Launching a nonprofit can sometimes feel like a gamble, with several steps to take before you can officially begin fundraising and serving your mission. We’ve created this guide to help simplify the process as you start a nonprofit in Nevada - the gambling capital of the U.S. - and hopefully turn that gamble into a sure bet.
Starting a nonprofit organization in Nevada can feel overwhelming at times. Like most states, Nevada requires organizations to file various forms with different offices and meet specific requirements before they’re allowed to operate. All nonprofits operating in the U.S. must also file tax-exempt forms with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Before you start a nonprofit in Nevada, we encourage you to read through this helpful guide to ensure you fully understand each step of the process.
Let’s roll!
Nevada has a unique process required to start a nonprofit. We’ve provided a detailed breakdown for you to follow to make this process easier.
As you follow these steps, additional questions may arise. Feel free to check out other articles on how to build your board, choose a nonprofit type, and find start-up grants.
First things first, choose a name for your organization! Nonprofits can search for available names on Nevada’s Business Portal. According to Nevada law, requested names are reserved for 90 days. During this time, no other organizations can use or reserve that name.
Note that if you use your legal name or initials, your corporate name in Nevada must include the additional words of Incorporated, Inc., Limited, Ltd., Company, Co., Corporation, or Corp.
Next, define your organization’s mission and vision. When selecting a mission, it’s essential to clearly define why you exist, who you’ll serve, and how it serves them. Your Articles of Incorporation and IRS tax-exempt forms will require you to enter a purpose. This purpose must be the same on all legal documents. If you have a clearly defined mission, you can use this as your purpose.
Your mission may also help you choose a name, so don’t be afraid to combine this step with step one above. Plus, you can use this free mission and vision statement worksheet to guide you through crafting this all-important pieces of your organization.
A unique part of the nonprofit process in the state of Nevada is the requirement of choosing a corporation structure. Nevada recognizes the following nonprofit entities –
Most nonprofits will file as Nonprofit Corporations under NRS 82.006. Foreign entities are not required to register in Nevada.
Another early step in this process is to choose your organization’s incorporators and directors. An incorporator must sign your nonprofit organization’s Articles of Incorporation.
Nevada also requires nonprofits to have at least one director. Directors must be over the age of 18 years old. Nevada does not require residency or membership for this director. In addition to directors, Nevada requires nonprofits to have a president or board chairperson, a secretary, and a treasurer. These officers must be naturalized in the United States.
A Registered Agent receives legal notices on behalf of your organization. Registered Agents can be an individual or a business, must be in the state, and must be open during regular business hours.
Next up, you are finally ready to file your Articles of Incorporation. Once you file this document, your organization is officially recognized by the state.
Nonprofits can file Articles of Incorporation in Nevada online for no additional charge. Nevada also provides a form and instructions you may view prior to filing.
When filing your articles of incorporation, you must include an initial list of officers with your articles of incorporation. Since most Nevada nonprofits will solicit donations in the state, Nevada also requires nonprofits to submit a Charitable Solicitation Registration Statement with their initial list of officers.
If you chose NRS 82 as your corporate structure, you are exempt from obtaining a state business license. However, if you choose NRS 81 (nonprofit cooperative or unincorporated nonprofit association), you’ll need to get a business license and pay an additional $200, or file for an exemption. The exemption requires 501(c) status with the IRS.
Nevada charges $50 to file your nonprofit articles of incorporation and $50 to submit an initial list of officers with your articles. There is no additional charge to submit a charitable solicitation registration. Your articles of incorporation will take up to seven (7) business days to process, but you can expedite the process by paying fees ranging from $125 to $1,000.
After finalizing these documents with the state, you can move on to your federal government-required documents. First on this list is getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This nine-digit number will be required to gain tax-exempt status with the IRS, open a bank account, pay staff members, and more.
Nonprofits can fill out and mail Form SS-4 or file online. There is no cost for this filing.
The next step is to hold your first board meeting and establish your organization’s governing documents and policies.
Before filing for tax-exempt status with the IRS, you must have finalized your organization’s bylaws. Your nonprofit bylaws will include the following –
At the first board meeting, you must also elect your board leadership roles. You also need to vote to approve the bylaws and define your conflict of interest policy. Finally, you must approve a resolution to open a nonprofit bank account. Remember to record these votes in the meeting minutes and store them safely.
All nonprofits must apply with the IRS for tax-exempt status. Organizations with the following purposes can file as 501(c)(3) organizations.
Organizations can file Form 1023 and pay $600 or Form 1023 EZ and pay $275 to obtain 501(c)(3) status. Before filing, complete the Form 1023-EZ Eligibility Worksheet to see if you qualify. The IRS will send a determination letter, but it can take up to six months to obtain tax exemption.
Religious and charitable nonprofits are exempt from paying sales tax in Nevada but must fill out an Application for Exempt Status with the Nevada Department of Taxation. When you qualify, you will receive a letter from the department. Nonprofits must reapply for state tax-exempt status every five years.
Nevada is a famous gambling destination, but the Nevada Gaming Control Board still regulates lotteries and raffles conducted by charitable organizations. Nonprofits must register with the Board to host these activities by filing forms ENF-116 for prizes under $100,000 or ENF-115.
Starting a nonprofit in Nevada can be complicated, but we hope this article makes the process easier. Filing documents is only part of the process, so be sure to choose a team that can help your organization grow from the beginning. Remember, your board of directors is your organization’s leadership and is responsible for overseeing all areas, including governance, fundraising, etc.
Once you’re ready to start fundraising for your new nonprofit, Donorbox is here with the essential tools you need, from powerful donation forms to text-to-give donation kiosks to event ticketing and beyond. Learn more about these innovative features and how you can get started here.
Looking for more resources? Our Nonprofit Blog has several articles focused on helping you start your own nonprofit. Subscribe today and receive the latest blogs, resources, and more in your inbox!
Kristine Ensor is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience working with local and international nonprofits. As a nonprofit professional she has specialized in fundraising, marketing, event planning, volunteer management, and board development.
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Kristine Ensor