Starting a Nonprofit

Thinking about starting a nonprofit organization?

Home ► Nonprofits ► Starting A Nonprofit

Should I start a Texas nonprofit?

Starting a nonprofit organization requires careful planning and consideration. While passion for a mission is essential, it is only one factor in determining long-term success. Before establishing a nonprofit, consider the following:

Assess Community Need

Research whether existing organizations are already addressing the same issue or serving the same population.
Explore opportunities to collaborate or partner with established nonprofits before creating a new organization.

Evaluate Sustainability

Determine whether you have access to adequate and diverse funding sources to support ongoing operations.
Consider long-term financial stability beyond initial startup funding.

Assess Leadership and Management Capacity

Evaluate your ability to recruit, manage, and inspire volunteers, staff, and board members.
Consider the operational responsibilities required to maintain an effective organization.

Develop a Clear Mission

Create a mission statement that clearly defines the organization’s purpose, goals, and impact.

Establish a Business Plan

Prepare a comprehensive business plan that outlines organizational structure, funding strategies, programs, and long-term objectives.

Carefully evaluating these factors can help determine whether starting a new nonprofit is the most effective way to achieve your mission and serve your community.

Resources for Starting a Nonprofit

Candid

Check out Candid’s free course “Is Starting a Nonprofit Right For You?” to learn the legal and logistical steps necessary to start a successful nonprofit. You can also review their “How do I start a nonprofit organization?” for general guidance and steps and their “Nonprofit startup & early-stage resources” to help assess your readiness to start a nonprofit or build skills as a founder. The Area Foundation is a proud partner of Candid’s Funding Information Network.

Texas C-Bar

The Texas CBAR (Community Building with Attorney Resources), a project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, connects volunteer attorneys with nonprofits needing help with incorporation, tax-exempt status, bylaws, contracts, policies, board compliance, and other non-litigation legal matters. Their guide “Forming a Nonprofit Tax-Exempt Corporation in Texas,” provides general knowledge and steps to forming a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation.

Texas Secretary of State

While incorporation is not required for every nonprofit, many organizations choose to incorporate. The Texas Secretary of State provides information about filing a Certificate of Formation, along with other steps required to incorporate in Texas.