1. Read Get Ready; Get Set or En Sus Marcas... Listos..., publications that can be downloaded for free from our website at: http://www.cnmsocal.org/Services/Publications.html
   
   
2. Attend the workshops at Community Partners.
   The workshops provide an overview of the key issues for consideration in starting a nonprofit organization. The workshops are divided into two parts, therefore it is recommended that Workshop I be attended before Workshop II. For information on scheduled workshops, go to: http://www.communitypartners.org/work/workshop.html
   
   
3. Get a copy of How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California.
   The book walks you through the process of becoming a nonprofit organization, and includes information on how to get the necessary forms.
   
   Ways to access the book:
   Mancuso, Anthony. "How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California,"
   10th Edition. Berkeley: Nolo Press, 2004.
   
   
   • The book can be read at no charge at the Center's Nonprofit Resource Library.
     
     
   • The book is also available for purchase online from Amazon.com.
     Here is the link to the book:
     http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0873379446/qid=1087332172/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/102-8602840-8916939
     
     
   • An older version (the 8th edition) of the book is available from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), although we recommend using the most current edition. The older edition can also downloaded to your computer. Search the Library's catalog at http://catalog.lapl.org/ If you need assistance searching the catalog, call LAPL at (213) 228-7272.
     
     
4. Go to the branch office of the California Secretary of State to get forms for incorporation.
   Los Angeles Branch Office
   (213) 897-3062
   300 South Spring Street
   Room 12513
   Los Angeles, CA 90013-1233
   
   Forms and general information are also available online at: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/corp_formsfees.htm
   
   For an overview of laws in California applicable to tax-exempt organizations, including filing requirements, see
   http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/misc/927.pdf
   
   For sample articles of incorporation to be filed with the California Secretary of State and other information on starting a nonprofit corporation in California, see:
   http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/articles/corp_artsnp.pdf
   
   
5. Contact the IRS for forms you will need to get tax-exempt status.
   If there are questions concerning the IRS, you can reach their Tax-Exempt specialists by calling (877) 829-5500. The IRS sends out a packet of their forms needed to start a nonprofit.
   
   The IRS also provides a step-by-step explanation of the application process at http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123072,00.html, as well as a nice explanation of the life cycle of a tax exempt organization at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/tege_life_cycle_of_a_public_charity_-_final.pdf.
   
   You may also want to download the following helpful IRS publications:
   • Publication 4220, Applying for Tax Exempt Status http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4220.pdf
     
     
   • Publication 557, Tax Exempt Status of your Organization http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf
     
     
   • Publication 4221, Compliance Guideline http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4221.pdf
     
     
   To reach the IRS Exempt Organization Customer Service, visit http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96085,00.html.

   To find out what types of errors can cause delays in processing your application, see the IRS' top ten reasons list for processing delays:
   

   http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96361,00.html
   

There are two organizations in Los Angeles that offer Pro Bono legal services:

1. Public Counsel
   http://www.publiccounsel.org/overview/cdp.html
   
   Public Counsel in Los Angeles provides pro bono legal assistance, including the incorporation of nonprofit organizations. They have excellent information on their site, especially the Guide to Formation of a Tax-Exempt California Nonprofit Corporation at http://www.publiccounsel.org/fame/guide.htm.
   
   Public Counsel also offers a workshop called "How to form a charitable tax-exempt nonprofit corporation" that meets from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. monthly. To learn more about the workshop and/or to register, call 213-385-2977, ext. 210 or download the PDF schedule and registration form at: http://www.publiccounsel.org/publications/howtoformc.pdf.
   
   
2. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
   http://www.lafla.org/
   
   South Central Office
   8601 Broadway
   Los Angeles, CA
   
   Tel: 213-640-3884
   Fax: 213-640-3988
   Email: cedinfo@lafla.org

Referrals
The Center for Nonprofit Management can also provide you with referrals to attorneys with experience in nonprofit law. Please contact our free Nonprofit Manager's Helpline.

Other Books on Starting Nonprofits

Hummel, Joan M. Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. 1996.

Hopkins, Bruce R. Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2001.

Service Corps of Retired Executives
Another source of assistance is the Service Corps of Retired Executives. They not only work with for-profit, but also nonprofit organizations with their 501(c)3 status.

Los Angeles SCORE - Chapter 0009
330 North Brand Boulevard, Suite 190
Glendale, CA 91203-2304
Tel: (818) 552-3206
Fax: (818) 552-3323
http://www.scorela.org/

"SCORE's experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to developing a small business advisory board. Assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs may involve investigating the market potential for a product or service and assessing the capital needs to start a business. Counselors can provide insight into how to start a business, operate a business, buy a business or franchise and sell a business."

You can also download "Starting a Nonprofit" in Microsoft Word format.