I’ve been doing 501c3 Applications for many years.
I have a 100% success rate and 99.9% of my applications go through with no questions asked.
That’s because I am very thorough and I know what the IRS is looking for.
Now I’m letting you in on my in-house secrets to my 100% success rate!
Download my affordable do-it-yourself kit and start your 501c3 application today!
If you’re on a tight budget and just need someone to point you in the right direction, you’ve come to the right place!
We have actual 501c3 applications for that were submitted and approved by the Internal Revenue Service!
Our sample kits include the complete application approved by the IRS, all related attachments and templates you can use (MS Word and MS Excel) to customize to your ministry.
Please understand this is not a step-by-step guide to setting up a 501c3 organization, but rather a tool to eliminate the guess work and save time in preparing Form 1023 and the required attachments.
Your Sample 501c3 Application Kit will be a zip file that contains:
1. PDF File containing an actual 501c3 application with all the attachments that was submitted to the IRS and approved. You may use this as an example as to what the IRS is looking for in a complete application. You may find additional items in our file that are not in the Form 1023 instructions. That’s because from experience, we know the IRS will ask for it after they’ve reviewed your application.
The sample 501c3 application will include the actual articles of incorporation submitted with the application. Use this as a guide as to the required language the IRS is looking for in your state articles of incorporation before you get incorporated. Or if your organization is already incorporated and you find yours is missing certain paragraphs, you’ll need to do some research on your own to find out how to amend your articles.
2. MS Word templates with the exact wording we’ve used to prepare the description of programs and activities for the type of organization included in the kit.
Most of these activities are charitable, educational and religious in nature. You will find many activities that do not relate to your organization and some that do or some that are similar to yours. If you’re giving away something, teaching something or conducting religious activities, you can use our templates as a guide to help you describe your organization’s planned activities.Example: The kit may have descriptions for food distribution or clothing distribution to homeless people; but your organization is giving away backpacks filled with school supplies to children in low-income areas. You will change the wording and the target group to adapt the description to your organization.
Another Example: We have transitional living program kits for Ex-offenders; and another kit for Women. You plan to target runaway teens. You will change the wording for the target group.
You can use ours as a template to get an understanding as to what type of information and just how much information you can include in the description.
You should not expect that all your intended programs and activities will be included in our kit as no two organizations are exactly alike.3. MS Word and MS Excel templates with responses to many of the questions on Form 1023 that require an explanation.
You will customize these responses to your organization.4. MS Word templates for bylaws that you may customize to your organization or use it as a tool to review your own for formatting and completeness.
5. MS Word templates for other stuff we just know the IRS is going to ask for, but isn’t in the Form 1023 instructions.
After you’ve made your purchase, you will be taken to a page where you may instantly download the product. You will also receive an email indicating you have 120 hours or 5 attempts to download the product. The email will include a link to access the file to download. The email will be sent to the email address used during checkout. Check your spam mail or junk mail folder. The file will be a zip file. Make sure you are comfortable downloading and opening zip files, or that you know someone that can do this for you.
File Download Refund Policy: Our products are delivered instantly, and they are easily retained and used by the consumer. As a result, no refunds will be given for file download purchases.
I need a package that will do the following, is it possible?
501c3 Application for Churches
501c3 Application for Churches with a Child Day Care
501c3 Application for Foreign Missions Programs
501c3 Application for Outreach Ministries
501c3 Application for Transitional Living Program for Ex-Offenders
501c3 Application for Transitional Living Program for Women
Hello Roger,
Yes, I’d recommend purchasing two kits – the Sample 501c3 application kit for Churches w/Daycare and the Transitional Living Program for Women.
Both kits are loaded with supplemental attachments.
Let me know after you’ve made your purchase and I can provide sample program descriptions from the Foreign Missions and Outreach Ministries kits via email.
Belinda Whitfield
I work at a small County museum and we are applying for the 501c3. Will any of your kits work in assisting me get through this?
