Nonprofit Formation Services
Formation Services
Most nonprofit founders incorporate their organization and assume the hard part is done. It isn’t. State incorporation and federal tax-exempt status are two separate legal processes — and skipping or mishandling either one can cost your organization its funding eligibility, donor trust, and IRS standing before it ever gets off the ground. The firm guides founders through every step of the formation process so the legal foundation is built correctly from day one.
Tier 1 – Formation Essentials
You’re starting from scratch and need the legal foundation done right the first time — without overpaying for structure you don’t need yet. Formation mistakes — wrong filing, missing polices, incomplete AG registration — are expensive to fix after the fact. This package gets you incorporated, tax-exempt, and compliant from the start.
Starting at $3,500
Note: Government filing fees (Secretary of State, IRS, CA AG) are billed separately and are the client's responsibility.
Includes :
Articles of Incorporation (drafting and filing)
EIN procurement
Bylaws drafting
Initial governance policies (Conflict of Interest, Whistleblower, Document Retention)
Initial board resolutions
IRS Form 1023-EZ preparation (for eligible organizations — full Form 1023 requires Tier 2)
Initial California Attorney General registration
First-year compliance overview
This package focuses on establishing required documents and filings necessary for nonprofit formation and exemption.
Tier 2 – Strategic Formation Package
Your organization has multiple programs, complex funding goals, or a board structure that requires more than basic documents. You need a legal foundation that can actually support what you’re building. Funders and institutional partners scrutinize governance before they write checks. This package ensures your documents, policies, and IRS application reflect the sophistication of the organization you’re building — not just the minimum required to exist.
Starting at $7,500
Note: Government filing fees (Secretary of State, IRS, CA AG) are billed separately and are the client's responsibility.
Includes :
Formation consultation
Enhanced bylaws
Governance policy suite (including fiscal controls and gift acceptance policy)
Board roles & responsibilities memo
Program structure overview
Full IRS Form 1023 preparation (long form)
California AG registration
Governance orientation session
This package supports organizations requiring additional structural clarity at formation.
Tier 3 – Premier Foundation Build
Your name, your platform, and your representation are directly tied to this foundation. One governance failure — a mishandled donation, an undisclosed conflict, a public-facing compliance gap — can become a headline. This package is built for founders who can’t afford that risk. High-visibility founders face a different level of scrutiny than private individuals. This package builds the governance architecture to protect your foundation, your brand, and your legacy.
Starting at $14,500
Note: Government filing fees (Secretary of State, IRS, CA AG) are billed separately and are the client's responsibility.
Includes :
Strategic formation consultation (two sessions)
Premier governance suite (enhanced bylaws with public-figure safeguards)
Public-figure oversight guidelines
Donor and sponsorship procedures
Grantmaking guidelines
Full IRS Form 1023 (long form)
California AG filings
Governance orientation session
Public-figure compliance and risk session (dedicated)
This package addresses organizations with increased governance complexity and reputational considerations.
Not sure which package fits your organization? Every organization is different. Book a consultation and Aszaneé will assess your structure, programs, and goals — and tell you exactly which formation package makes sense for where you are and where you’re going.