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Organizational Development for Nonprofits

Creating a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation in Missouri

Many small community groups and organizations are doing great work all over the State of Missouri. Sometimes they struggle to decide whether or not to formally incorporate. For some groups it is an easy choice and for others it is not. This project was designed to help groups as they decide whether or not to formally incorporate and to guide them through the process should they decide to create a 501(c)(3) corporation.

There are four components to this project designed to provide access to most of the resources necessary to get successfully establish a nonprofit corporation.

Part 1: “Creating a 501(c)(3): Foundation Resource Guide” by Stephen Jeanetta, published by Associated Electric Cooperatives is a workbook written to take the reader step-by-step through the incorporation process. The workbook has been divided into three sections to make the files smaller for downloading.

Part 1 - Cover and Index  (PDF format)
Part 2 - Overview & Bylaws  (PDF format)
Part 3 - State and Federal Applications  (PDF format)

Part 2: “Creating a 501 (c)(3) Not-for-Profit in Missouri” is a video workshop published online that includes a PowerPoint presentation and video that will take you through the entire incorporation process.  It serves as a companion to the workbook.  The video workshop is in two sessions:

Session 1

To view session one video with high bandwidth connection (150K: LAN, cable modem, xDSL, etc.)
To view session one with low bandwidth connection (56K: dial-up modem)

Session 2

To view session two with high bandwidth connection (150K: LAN, cable modem, xDSL, etc.)
To view session two with low bandwidth connection (56K dial-up modem)
Best viewed with Windows Media Player 7.1, download the player.

Part 3: Incorporation Forms includes the places where the necessary forms are located to incorporate in the State of Missouri and with the IRS.  To access:

1. Application for Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation can be found by going to Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
2. IRS Employer Identification Number application (SS4 Form) go to SS4 Form on the IRS website. Instructions provided by the IRS can be found at SS4 instructions.
3. IRS 501(c)3 Application (Form 1023) go to the 1023 application on the IRS website. Instructions provided by the IRS can be found at 1023 instructions.
4. Application to pay the filing fee for a 501(c)(3) corporation (Form 8718) go to the Form 8718 on the IRS website.

Part 4: Keeping your organization tax exempt

The IRS has developed a series of online workshops designed to help you keep your organization in compliance with the federal tax laws governing 501(c)3 corporations.  The program is available on the IRS Tax Exempt website.

If you have any questions about the incorporation process please contact me, Stephen Jeanetta, at jeanettas@missouri.edu

Updated 10/12/07