Creating a Nonprofit Organization in Virginia
Planning:
- Identify competitors; opportunities for partnership and collaboration
- Use needs and market analysis to determine what services and populations the organization will serve (geographic area, community stakeholders)
- Draft a mission statement
Creating an Organization:
- Draft Articles of Incorporation. Example available here.
- Submit completed Articles and fee to Virginia State Corporation Commission. Forms available here.
- Develop board structure and standard operating procedures including mission and purpose, criteria for selection of board members, identifying leadership and officer positions on board
- Draft bylaws
- Discuss budget/financial planning
- Hold meeting of Board of Directors
Tax Exemption:
- Apply for 501(c)(3) status
IRS Form 1023 - Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
IRS Form 1023-EZ - Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations with total assets less than $250,000 can file the EZ form.
- Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
EINs are issued for the purpose of tax administration.
- Apply for Virginia Business, Professional and Occupational Licenses (BPOL)
New business in Virginia must file a business license application within 75 days of the date the business began.
- Apply for a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
DUNS Numbers are used by the government to track how federal money is allocated.
- Apply for Virginia Tax exemption status
Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations.
- Charitable Solicitation Registration
For nonprofit organizations engaging in fundraising activities. Register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Register here.
