From Idea to Operating Nonprofit, Done For You
We build your 501(c)(3) and the core operating setup, so you can start fundraising and running programs faster.
For founders who want an operating nonprofit
Nonprofit Startup is for founders ready to run a real organization.
We handle formation and the practical buildout that makes a nonprofit functional, so you can move forward confidently.
This is a strong fit if you:
Have a clear mission and plan to run programs, sign contracts, or operate long-term
Already have momentum (donor interest, initial funding, or a credible plan to raise it)
Prefer a calm, guided build instead of scattered advice and delays
Starting a nonprofit is where good missions get stuck
Launching a 501(c)(3) isnโt just one formโฆ
Itโs a chain of legal filings, IRS steps, banking setup, policies, registrations, and early operational decisions, and each one a๏ฌects what you can do next.
You need a clear, reliable buildout that turns a mission into a functioning nonprofit.
How Nonprofit Startup works
(simple + done-for-you)
If youโre ready to turn a serious mission into a real 501(c)(3), weโll handle the filings, structure, and setup to get your nonprofit operational.:
A guided build with clear milestones:
01
Apply with a clear plan
Tell us what youโre building, how youโll fundraise, and what you need to operate
02
Formation + IRS path, handled
We prepare and file the core formation documents and move your 501(c)(3) process forward in the right order
03
Operating essentials set up
EIN, banking, payment processing, and the baseline policies and infrastructure needed to function day-to-day
04
Launch with post-formation support
Youโre not left guessing after approval; we support the initial setup phase so you can start operating confidently
Pricing: Core service $7,500, paid upfront at application. Add-ons are optional and scoped separately.
What you walk away with
A nonprofit thatโs ready to run (not just โpaperwork filedโ)
Donation-ready setup so you can start fundraising with confidence
A clean operating foundation that wonโt force expensive rework later
Credibility with donors, partners, and vendors, because the basics are in place
Optional add-ons
If you want more built out from your nonprofit, we o๏ฌer the following add-ons:
Financial Add-On
$3,250
one-time
Get your financial engine and templates in place
Budgets + projections
Revenue strategy
Bookkeeping tools
Financial templates
Fundraising Add-On
$6,500
setup + $1,000/month
Build a repeatable grant + sponsor pipeline
Grant calendar + submissions
Sponsor outreach
Funder-ready narrative assets
Note*: Monthly retainer required (3-month minimum)
Technology Add-On
$4,500
setup + $749/month
Set up the systems that keep fundraising and ops running smoothly
Domain/email
Donor CRM + automations
Donor portal
Operational dashboard
Workflow tooling
Note*: Monthly subscription required
Marketing Add-On
$7,500
setup + $2,000/month
Turn your mission into a clear brand and consistent donor growth
Brand foundations
Strategy, content
SEO
Google Ad Grant management
Donor funnel campaigns
Note*: Monthly retainer required (6-month minimum)
Governance Add-On
$3,500
one-time
Get board-ready with structure and planning tools
Board tools
Strategic plan
Operating roadmap
Governance templates + tracking
Programs Add-On
$4,000
per program (one-time)
Launch programs that are built to run and report results
Grant-ready budgets
Launch playbooks
Onboarding/eligibility
Outcome tracking + M&EOutcome tracking + M&E
Operating Nonprofit Support You Can Rely On
This is the โdo it rightโ path, built for founders who want to walk away with a fully operational 501(c)(3).
BrightLeaf Giving guides the full buildout: formation + filings and the practical setup that makes a nonprofit functional (core policies, EIN, banking and donation readiness, and the operating basics youโll actually use).
We review every application for readiness and fit. If youโre not accepted, you receive a full refund: no risk, no obligation.
Ready to Build It the Right Way?
If youโre serious about launching your nonprofit and want the setup handled with clarity, structure, and compliance in mind, letโs talk!