Renee
Hello Renee,
Sorry, I don’t think our sample kits will help you.
I specialize in churches and religious organizations.
Belinda
I thought it was worth a try! Thanks.
I am trying to complete a 501 (c) 3 for my grant seeking business. I seek grants from the USDA, and I donate the land, to build multi-family housing for the underpriveliged rural families. In other words, I am a developer, seeking grants to fund my housing ventures and the housing are only for low income.
Do you have a 501 (c) 3 instruction that gives explicit directions to completing the 1023 form for grant writing?
Thanks, Josie
Hi Josie,
You’re doing a more than grant writing.
In fact any organization trying to get a grant will have to prepare grant applications.
If you’re the developer, your primary activity is to seek (land and cash) donations that will be used to build multi-family housing.
You will work in partnership with other non-profit organizations who will ultimately own and manage the properties.
I’d consider using the sample kit for the CDC and focus on your development activities.
Peace and Blessings!
Belinda
Hello Ms. Whitfield,
My name is Jeff and I am trying to start a non-profit for children I have a program that I use in schools but I just can’t afford some of the things that I am trying to do. What type of 501c3 do I need?
Hi Jeff,
Sorry, I’m a bit behind in responding to website questions.
You may want to use the sample kit for Outreach Ministries.
You will need to do some customizing to describe your specific activities.
You can follow my samples to see how much detail to include and how to address a lot of the other questions on the Form 1023.
Peace and Blessings!
Belinda Whitfield
Hello, I am needing information on which Application to choose. I am starting a community outreach program which includes a Boxing Club as the Main Focus. I had no idea that there where different forms for different organizations. Could anyone help me and lead me into the right direction as to what forms i need to have as well as a example if possible to assist in me not making mistakes. Thanks in Advance.
Hello George,
Just to clarify, all 501c3 applicants must complete same IRS form 1023. There are not different forms per type of organization.
My sample 501c3 application kits include actual applications for various types of organizations that were submitted and approved by the IRS.
I have done applications for organizations that had athletic activities and community recreation centers.
The Sample 501c3 application kit for Outreach Ministries is probably your closest match to what a finished application should look like
before you send it to the IRS.
I can provide additional sample program descriptions for the athletic activities.
Belinda Whitfield
In your experience, what is the average turnaround time for receiving a response from the IRS?
Hi Neicy,
My applications have been approved in 3 – 6 weeks and don’t usually go through a second level review.
Occasionally one will be routed for review and take about 3 months.
I did a “super-size” community development corp application that I just knew would go through a special review, but it was approved in 3 weeks.
Who knows, maybe my name is on a list of routine filers for Form 1023.
Then again, church applications tend to get fast approvals in general, unless there are issues.
Check out this page on the IRS’s website: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=156733,00.html.
It shows the status of applications they are reviewing. These are the ones that get assigned for review, then supervisor’s approval.
As of today, it looks like they are working on applications received in May.
There have been certain times over the past few years where one of my applications was routed for review and wasn’t assigned to someone to review for 9 months.
But after it was assigned, it was approved in about 2 weeks. That has happened twice in all the years I’ve done 501c3′s. The last time being about 2 or 3 years ago.
The first time it happened I managed to get someone at that specific location to tell me what was going on.
They explained the applications come to them in loads; gets routed to one of various offices throughout the US for review and sit in drawers just waiting and waiting to be assigned to a reviewer.
Then, you’re at the mercy of the reviewer’s work schedule (i.e. vacations, personal time off, time away for training and meetings, etc.).
Belinda
Hello i am trying to see about an affordable way to become a 5013c organization for our pee wee football team. We don’t have a lot of money coming in and we really need to get this done in order to get better donations for our players to provide equipment and other things they need. Is there a less expensive way to do so. Thank you, Youlanda Beard
Hi Youlanda,
I specialize in serving religious organizations. Quite frankly, I haven’t done any work for athletic teams.
