Nonprofit Elite Blog
Is the Government Shutdown Affecting Your 501c3 Application?
As the U.S. government shutdown continues into day fifteen with no end in sight, many anxious startup organizations are wondering how the shutdown will affect their applications currently under review by the IRS. Having already waited months for a determination letter, should you now expect even longer delays? And if so, how long? From what we can gather the IRS is not taking any customer service phone calls regarding applications for exemption, nor are they processing actual applications at this [...]
Volunteer Management Best Practices
Volunteer Management Best Practices - Guest Post by VounteerMark. People are constantly volunteering to make a difference in the world. Make sure your volunteer management program is up-to-date so your volunteers have a great experience and your organization is retaining volunteers. This is what volunteers want: To be clear on dates and times. It’s easy to forget when you’re supposed to volunteer, so make sure that you clearly and effectively communicate when they are supposed to be at a certain [...]
Steve Harvey Featured “Because I Said I Would”
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[/custom_frame_right] Congratulations to Nonprofit Elite client Alex Sheen of Because I Said I Would, who was interviewed yesterday on the Steve Harvey Show. Alex’s organization helps people keep their promises through special promise cards and his efforts have gone viral through social media. Yesterday’s show (April 5, 2013) will be re-run several times during the next 48 hours so be sure to set your DVR. Or, visit the Steve Harvey Show website to see more about this good work!
How to Start a Nonprofit Organization in Texas
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[/custom_frame_right] There are five basic steps to starting a nonprofit organization in the state of Texas:
1. File a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State that includes among other items your organization’s name, registered agent, registerd office, proper purpose and dissolution clauses, and the names and addresses of at least three board members, unless you choose to have members.
501c3 Application Approval in Six Weeks
Just weeks ago we posted that our clients were reporting an even slower 501c3 approval process, as happens from time-to-time. Ok, no big deal. We just buckle down and begin reminding everyone that things may take a little longer. Patience…out of our hands…stay encouraged…
Then last Sunday we received this email:
Dear Ben,
Just wanted to let you know the wonderful news. I received my approval letter from the IRS!!! I mailed the application on Sept. 6 and it was approved on Oct. 18. Wow! I’m thankful that this went through so quickly and smoothly! 
Can I Speed Up the 501c3 Application Review Process?
The IRS allows for expedited requests of Form 1023 under two specific circumstances: First, if your organization is applying in direct response to a national disaster that demands urgent action, such as a major hurricane or other natural disaster. And second, if your organization has a significant (very large) grant that is pending IRS approval and will be lost if your approval is not awarded quickly. Even in these situations, however, expedited applications are rare.