This is a post from Ben Woodward, founder and CEO at Nonprofit Elite.

Starting a nonprofit organization shouldn’t be this difficult, I remember thinking. It was 2006, and I’d been talking with attorneys and CPAs for weeks trying to start our family’s private charitable foundation. I felt prepared going in, fresh off a graduate degree in Nonprofit Management and six years experience as a nonprofit director. I just needed a little help – someone to point me in the right direction.

Instead I ran into a brick wall. I had questions but couldn’t get answers. I called for legal advice and was referred elsewhere. I had money but not that much money. Finding the right kind of help was next to impossible.

nonprofit elite ben woodward

So instead I ended up doing most of the work myself, and over a period of months our private foundation was formed. For me personally this was a rewarding experience. Being involved in the formation process was empowering, and I felt great peace of mind that we were doing things the right way – no mistakes, no shortcuts, and no misunderstandings.

A short while later, a friend asked me to help prepare her organization’s IRS Form 1023 – Application for Recognition of Exemption. A few weeks after that, my phone rang again, and then again. The word was out, people were looking for help, and within the year Nonprofit Elite was born.

Today, Nonprofit Elite’s mission and passion is to deliver expert advice, mistake-free filings, and exceptional client loyalty to startup nonprofit organizations. Most of our work is focused on three areas: (1) Formation Documents including Incorporation, Bylaws and EIN, (2) IRS Form 1023 – Application for Recognition of Exemption, and (3) Best Practices Consulting and Nonprofit Compliance.

We are a small, efficient company that operates quietly and confidently, building loyal relationships with our 750+ clients. Though we have grown each year since inception, company profit is not our #1 goal. Built into our DNA is the desire to engage in important, meaningful work and to inspire others to do the same. We believe that if we do our work well, everything else falls into place.

Please contact us if you’re thinking about starting a nonprofit organization. And most important, thank you for helping to make this world a kinder, safer, and better place.