Start a 501(c) Nonprofit

Leave Registering Your Nonprofit to the Experts

Foundation Group will prepare your state and IRS applications and file for you. Services from $1,499 plus filing fees.

Harbor Compliance has partnered with Foundation Group. Since 1995, Foundation Group has helped over 75,000 nonprofits nationwide!

Use a Professional and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Using a professional can help expedite the process of starting a nonprofit, by eliminating mistakes.

Why Do Nonprofit Startups Choose Foundation Group?

Foundation Group will guide you through all regulatory and operational requirements to ensure your nonprofit’s success. Their SureSTART™ nonprofit formation service has what you need, including:

We’ll walk you through and help you navigate all regulatory and operational hoops, including:

  • Incorporating your Nonprofit: Complete Articles of Incorporation for your nonprofit startup.
  • Draft Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy.
  • EIN: Obtaining your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
  • Tax Exempt Status: Securing nonprofit, tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) or other required 501(c) section.
  • State Filings: Preparing necessary state-level compliance filings.
  • Worry-Free Compliance: Foundation Group’s SureCOMPLY™ provides ongoing support, education, and compliance filings .automatically so you can focus on your organization’s mission.
  • And so much more!

Nonprofit Startup Pricing

Foundation Group’s comprehensive 501(c)(3) services include everything you need to incorporate, obtain 501(c)(3) status, and meet initial state nonprofit operating requirements without breaking the budget.

Have questions? Give us a call

SureSTART ExpressSureSTART CoreSureSTART Complete
SureSTART Express
  • Designed for the smallest startups (under $50k annual revenue).
  • Includes EIN, incorporation, and 501(c) application (Form 1023-EZ).
  • 30-day trial of SurePLAN and 501(c)(3) University memberships

$1,499

SureSTART Core
  • Includes everything needed to launch a new 501(c) nonprofit organization.
  • Includes EIN, incorporation, 501(c) application (Form 1023-EZ or standard 1023).
  • Personal exemption specialist to guide you step-by-step through the entire process.
  • IRS approval guaranteed.
  • 6-month trial of SurePLAN and
    501(c)(3) University
    .

$2,499

SureSTART Complete
  • The ultimate in startup success for nonprofits!
  • Includes everything in SureSTART Core, plus much more that your nonprofit needs to secure a successful first year.
  • 1 year membership in SureCOMPLY, our compliance services bundle which includes Form 990 preparation .
  • 1 year membership in SurePLAN and 501(c)(3) University, our exclusive online networking and educational platform.
  • Access to our team of experts by appointment.

$3,499

$1,499

$2,499

$3,499

Compare Features

 SureSTART ExpressSureSTART CoreSureSTART Complete
501(c)(3) Approval Guarantee
State Incorporation
  • Name Verification
  • Nonprofit Incorporation
  • Bylaws draft
  • Registered Agent Service (First Year)
  • Conflict of Interest Policy
IRS Tax Exemption
  • EIN
  • Form 1023 or 1024
  • Representation while under IRS review
(Form 1023-EZ only)
Personal Exemption Specialist 
SurePLAN & 501(c)(3) University Membership
  • Expert-led education
  • Nonprofit Formation Bootcamp
  • Peer-to-peer community forum
  • Fundraising courses
  • GrantStation grant database access
30 Day trial
6 month trial
1 year complimentary membership
SureCOMPLY Membership
  • Form 990 preparation
  • State fundraising registration
  • Appointment access to consulting with our licensed tax and nonprofit experts
  
1 year complimentary membership

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hire Foundation Group® to help launch your nonprofit?

Preparing the regulatory paperwork required to create a 501(c)(3) charitable organization can be daunting. In addition to federal requirements, founders must also file incorporation documents with specific state and municipal agencies. The average application package typically spans 50 to 100 pages of questions, supporting information, and required documents, often requiring upwards of 70 to 100 hours to complete. A single mistake can add weeks or even months to the timeline for obtaining IRS approval.

Through the SureSTART™ program, Foundation Group provides an experienced, trusted partnership for navigating this complexity. Their team manages the preparation of all IRS, federal, and state documents to help expedite the approval process, supporting nonprofit leaders through every stage of the filing journey.

How is Foundation Group different?

Foundation Group has assisted over 75,000 nonprofit startups since 1995—a number that grows every week. Their clients span the entire United States and represent a wide range of diverse community programs.

Beyond initial setup, Foundation Group’s full-service tax, accounting, and compliance teams are available to assist organizations with the complete spectrum of annual requirements. This includes Form 990 preparation, fundraising registration, and monthly bookkeeping services. Prospective founders can also review client testimonials to see the impact of their work.

What tools and resources are available to help my organization?
Helping nonprofits is at the core of Foundation Group’s mission. In addition to their fee based services, they provide a wealth of free tools and self-help evaluations, white papers, videos, articles, and other resources through their exclusive SurePLAN™ and 501(c)(3) University platforms.
What else should I know about Foundation Group?
Foundation Group was started in 1995 in Nashville, Tennessee and has been one of the nation’s foremost leaders in nonprofit formation, tax, and compliance services for over 30 years. They recently joined forces with BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions in 2025, bringing together over 100 of the top nonprofit experts and 50+ years of combined company experience, all committed to your ultimate success!