Start a 501(c) Nonprofit
Leave Registering Your Nonprofit to the Experts
Foundation Group will prepare your state and IRS applications and file for you.
Services from $1,499 plus filing fees.
Harbor Compliance has partnered with Foundation Group. Since 1995, Foundation Group has helped over 75,000 nonprofits nationwide!
Use a Professional and Avoid Costly Mistakes
Using a professional can help expedite the process of starting a nonprofit, by eliminating mistakes.
Why Do Nonprofit Startups Choose Foundation Group?
Foundation Group will guide you through all regulatory and operational requirements to ensure your nonprofit’s success. Their SureSTART™ nonprofit formation service has what you need, including:
We’ll guide you through all regulatory and operational requirements to ensure your nonprofit’s success. Our SureSTART™ nonprofit formation service has what you need, including:
- Incorporating your Nonprofit: Complete Articles of Incorporation for your nonprofit startup.
- Draft Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy
- EIN: Obtaining your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Tax Exempt Status: Securing nonprofit, tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) or other required 501(c) section.
- State Filings: Preparing necessary state-level compliance filings.
- Worry-Free Compliance: Foundation Group’s SureCOMPLY™ provides ongoing support, education, and compliance filings automatically so you can focus on your organization’s mission.
- And so much more!
Nonprofit Startup Pricing
Foundation Group’s comprehensive 501(c)(3) services include everything you need to incorporate, obtain 501(c)(3) status, and meet initial state nonprofit operating requirements without breaking the budget.
Have questions? Give us a call
| SureSTART Express | SureSTART Core | SureSTART Complete |
|---|---|---|
|
SureSTART Express
$1,499
|
SureSTART Core
$2,499
|
SureSTART Complete
$3,499
|
$1,499
|
$2,499
|
$3,499
|
Compare Features
SureSTART Express
|
SureSTART Core
|
SureSTART Complete
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 501(c)(3) Approval Guarantee |
SureSTART Express:
Included
|
SureSTART Core:
Included
|
SureSTART Complete:
Included
|
State Incorporation
|
SureSTART Express:
Included
|
SureSTART Core:
Included
|
SureSTART Complete:
Included
|
IRS Tax Exemption
|
(Form 1023-EZ only)
SureSTART Express (Form 1023-EZ only):
Included
|
SureSTART Core:
Included
|
SureSTART Complete:
Included
|
| Personal Exemption Specialist |
SureSTART Core:
Included
|
SureSTART Complete:
Included
|
|
SurePLAN & 501(c)(3) University Membership
|
30 Day trial
SureSTART Express:
30 Day trial
|
6 month trial
SureSTART Core:
6 month trial
|
1 year complimentary membership
SureSTART Complete:
1 year complimentary membership
|
SureCOMPLY Membership
|
1 year complimentary membership
SureSTART Complete:
1 year complimentary membership
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing the regulatory paperwork required to create a 501(c)(3) charitable organization can be daunting. In addition to federal requirements, founders must also file incorporation documents with specific state and municipal agencies. The average application package typically spans 50 to 100 pages of questions, supporting information, and required documents, often requiring upwards of 70 to 100 hours to complete. A single mistake can add weeks or even months to the timeline for obtaining IRS approval.
Through the SureSTART™ program, Foundation Group provides an experienced, trusted partnership for navigating this complexity. Their team manages the preparation of all IRS, federal, and state documents to help expedite the approval process, supporting nonprofit leaders through every stage of the filing journey.
Foundation Group has assisted over 75,000 nonprofit startups since 1995—a number that grows every week. Their clients span the entire United States and represent a wide range of diverse community programs.
Beyond initial setup, Foundation Group’s full-service tax, accounting, and compliance teams are available to assist organizations with the complete spectrum of annual requirements. This includes Form 990 preparation, fundraising registration, and monthly bookkeeping services. Prospective founders can also review client testimonials to see the impact of their work.
Helping nonprofits is at the core of Foundation Group’s mission. In addition to their fee based services, they provide a wealth of free tools and self-help evaluations, white papers, videos, articles, and other resources through their exclusive SurePLAN™ and 501(c)(3) University platforms.
Foundation Group was started in 1995 in Nashville, Tennessee and has been one of the nation’s foremost leaders in nonprofit formation, tax, and compliance services for over 30 years. They recently joined forces with BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions in 2025, bringing together over 100 of the top nonprofit experts and 50+ years of combined company experience, all committed to your ultimate success!
Learn More
Our nonprofit resources make it easy to ensure that you’ve covered all the regulatory bases. For more resources, make sure to visit our Information Center
