How It Works

In 5 Simple Steps

If you want full support and guaranteed compliance year after year, the Umbrella Program is the best long-term option.

Step 1. Understand the Program

Our team walks you through exactly what your formation includes:

Preparing and filing your Articles of Incorporation
Securing your official EIN from the IRS
Completing and filing your IRS 501(c)(3) application
Preparing bylaws, board resolutions, and organizational documents
Sending email updates at every milestone

💡 You’ll know when each filing is submitted, approved, or requires a follow-up — full transparency.

Step 2. Review the Agreement

Before we begin, you will review and sign a clear, simple agreement outlining:

Our Actions will manage all required state + IRS formation filings
You maintain full ownership and control of your nonprofit
The $2,000 setup fee covers all formation filings
Ongoing support is optional at $30/month

Review Agreement

Step 3. Complete the Nonprofit Intake Form

Your custom intake form provides the information needed to file your nonprofit correctly:

Organizational name and mission
Board member information
Address and contact details
Program descriptions

All information is securely captured and stored through HubSpot.

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Step 4. Submit Payment

To launch the formation process:

One-Time Setup Fee: $2,000 or $1,300 with eligible partner universities

Covers all state and federal formation filings.

Monthly Maintenance Support: $30/month

Includes annual compliance help, renewal reminders, and filing support.

Step 5. We File Everything & Keep You Updated

From this point forward, we handle every filing on your behalf:

EIN creation
State incorporation
IRS 1023-EZ application
IRS determination tracking

You’ll receive updates such as:

“Your EIN has been issued.”
“Your Articles of Incorporation were submitted.”
“Your 501(c)(3) application is under review”
“Your nonprofit has been approved by the IRS.”

Every document is emailed to you and stored in your client file for easy access.

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Frequently asked questions: Simple answers. Clear guidance. Real support.

Can anyone start a nonprofit?

Yes, anyone can start a nonprofit, but the process requires legal filings, IRS forms, organizational documents, and strict compliance steps. These details often slow founders down or cause avoidable rejections.

Working with Our Actions ensures everything is filed correctly and on time, with full support at every stage. 🟦 Talk to an Account Manager

Is it possible to start a nonprofit on your own?

Yes, but most people find the process confusing and time-consuming. Mistakes in Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, or the IRS application can delay or even prevent approval.

With Our Actions, an Account Manager guides you through the entire process so you don’t lose time or money fixing errors later. 🟦 Schedule a Call with Our Team

What kind of nonprofit is the easiest to start?

Nonprofits with a simple mission and straightforward structure are usually the quickest to set up, but even these require accurate filings, specific language in your documents, and correct IRS submission.

Our Actions makes the process smooth by preparing everything for you, ensuring your nonprofit is structured properly from the start. 🟦 Talk to a Specialist

What does 501(c)(3) actually mean?

A 501(c)(3) is the IRS status that makes your nonprofit federally tax-exempt, opening the door to grants, donations, and funding opportunities. Donors can also write off their contributions.

Our Actions prepares and files your 501(c)(3) application so you can reach tax-exempt status quickly and correctly. 🟦 Start with Our Actions!

Which organizations qualify for 501(c)(3) status?

Most nonprofits with charitable, educational, religious, scientific, literacy, or community-focused missions qualify. If you’re unsure, we can confirm your eligibility before you begin.

Our Account Managers help you understand exactly what qualifies and guide you through the required filings. 🟦 Check Eligibility With an Expert!

What’s the difference between forming a nonprofit independently vs. under the Our Actions umbrella?

Forming independently gives you full control but means you’re responsible for every filing, renewal, and compliance requirement.

Joining the Our Actions Umbrella Program means we create your nonprofit program under Our Actions Inc. and handle all compliance, renewals, and administrative tasks year after year. 🟦 Explore the Umbrella Program

Do I need an SSN or ITIN for this process?

No. You can file with the IRS without an SSN or ITIN, but the process is much faster if you or any board member has one. An SSN makes obtaining an EIN significantly quicker.

If no one on your team has an SSN, filings can still be completed — just expect longer state and IRS processing times. CTA:🟦 Schedule a Call with an Account Manager

Can you work with my attorney or accountant?

Absolutely. Our Actions Inc. frequently collaborates with attorneys, CPAs, and financial professionals. We are document and filing specialists, which means our services complement — not replace — legal or tax advice.

If we encounter anything requiring formal legal or tax input, we will notify you immediately. CTA: 🟦 Talk to a Specialist

What do I need to get started?

Not much. We work with founders at all stages, including those who are still shaping their ideas. To begin, simply complete the initial questions in our online intake form. This includes your nonprofit’s name, your contact information, and the state where you plan to operate.

Your Account Manager will carefully review your responses and reach out to discuss everything in more detail. Nothing you enter is final, it’s just a starting point. CTA: 🟦 Start with Our Actions

Want help starting your nonprofit?

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our Actions walks you through the entire process and handles the filings for you from start to finish.

CTA: 🟦 Schedule a Call with Our Team

I have already incorporated my nonprofit. What now?

Great! Many of our clients come to us with an existing entity. As part of the same service package, we will:

Review your current state paperwork
Identify any gaps or compliance issues
Amend documents as needed
Ensure everything meets IRS 501(c)(3) requirements

This ensures your organization stays on track for tax-exempt approval and long-term compliance. CTA:🟦 Have Us Review Your Nonprofit

Questions?

Get the right guidance with an account specialist by your side.

* We’ll process your paperwork and then send it to the Secretary of State, who’ll form your business. Our Actions processing time is based on business days and doesn’t include Secretary of State processing times, which can vary. State filing fees may include expedited service, if applicable.

† After 14 days, your card will automatically be charged $30. The service is renewed automatically each month, and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $30). You can cancel online. For more details, please see our Subscription Terms.

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Intake Form