Here’s my opinion:
1. Get Incorporated as a non-profit. This should cost $50 or less in most states.
2. Start working on your 501c3 application. You actually have 27 months after you’re incorporated to do this. This gives you 27 months to raise money.
The contributions you receive will be tax deductible, as long as your organization’s activities meets the 501c3 criteria.
I haven’t done any work on athletic teams, so I can’t advise you on this matter.
3. After 27 months, as long as your total revenues remain under $5,000 per year, contributions are still tax deductible.
And when you finally apply, your 501c3 status will be retroactive to your incorporation date.
But if your revenues are over $5,000, then your 501c3 status will be based on the postmark date for your application.
So, you’ve got some time to raise money for the application fee.
Belinda Whitfield
Hi I have a youth group that I work with and i am trying to see about an affordable way to become a 5013c organization for our youth group. So that we can help with workshops, school supplies ect
Grace and Peace Belinda:
I am interested in starting a non-profit with a focus on personal growth and development for the at-risk population in youth and adults, including offenders. My target population would be schools, detention centers, prisons, and group homes. Can you help or advise me in securing funding for MY DREAM?
God Bless and Be Well.
Alvic
Hamden, CT
Hello Alvic,
You’ll want to surf the net for federal and state grants that your organization will qualify for. Start at http://www.grants.gov.
Belinda Whitfield
Will any of your samples work for a college alumni association that wants to obtain 501c3 status?
Hi Renee,
Sorry, none of my applications will assist you. Your organization will fall under a different 501(c) status.
Here’s a couple of links to a list of 501(c) types: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501%28c%29
and http://www.irs.gov/charities/content/0,,id=96931,00.html
I hope this points you in the right direction.
Belinda
Hello… I am attempting to apply for tax exemption for a ministry that will work with churches but is not a church itself. I am not sure which application to choose. This ministry will hold services such as conferences and christian education classes dealing with performing arts in the church…
Hi Tracey,
You’ll want to use the sample application for outreach ministries. Then customize the description of programs and activities to match your organization.
In fact I just completed a 501c3 application for a similar organization. I could pass the description of programs I used after your purchase.
Belinda
Hello,
I have incorporated our organization at the state level, have an EIN. Now I would like to file for 501c3 status. We do not take dues or have any fund-raising planned. We don’t even have a checking account. Any fees that have needed to be paid, I have paid personally. All our work is done through volunteers.
Do you have a sample application that would cover an organization with no income. The reason I want to get 501c3 status is to be able to grant write and fund-raise so contributors can get a tax-deduction.
Thank you.
Hello Judith,
All of the sample applications include financial activity (either actual financial information or a budget for newer organizations).
Even if you have no recent financial activity, you will need to put together a budget.
The budget time frame will depend on when you were incorporated.
And your budget should represent the costs to implement your planned programs and activities.
Whether you’re presenting actual financial data or a budget, you will see how I presented financial information to the IRS in the actual approved application that was approved by the IRS.
And it will include templates in excel for presenting supplemental financial information.
Belinda
Hi Belinda,
I’m submitting an application for 501C, but my non-profit hasn’t generated any income yet from donations, since we are just starting!! The question is what should I report on the financial statements section?
Eventually, if i need any forms or advice i will be glad to purchase it from you! But know that’s my request.
Elliot
I own a company that provides personal development courses to a population from 12-80 years of age. Many of these participants are in recovery, arrested troubled youth, families going through divorce, families in trouble with teens on drugs, sexual abuse issues, domestic abuse, foster care kids, etc. I want to take all that I have built in the last 20 years and submit an application for a 501c3 so that the legacy of what we do can live on through a non-profit and dismantle the LLC I presently own and operate. Also, there are a wealth of grants available which fit the clients we serve. I am interested in either you doing the application or you directing me to the application that best fits our needs.
Please advise me of the best route I can take.
