legal documents reveiwed by an attorney with appropriate legal expertise.

The Office of the Secretary of State is a recommended starting point. The Frequently Asked Questions web page http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/nonprofitfaqs.shtml provides specific requirements and forms.

Other Helpful Online Resources:

(updated December 2008)

Articles of Incorporation Forms http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/nonprofit.shtml
Becoming a Nonprofit in the State of Texas http://www.austincc.edu/npo/resources/startingnpo.php
The Foundation Center of Nonprofit Management http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/nonprofits/;jsessionid=EEOPYTKO21OINLAQBQ4CGW15AAAACI2F
Friends of Libraries USA http://www.folusa.org
Internal Revenue Service http://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html
Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act Vernon's Statutes http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/CV/content/htm/cv.032.00.000009.00.htm
Texas State Comptroller http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/exempt/index.html
Texas Nonprofit Management Assistance Network http://www.txnetwork.org/pages/libraries.asp
National Council of Nonprofits http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/
The Nonprofit Congress http://www.nonprofitcongress.org/
Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) http://www.tano.org

There are several books available for check out from the Professional Collection. Suggested titles:

Am I Liable? Responsibilities & Liabilities of Texas Nonprofit Organization Directors by Glen A. Yale
The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management by Smith, Bucklin & Associates
Forming and Funding Public Library Foundations by Faye Clow
Friends of Libraries by Sandy Dolnick
How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation 6th Edition by Attorney Anthony Mancuso
How to Form a Nonprofit Corporatation in All 50 States by Attorney Anthony Mancuso
Managing a Nonprofit Organization by Thomas Wolf
Nonprofit Corporations, Organizations, & Associations by Howard L. Oleck
A Nonprofit Organization Operating Manual by Arnold J. Olenick