Start a Nonprofit from Scratch: Grants, Fundraising & Legal

Name: Start a Nonprofit from Scratch: Grants, Fundraising & Legal
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)

Learn how to legally start a nonprofit, apply for grants, and fundraise to create real community impact

Created byEarl Davis

Last updated 8/2025

English

What you'll learn

Provide fundamental knowledge of nonprofits and how to set them up
Develop business plan that will help your organization thrive and achieve exempt status
Navigating legal and regulatrory requirements to make sure you operate within compliance
Fundraising and sustainability strategies to maintain an healthy, workable organization

Course content

1 section • 8 lectures • 1h 0m total length

Introduction3:29
Learn practical, easy steps to open your nonprofit and transform your community, even with no formal background. Follow Earl Davis's roadmap from statement of purpose to launch.
Research and Planning7:43
Develop a comprehensive nonprofit plan by crafting a mission statement, elevator pitch, market research, and a business plan, then identify funding sources such as grants and donations.
Board Of Directors10:14
Form a strategic, diverse board of at least three, with an odd number for decisive votes, and define expectations, strategy, name, location, and online presence to advance the nonprofit mission.
Articles of Incorporation5:35
File articles of incorporation with the secretary of state, draft bylaws for governance, obtain an IRS EIN, pursue tax-exempt status with Form 1023, and consider donor bill of rights.
Operating Procedures7:33
Establish operating procedures with a separate bank account and simple financial controls, then define programs via SWOT and set measurable milestones for brand development.
Fundraising/Community Engagement10:39
Compliance10:18
Attached are the various forms 990 as well as Schedule A
Sustainability/Performance/Impact5:15
Learn how donations relate to tax-exempt status and the importance of donor designations. Build sustainability, monitor performance, and measure impact through diverse funding avenues.

Requirements

No prerequisites. This course is designed for beginners.

Description

If you're passionate about making a difference but unsure how to begin, this course will guide you through the step-by-step process of starting a nonprofit organization from the ground up. Designed for aspiring changemakers with no prior experience, it offers a practical and accessible roadmap for launching a compliant, sustainable, and impactful nonprofit or NGO.

Through clearly structured lessons, you’ll learn how to define your mission, build a strong team, navigate legal requirements, and secure the funding you need to get started. Each module is focused on providing real-world strategies that can be applied immediately, whether your goal is to serve a local community or create broader social impact.

What you’ll learn:

How to conduct research and planning to identify a real community need
How to form a board of directors and assemble a mission-aligned team
How to prepare and file key legal documents such as articles of incorporation
How to develop operating procedures and meet compliance requirements
How to create fundraising strategies and pursue grants
How to design programs that align with your mission and drive measurable outcomes
How to maintain sustainability and performance in your nonprofit’s operations

By the end of this course, you’ll have a clear framework for launching and managing your nonprofit with confidence. Whether you're a first-time founder or someone looking to start a community initiative, this course will equip you with the tools and understanding needed to move from idea to implementation.

Who this course is for:

This course is for anyone with a passion for change and a willingness to transform their community
A no frills approach to getting the doors of your nonprofit open