FAQ — The Nonprofit Specialist Group

Question 1

What is the first step to starting a nonprofit?

Accepted Answer

The first step is clarifying your mission and purpose. Before filing any paperwork, you need a clear understanding of what your organization will do, who it will serve, and how it will operate. We offer startup guidance consultations to help you think through these foundational decisions.

Question 2

Do I need a lawyer to start a nonprofit?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many nonprofit founders work with consultants and document-preparation services for the administrative and formation steps. However, The Nonprofit Specialist Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. If you have complex legal questions, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.

Question 3

How long does it take to start a nonprofit?

Accepted Answer

Timelines vary depending on your state's processing times and the IRS review period. State formation can take days to weeks. IRS 1023-EZ applications are typically processed within a few weeks to a few months. Full Form 1023 applications can take several months or longer. We do not control government processing times.

Question 4

What is an EIN and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax identification number assigned by the IRS. Your nonprofit needs an EIN to open a bank account, hire employees, and apply for tax-exempt status. We provide EIN Application Assistance for $50.

Question 5

What is the difference between Form 1023-EZ and the full Form 1023?

Accepted Answer

Form 1023-EZ is a streamlined application available to smaller organizations that meet specific IRS eligibility requirements. The full Form 1023 is a more detailed application required for larger or more complex organizations. We offer a 1023-EZ Eligibility Screening ($75) to help determine which form is appropriate for your organization.

Question 6

Do you guarantee IRS approval?

Accepted Answer

No. IRS tax-exempt approval is determined solely by the Internal Revenue Service. We provide preparation assistance and guidance, but we do not promise or guarantee IRS approval. No consultant or service can guarantee IRS approval.

Question 7

What are the IRS fees for 501(c)(3) applications?

Accepted Answer

The IRS currently charges $275 for Form 1023-EZ and $600 for the full Form 1023. These government fees are separate from our professional service fees and are paid directly to the IRS. Government fees are subject to change — always verify current fees at IRS.gov.

Question 8

Are government fees included in your service prices?

Accepted Answer

No. Government, IRS, state, and applicable third-party fees are separate from our professional service fees. For example, state formation filing fees and IRS application fees are paid directly to the respective agencies and are not included in our quoted prices.

Question 9

What happens during a consultation?

Accepted Answer

During a consultation, we discuss your nonprofit idea, goals, current stage, and questions. We provide education, guidance, and practical direction based on your specific situation. Consultations are available in 30-minute ($50) and 60-minute ($100) sessions.

Question 10

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

You can book a consultation through our Contact page or by calling 423-645-3974. We will confirm your appointment and provide any preparation instructions.

Question 11

Do you write grants for nonprofits?

Accepted Answer

We provide Grant Application Support starting at $300, which includes guidance and preparation assistance. Grant and funding decisions are made by individual funders. We do not promise or guarantee grant awards, funding, or donations.

Question 12

Can you help us find grants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer Funding Opportunity Research ($150) to help identify grant opportunities that may align with your organization's mission and programs. Identifying an opportunity does not guarantee funding.

Question 13

What is the Nonprofit Specialist INSIDER?

Accepted Answer

The Nonprofit Specialist INSIDER is a $25/month membership that provides monthly resources, compliance reminders, funding opportunity watch, group Q&A opportunities, a growing document library, and member discounts on selected services.

Question 14

Is there a discount for INSIDER members?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After 3 consecutive paid months, INSIDER members receive EIN Application Assistance for $25 instead of the standard $50 — a 50% member discount.

Question 15

Does the INSIDER membership include unlimited consulting?

Accepted Answer

No. The INSIDER membership does not include unlimited individual consulting, custom grant writing, bookkeeping, tax-return preparation, legal services, or unlimited custom document preparation. Those services are available separately.

Question 16

How long does it take to complete a service?

Accepted Answer

Service timelines vary depending on the complexity of the work and your organization's readiness. We will provide an estimated timeline when you book a service. Timelines for government filings and IRS applications depend on agency processing times, which are outside our control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a Nonprofit

EIN & Formation

501(c)(3) Applications

Government Fees

Consultations

Grant & Funding Support

INSIDER Membership

Service Timelines

We're here to help you find your next step.