Thank you, Rita Homrich
We are a small church with a 120 yr. old building. We are thinking about a 501c3 status to help maintain our building with outside donations. Is it possible to repair a roof (example ) or would we have to replace the roof? In other words can you repair or do you have to replace.Our building is a historical building. Thank You
Hi, im the process of starting a not for profit organization in Chicago solely aimed at girls that will teach teen pregnancy prevention as well promote post secondary education by using educational and prevention based programs. We do not have an organization like this in Chicago. I have worked on this project for 2 years. I have finished the articles, I have bylaws, I have a mission and vision, strategies, objectives, and goals. I have board of directors invite letters. I’m working on a budget. But I do no have the money for the filing of the 501c3 which kind of holding up the establishment of my not for profit organization. I talked to a lawyer he said that he would send me the documents in which he did. He said that he couldnt fill it out if I didnt have the money, but for free I could ask him any question, if I filled it out myself. Would you suggest this or no? What should my next steps be in order for my organization to be operating soon?
Hi! Do you know when (or if) the IRS will ever roll out Cyber Assistant so the filing fee might actually drop down to $200?
The last I heard is that its unlikely to be rolled out in 2011?
It seems the IRS is cautious not to release a target date again.
I have a tax id number for a not for profit scholarship organization. How do we know if we qualify for 501c3? And what approximately does it cost?
Hi Norma,
It all depends on the type of scholarships you plan to award and who will be the recipients.
If it is to distribute educational scholarships, you’re in the clear. The IRS will charge $850 to review your application.
Plan on $50 t o $100 for the state fees.
If you need professional assistance, my firm charges a consulting fee of $975 to prepare all your federal and state paperwork.
Learn more at: http://churchcpa.com/501c3-application-service/
Peace and Blessings!
Belinda
WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING AS A CHURCH FOR OVER TEN YEARS. WE HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR OUR 501C3 STATUS. WHAT IS MY FIRST STEPS IN OBTANING OUR 501C3 STATUS.
Hello Rodney,
There are quite a few steps involved in the process. Here’s a link to a guide published by the IRS:
http://www.stayexempt.irs.gov/Mini-Courses/Applying_for_Tax_Exempt-An_Overview/applying-for-tax-exempt-organizations.aspx
If you prefer to hire a professional to navigate you through this process, check out my 501c3 Services page at http://churchcpa.com/501c3-application-service/.
I am interested in establishing a nonprofit to provide technical assistance and education to children struggling with obesity in a clinic-type setting. whixh one of your examples should I purchase. Better yet, how much do you charge to establish the business in the state of FL AND to complete the 501C3 application?
DeeDee
Hi Dee Dee,
My 501c3 application for outreach ministries will give you an idea as to what the application should look like.
While the programs and activities may not fit your organization, you will see the pattern as to how I format this narrative. Although I am a bit concerned about the “clinic” you referred to. You may be a bit out of the box for me as it may require supplemental data the IRS requires for hospitals which is outside of my niche. If you’re only doing basic screening, monitoring, counseling, we should be okay.
Check out my 501c3 Services page at http://churchcpa.com/501c3-application-service/ for all the details. My fee is $975 or 3 monthly installments of $330.
I have a 501c3 and it was revoke because I didn’t file for 3 years, how do I get reinstated?
thank you,
Hello D.A. Jones,
Its my understanding you’ll need to submit a new 501c3 application. You’ll need to call the IRS at 877-829-5500 just to be sure.
Belinda
Hi,
Our non-profit organization has been incorporated for 2 years. We started this as high school students, and didn’t know the exact process to apply for the 501c3. We did apply, and we got rejected once. Its been more than a year now. Obtaining the 501c3 will really help our organization succeed in the future.
Is it hard to resubmit and get approved? We don’t exactly know why the 501c3 was rejected in the first place.
Thank you for your time Belinda!
we are looking for family relatives….i’m from the family of owen whitfield civil rights organizer who formed and led the 1939 highway demostration…would like to correspond..you look so much like our neice melissa.
Hi Shirley,
I’m married into the Whitfield family. if its okay with you, I’ll pass your contact info to my in-laws.
