What We Do
Fly above the Stress
Four steps, in order, from an idea to an organization that survives its first year.
Learn
Nonprofit NOW
A workshop that answers the question underneath every other question: what a 501(c) organization actually is, what it can and cannot do with money, and what it will ask of you personally.
Launch
Formation and filing
Entity formation and the 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) filing, start to finish. When the IRS, the Department of State, or the Department of Agriculture writes back with a problem, they write to us.
Soar
Bylaws and policy
Bylaws, conflict-of-interest and governance policies, and the Taking Care of Your New Nonprofit guide — the documents a board needs before it needs them.
Refine
Twelve months, included
12 months of monthly consulting, included. The first year is where nonprofits fail, so it is the year we stay.
Why it works
Responsibility
Nonprofit Business Formation Services – 100% Guaranteed. If the status does not come through, we are not finished.
Something unusual?
Fiscal sponsorship, a religious organization, a 501(c)(5), an existing nonprofit in trouble with its filings — tell us what you have and we will tell you plainly whether we are the right people.
Questions people actually ask
What is a Nonprofit Organization?
A business organized and operated for a purpose other than generating a profit, directed by an unpaid volunteer board under bylaws that set out its structure. The IRS recognizes 29 nonprofit types under Section 501(c). A nonprofit can receive unlimited contributions, and many of those donations are tax-deductible.
How can Protégé help me?
Over two decades of front-line nonprofit experience, brought directly to you — coaching, consulting, and business formation in all 50 states, from incorporation through tax exemption and into a first operating year with clear guidance the whole way.
Should I start an LLC or a corporation before coming to Protégé?
No preparation is necessary. We handle the entire process of forming your nonprofit, including every government filing and required document — filing fees and formation costs are included in the package, and a paperwork mistake here can be costly and slow.
Can I convert my existing company into a nonprofit?
Possibly, depending on your state's rules and forms — but a conversion is a lengthy process, often several months, with real tax implications. Talk to a CPA about whether converting is actually the better move; starting fresh is usually easier, faster, and more economical.
What are the drawbacks of running a nonprofit?
More regulatory oversight than a typical business, and a founder who also ends up managing administration, accounting, volunteers or staff, insurance, and board meetings. The positives outweigh the negatives, but a nonprofit takes real time, talent, and resources — go in with your eyes open.
Is a nonprofit right for me?
Nonprofits are for people with a strong vision and the will to change the world. The founders who make it are self-driven, curious, and quick to learn — we help you see the operational reality clearly before you commit to it.
What are the different types of 501(c) organizations?
29 as of 2022, including 501(c)(3) religious, educational and charitable organizations, 501(c)(4) civic leagues, 501(c)(5) labor organizations, 501(c)(6) business leagues, 501(c)(7) social clubs, and two dozen more specialized categories. We will tell you plainly which one fits what you are building.
What is the difference between a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4)?
A 501(c)(3) operates exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes, cannot distribute earnings to individuals, offers tax-deductible donations, and cannot engage in political campaigns. A 501(c)(4) promotes community welfare, may lobby and engage in politics, but its contributions are not tax-deductible.
How much does it cost to start a nonprofit?
The national average is $6,000, and most legal services only hand you the paperwork for formation and tax-exempt status — no policies, no bylaws, no strategy. Our packages start below that average and include the documentation you actually need to launch and operate.