Nonprofit Startup Essentials
Guide: Establishing a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization
This guide describes the steps you need to take to become a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in the state of Indiana.
Guide: Not-For-Profit Toolkit (Central Indiana Community Foundation)
The CICF Not-for-Profit Toolkit was designed to offer support to community not-for-profits. It is a concise, curated collection of practical tools and information about many aspects of leading and operating a small- to mid-sized not-for-profit in Central Indiana.
Guide: Fiscal Sponsorship: An Alternative to Forming a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Corporation (Public Counsel)
This publication discusses common questions concerning fiscal sponsorship. Fiscal sponsorship is an alternative to forming a new nonprofit corporation when a proposed charitable program is relatively small in scope or when a business plan is in its beginning stages.
Course: Is starting a nonprofit right for you? (Candid)
Starting a nonprofit can seem terrifically complicated--is it worth it? This class can help you decide. Live and self-paced options available.
Course: First Fundraising Strategies for Startup Organizations (Candid)
In this webinar recording, you will learn how to identify early donor prospects, self-assess the readiness of your organization to fundraise, and review the advantages and challenges of potential funding sources.
General Resources
Grants and Nonprofits eLibrary
Includes Candid's Foundation Directory Online and Grants to Individuals along with other grants and nonprofits databases. Candid Learning is available on the Foundation Directory and Grants to Individuals more information pages. Candid Learning is your new single destination for trainings, resources, and learning experiences to improve the way you do your work.
Guides for Grants and Nonprofits eLibrary:
- Getting Started Using Foundation Directory
- Foundation Directory: Advanced Search & Filters
- Reference Solutions Databases for Nonprofits
- Open Data and Statistics Sources for Nonprofits
National Council of Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits produces and curates tools, resources, and samples for nonprofits. View the most recent additions, browse by category or tag, or search for the specific information you are looking for below.
Nonprofit AF
There’s tons of humor in the nonprofit world, and someone needs to document it. Nonprofit AF is a quirky blog from nonprofit expert Vu Le. He writes on a variety of nonprofit-centered topics that will guarantee to make you laugh, and keep you informed, every Monday!
Fundraising
Bonterra Guided Fundraising
Bonterra Guided Fundraising (previously Network for Good) is a hybrid organization—a nonprofit-owned for-profit. Bonterra’s nonprofit donor-advised fund uses the Internet and mobile technology to securely and efficiently distribute thousands of donations from donors to their favorite charities each year. Click on the resources tab to find free webinars, blogs, virtual fundraising toolkit and lots more valuable information for nonprofits.
Fundraising Authority
Fundraising Authority was started to help non-profits fund work that matters and to offer them the absolute best information and counsel on how to raise money for their organization, no matter how small or large. Webinars aren't free but you get lifetime access so can share them with board members and volunteers and a podcast with great topics.
Classy
Classy is a social enterprise that creates world-class online fundraising software for nonprofits, modernizing the giving experience to accelerate social impact around the world. Since 2011, we've enabled millions of donations from over 190 countries. Based in San Diego, CA, Classy is trusted by more than 4,000+ organizations of all sizes and causes, from major events like disease outbreaks, disasters, mass shootings, and social movements, to mainstay world challenges like environmental issues, child trafficking, human rights, and animal rights.
Marketing and Communications
The Storytelling Non-Profit
When it comes to communicating with your donors, stories can be a powerful tool to spur action. That’s why The Storytelling Non-Profit exists. Through free and budget friendly webinars and other curated resources for nonprofits, this resource offers excellent advice about how you can communicate and make meaningful connections with your donors through stories.
News and Trends
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy provides a wide range of content for the nonprofit sector, with topics spanning from corporate support opportunities to technology advancements. Check this nonprofit resource daily for current event updates, fundraising tips and trends, and downloadable tools for your organization.
Philanthropy News Digest
The Foundation Center’s daily news service, Philanthropy News Digest rounds up tons of articles from the philanthropic sector. The website also publishes job openings at foundations and nonprofits, as well as daily requests for proposals (RFP) listings—current funding opportunities offered by foundations or other grantmakers.
The NonProfit Times
This longstanding news publication is a popular resource for best practices on how to manage your organization. Its articles delve into industry news and research, as well as fundraising, accounting, and daily operational tips for your nonprofit staff. Scour through the content to learn how to strengthen your organization.
Technology
City of Bloomington, IN
Used, surplus computer equipment from the City of Bloomington is donated to 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations. Apply for equipment by visiting their website.
IU Serve IT Clinic
IU's Serve IT Clinic provides technology services, support and used technology for 501(c)3 organizations. Bloomington (and Southern Indiana) nonprofits can request refurbished computers and other items for free, using their form. There may be limits on the total number of computers requested from a single person, depending on the use and the number of computers in their inventory. Apply for equipment by visiting their website.
TechSoup
TechSoup is an online community that brings together nonprofits and libraries with the technology solutions they need to maximize their efficiency. Check out articles and educational tools on how to best use technology for your organization. You can even access discounted products and services from the community’s various software partners.