Southeastern Ohio Chapter Autism Society of America
Southeastern Ohio Chapter Autism Society of America

Starting a Nonprofit

Appalachia is currently home to hundreds of nonprofits with a range of missions – to feed the poor, teach children about art, provide medical care to the homebound and much more. Because each of these organizations is struggling to make ends meet, it is usually a better idea to help an existing nonprofit rather than start a new one. However, it may be time for a new nonprofit if:

  1. An unmet need has been documented in the community
  2. No other local nonprofit is able or willing to address this need
  3. A group of individuals has come together and wants to donate time and money to meet this need

Sources of Additional Information

The Michigan Nonprofit Association provides a more detailed description of the steps necessary to start a nonprofit.

The Internal Revenue Service provides detailed information about the federal paperwork necessary to start and maintain a nonprofit. 

The Foundation Center offers many useful links and articles on nonprofit start-up, including an online tutorial.

The Regional Nonprofit Alliance has some useful books on starting a nonprofit. Stop by to borrow a book or, if you aren’t close by, send us an email (RNA@ohio.edu) with the type of information you are looking for, and we’ll send you a packet of information electronically. 

Books in our library include:

  • Start and Grow your Faith-Based Nonprofit by Jill Esau
  • Nonprofit Kit for Dummies by Stan Hutton and Frances Phillips
  • Navigating the Organizational Lifecycle: A Capacity-Building Guide for Nonprofit Leaders by Paul Connolly
  • Setting and Advancing the Mission by Kay Sprinkel Grace
  • Structures and Practices of Nonprofit Boards by Charles Dambach
 

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