Belinda
wish we had known you earlier…we waited a long time to get our 501c3 for our whitfield foundation.
Hello Belinda Whitfield, will any of your applications help me? I am starting a single parent scholarship program that helps single parent with the cost of sports birthday parties ect.
Hi Michael,
The outreach ministry package could help. But you’d have to customize your programs and activities.
My sample kit provides the basic samples of how to format your description. They will always need customizing to your organization’s plans.
I’d suggest tweaking your activities to include funding youth after-care activities, recreational sports and other educational and extra-curricular activities for low-income families supported primarily by single parents.
Note the emphasis on low-income.
Belinda
Hi Belinda,
I recently opened a licensed family home daycare August 4th, 2011. On 8/30/11 I registered the name “Child’s Play Family Daycare LLC (Non-profit) with Minnesota sate. I am currently in the process of applying for an EIC and then 501 (c) (3) for my organization daycare. Which template would you recommend I use?
Thanks
Hi Ed,
I’d suggest the Sample 501c3 Application Kit for Community Development Corp.
It’s loaded and has more than you’ll need. But there’s info about the child care in this kit for you.
All my non-profits are set-up as non-profit corporations.
So you’ll have to navigate through the IRS instructions for responding to LLC entity type.
Blessings!
Belinda
Hello Shirley,
I have a Fashion design company called BARDO.. I financially support children NON- Profits, based in the US, and have now been volunteering in foriegn countries aswell. I would like to establish my own non-profit ORG, and raise funds, through my own foundation, and use those funds to give under my own foundation, and to continue partnering with, and to give to other ORG”s.. Would that fall under the charitable Qualification Catagory?
Veronica,
Hi Veronica,
Yes, your organization would be a charitable organization.
Here’s another tip: While you may be the founder, you will want to decide if your organization will be a publicly supported charity or private foundation.
Private foundations receive contributions from a few major contributors who usually control the organization.
Publicly supported organizations receive donations primarily from the general public (including businesses and government grants).
I hope this helps!
Belinda
Hello Mrs. Whitfield,
I have an idea to start a Non-for-porfit organization and that is all it is at this point, an idea. I do have a mission statement. My question is: Do I file the 501(c)(3) now, or should I already have a board of directors before I file? Thank you.
James
Hello James,
You will need to wait until you have a board of directors.
Belinda
I am trying to start a youth program and I don’t see that you have anything available for that. I have already started completing the form 1023, but not to sure about a lot of the questions. Would you be interested in giving me a quote?
Hi Brenda,
Our Sample 501c3 Application Kit for CDC has quite a few youth program activities including:
Youth Sports, Drill Team, Pizza Night, community recreation center, and quite a few more activities.
If you’ve already started the 1023, the Sample Kit is just what you need. It’s like a cheat sheet.
You will see how I answered all the questions and follow my lead, but customize it to your organization.
I’m always available if you need extra help.
Belinda
Belinda,
Thanks for your response. I would like to hire your firm to complete the process if possible. I have the by-laws, business plan, federal ID# and articles of incorporation. I don’t mind paying the full price if you want to update what I have that would be fine. I wasn’t able to find your form on this site. Would you be able to do this for me?
Which sample kit would I use for:
•To focus on educational programs that assists youths with their academics, communication and interpersonal skills, self-esteem and positive behavior,
•To develop programs that enhance personal growth and character building that will be of value and positively impact the community and their future.
•To have After School programs and SAT/ACT Prep courses that will assist elementary to high school kids with their academics and further their education.
•To form mentorships for youths with leaders of the community that will broaden their knowledge and awareness social responsibility.
•To develop programs that address character building and leadership skills development of youths.
Hi Brenda,
You could use the Sample 501c3 Kit for a CDC. There’s a special list with descriptions for youth activities.
Maybe not exactly what you’re doing, but you can follow my lead to see how I format my programs and activities, and customize it to your organization.
Thanks so much!
Belinda
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for your interest in my services. You can learn more about my professional 501c3 service on my Get Your 501c3 page at http://churchcpa.com/501c3-application-service/.
