Nonprofit Start-up Toolkit

The Nonprofit Start-up Toolkit is a valuable tool to assist you in starting your nonprofit organization. It includes information about key library resources available at the Business and Reference Center as well as links to specific websites, including federal and Pennsylvania state websites, on the following topics:

  • Is starting a nonprofit organization right for you and the impact you want to make?
  • Define the need for your work in the community
  • Outline your mission statement
  • Prepare a business plan
  • Determine your legal organization
  • Select your board of directors
  • Hire nonprofit professionals
  • Write your bylaws
  • File Articles of Incorporation
  • Apply for federal tax-exempt status – 501(c)
  • Apply for Pennsylvania sales tax-exempt status
  • Maintain your tax-exempt status
  • Hire staff and manage volunteers
  • Find your funding!

Nonprofit Start-up Toolkit