Non-Profit Organization Guide

# Non-Profit Organization Launch & Operations Guide

Create a comprehensive guide for founding and operating [ORGANIZATION_NAME], a non-profit focused on [MISSION] serving [BENEFICIARY_COMMUNITY] in [GEOGRAPHY].

## Organization Context
- **Stage:** [STAGE] (e.g., idea stage, filing for 501(c)(3), recently incorporated)
- **Founding team:** [TEAM] (e.g., 2 co-founders + 5 volunteers)
- **Annual budget goal (Year 1):** $[BUDGET]
- **Primary programs:** [PROGRAMS]

## Complete Operations Guide

### 1. Legal Formation
Step-by-step guide to incorporating as a non-profit and applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status: articles of incorporation, bylaws, EIN, IRS Form 1023, and state registration.

### 2. Board of Directors
Explain the role of the board, ideal board composition for [MISSION_AREA], how to recruit board members, and essential governance policies (conflict of interest, gift acceptance).

### 3. Funding Strategy
- **Individual Donors:** Major gifts, recurring giving, annual fund
- **Grants:** Foundation grants (identify 5 relevant foundations), government grants, corporate grants
- **Events:** Signature fundraising event concept
- **Earned Revenue:** Any program fees or social enterprise opportunities

### 4. Program Design & Impact Measurement
Describe how to design programs with clear theory of change, measurable outcomes, and impact reporting for funders.

### 5. Operations & Compliance
List annual compliance requirements: Form 990, state charity registration renewals, board meeting minutes, financial audits.

### 6. First-Year Milestones
Provide a quarterly milestone plan for the first year.