The link to download the form and view the payment plans are just below the video.
Peace and Blessings!
Belinda
Hi, what sample application would I use for helping single mothers with transportation.
Hi Marsha,
I love your idea. Single mothers can use all the help they can get.
I’d use the sample application kit for outreach ministries since your focus is to help someone in need.
Use the kit as cheat sheet for putting your package together.
You’ll need to customize the programs and activities specific to your unique organization.
You’ll see how I wrote mine. Follow that as a lead for what the IRS is looking for.
But use your own wording.
Peace and Blessings!
Belinda
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!!
I really don’t know where to go to contact you, so am trying this. I work at a small county museum in North Dakota. Would any of your kits work in assisting me with our 501c3 application?
Hello Renee,
Sorry, I don’t think our sample kits will help you.
I specialize in churches and religious organizations.
Belinda
I want to apply for a 501c3 for my church. We are already Incorporated. I took the chance and applied for it myself (8yrs ago ) It took some time but I did it. Looking at all this paperwork i’m not sure where to start?
Chester
Hello Chester,
I’m just a little confused. You said you applied 8 years ago. Was your application denied?
Nonetheless assuming you have to start over, the first thing is to decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional.
If your funds are limited, you’ll probably want to do it yourself.
My sample 501c3 Application Kit should be quite useful for do-it-yourself.
But keep in mind, its not a step-by-step walk me every step of the way kind of guide.
Its more of a cheat sheet for someone who’s ready to put their package together and wants to see what a complete package should look like before they send theirs end.
And it includes my templates to help you save time putting yours together.
This is really for an administrative type person who gets a buzz on researching and filling out paperwork.
If paperwork seems a bit overwhelming, consider delegating the task to a volunteer or hire a professional.
I’m here to help if you need professional assistance. Check out my Get Your 501c3 page for more info.
Peace and Blessings!
Belinda
We are trying to submit an application for a Christian Academy which kit would be helpful for us? are there samples available of necessary documents?
Thanks
Hi Teresa,
I’d need to know a little more about the academy before I can recommend a sample kit.
Our sample kit for outreach ministries is fairly generic.
You will need to do some customizing to describe your specific activities.
You can follow my samples to see how much detail to include and how to address a lot of the other questions on the Form 1023.
Yes, there are samples of necessary documents in each kit and in MS Word format so that you can customize them to your ministry.
Belinda
Belinda,
I am trying to open a Bible College and I am having problems completing my 501c3. What would you recommend?
Hi Belinda,
I have a license daycare center. I am adding a community development center for youth. It will have a gymnasium and bowling alley. I have already started completing the form 1023, but not sure about some of the questions. Would you be interested in giving me a quote to complete it for me?
Obtaining the 501c3 will really help the community center be free to all youth.
Hi, Belinda,
I am a pastor, that have a church plant under 5 years. I have the church incorporated with the state and have an EIN number. I would like for you to help me with some direction on what 501c3 I need to get. Our church is within my home, and I am also interested in the Re-entry iniative for ex-offenders. I also have that incorporated and have an EIN number. We are also establishing a youth outreach to teach fitness, faith, finance and fun. I know it seems we are moving in different directions. My heart is there on each one. Do I need to get a separate 501c3 for each one? Or is there one where they would fall under the umbrella of the church?
Hello Pas. Evans,
I would recommend having 2 separate 501c3′s. One for the church and another for the community programs.
Anything you do that is religious can be done under the church. Other non-religious programs would function under the community related 501c3.
I know there will probably be some religious activities under the community program.
That’s fine, as long as you don’t make your religious activities mandatory..
As far as the sample kits, you would want the sample 501c3 application kit for churches and the sample kit for CDC’s.
I hope this helps!
Belinda Whitfield
Hello Belinda,
We established a Non-profit in 2005, but never got our 501c3 . In your opinion, will the IRS make it more difficult for us to be approved since we took so long?