Research Guides: Start Your Own Nonprofit Organization: Starting and Managing a Nonprofit

What is a Nonprofit Organization?

A nonprofit is an organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status under the regulations outlined by the Internal Revenue Code.

Nonprofits include organizations focused on issues such as health, education, human rights, the environment, children, senior citizens, peace, science, religion, and consumer protection.

Click here to view the IRS 501(c)(3) exemption requirements.

Local Nonprofit Resources

GiveCamp Ann Arbor
GiveCamp is a weekend-long event where technology professionals from designers, developers and database administrators to marketers and web strategists donate their time to provide solutions for non-profit organizations.
Michigan Nonprofit Association
Michigan Nonprofit Association is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through civic engagement, capacity-building, data and technology, training, and advocacy.
NEW: Solutions for Nonprofits
NEW works with nonprofit organization to craft solutions and create pathways to success. NEW offers expert consultation, education, support and resources to ensure every phase of your organization’s operations is effectively geared toward achieving your mission.

Nonprofit e-Journals

Nonprofit Times
News and "how to" information on funding and management for any nonprofit organization.
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Provides news & information for fund raisers, professional employees of foundation, corporate grant makers, & people who work for nonprofit, tax exempt organizations in health, education, religion, the arts, & social services.
Stanford Social Innovation Review
Presents the best ideas in nonprofit management, philanthropy & corporate citizenship.

Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization

Candid
Candid provides resources, training, analysis, and more on non-profit start-up and management, grant writing, and fundraising.
Foundation Directory Online
Search foundations by name or location to find background information, interests, financial information and more. A great starting place to brainstorm grant and fundraising ideas.
GrantSpace - Starting a Nonprofit in Michigan
A wealth of online Michigan nonprofit resources by topic from GrantSpace.
How do I start a nonprofit organization?
Things to consider before starting, step-by-step directions, and links to a wealth of online resources.
How to Start a Nonprofit
This guide from the National Council of Nonprofits walks you through the process, posing important questions and providing links to additional resources each step of the way.
MSU's Nonprofit Virtual Library
Michigan State University's annotated list of links to nonprofit directories and websites that provide advice or information about running nonprofits.
Nolo - Starting a Nonprofit in Michigan
This Nolo guide will walk you through the legal steps needed to start a nonprofit in Michigan.
TechSoup
However you do good in the world, there's something for you at TechSoup. Whether you have resources to give or solutions you need to get, TechSoup facilitates the exchange.
UM Guide to Information for and about Nonprofits
Links to resources for the study of nonprofit management, including suggested journals and online resources, resources on grants & funding; statistics and U.S. government information; management & best practices; and resources for Michigan nonprofits.

Nonprofit Business Model Canvas

Business Model Canvas for Social Enterprise
This example of the Business Model Canvas, from the Stanford Business Center for Social Innovation, is a useful tool for business and strategic planning.

Books in the Bailey Library

Start Your Own Nonprofit Organization by Cheryl Kimball; Entrepreneur Magazine Staff
Call Number: HD2769.2 .U6 K56 2014
ISBN: 9781599185279
Starting and Building a Nonprofit by Peri Pakroo
Call Number: HD62.6 .P345 2013
ISBN: 9781413323573
Forces for Good : the six practices of high-impact nonprofits by Leslie R. Crutchfield; Heather McLeod Grant
Call Number: HD62.6 .C78 2008
ISBN: 9780787986124
The Brand IDEA by Nathalie Laidler-Kylande; Julia Shepard Stenzel
ISBN: 9781118573303