Turn Your Idea Into a Real Nonprofit in 8 Weeks

Join our 100% free, step-by-step program, and turn your idea into a real,
donation-ready nonprofit in just 8 weeks — with live guidance and
fill-in-the-blank templates.


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  • 100% Free

  • No sales pitch

  • USA-only

  • Beginner-friendly
Contact Form Demo


Reserve My Spot

Why Join Now (Read This First)

Starting a charitable organization can feel overwhelming — legal terms, filings, boards, bank accounts,
donation systems. We remove the guesswork. Each week you’ll get a clear checklist, a short lesson in plain
language, and hands-on help to complete one real step toward launch. You don’t need prior experience; if you
can use a computer and show up 1–2 hours a week, we’ll walk you through the process from idea to a
ready-to-fundraise nonprofit. The program is completely free. There are state filing fees later only when you
decide to file — you can complete the course without paying those fees during the program. Our only goal is
to help more good ideas become real organizations that help people.


Join the 8-Week Program

What You’ll Achieve

Get organized fast

Turn your idea into a simple one-page plan you can explain to anyone.

Make it official (step-by-step)

Pick a name, form your nonprofit with your state, and seat a small but
capable board

Run your first board meeting

Adopt bylaws, elect officers, and record minutes using our done-for-you
templates.

Apply for federal tax-exempt status

Prepare and submit Form 1023 or 1023-EZ with guidance on what
to write and which option fits.

Handle money the right way

Open your bank account, set up basic controls, and get donation receipts
right.

Start raising funds

Build a simple fundraising plan, set up your online donation page, and craft
messages that inspire giving

Bonus: You’ll leave with fill-in-the-blank policies and budget templates you can use immediately.


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Who This Is For

Perfect for


  • People in the USA ready to start a charitable nonprofit and take action each week.

  • Beginners — no prior nonprofit experience needed (basic computer skills help).

  • Founders who can commit 1–2 hours weekly for live sessions plus light homework.

Not a fit for


  • Organizations outside the USA

  • Anyone seeking a quick fix without doing the steps.

  • People needing legal/tax advice for unique court cases or complex, non-charitable structures


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Program Snapshot

Format:

Live group sessions via Zoom or Google Meet with interactive Q&A and screen-share
walkthroughs.

Schedule

Wednesdays or Thursdays at ~7:00 PM ET (1–2 hours). Replays provided.

Support

Simple homework, expert guest segments most weeks, and office-hours style help.

Cost:

Free. State filing fees apply only if/when you decide to file after you’re ready.

Enrollment

Small-group cohort to keep support personal. Spots are limited.

Bonus: You’ll leave with fill-in-the-blank policies and budget templates you can use immediately.


Save My Seat

Week-by-Week Curriculum

(We’ll use terms like “Form 1023/1023-EZ” during class so you understand the paperwork. No prior knowledge
required.)


Week 1

Plan Your Nonprofit

Define your mission, who you serve, and the first programs you’ll run. Deliverable: a one-page launch plan and
name ideas checklist


Week 2

Pick a Name & Recruit Your Board

Choose a clear, available name and secure your initial board. Deliverables: board invite email template, bylaws
starter, conflict-of-interest policy


Week 3

Register Your Nonprofit & Finalize Bylaws

Prepare and file state incorporation documents. Deliverables: filing checklist, bylaws finalized for adoption


Week 4

Get Your EIN, Hold Your First Board Meeting, Start the Federal Application

Apply for your EIN, run your first board meeting (adopt bylaws, elect officers), and begin your Form 1023 or
1023-EZ draft. Deliverables: board agenda + minutes template, application worksheet.


Week 5

Submit Your Federal Application & Meet State Rules

File Form 1023/1023-EZ. Review state charitable registration basics so you can raise funds where required.
Open your bank account and set basic money controls. Deliverables: banking checklist, gift-acknowledgment
template.


Week 6

Build Your First Fundraising Plan

Outline your first 90-day fundraising strategy (early donors, simple campaigns, storytelling). Deliverables:
fundraising plan outline, online donation setup guide.


Week 7

Launch Your Presence

Create a simple website and social profiles; plan outreach/PR. Deliverables: website one-pager outline,
announcement press-release template.


Week 8

Launch Checklist & Next Steps

Run a readiness check (paperwork, accounts, donation page, policies). Set a simple compliance calendar and
next 90-day plan. Deliverables: launch checklist, compliance calendar.


I’m Ready to Start

What’s Included (Templates & Tools)


  • Bylaws (fill-in-the-blank

  • Conflict-of-Interest Policy

  • Board Meeting Agenda & Minutes

  • Basic Operating Policies (finance, gift acknowledgment)

  • Starter Budget & 12-Month Projection

  • Donation Thank-You/Receipt Letter Template

  • Fundraising Plan Outline

  • Launch Checklist

Meet Your Instructor

Pablo Centeno, CPA

  • Main Instructor
  • Our lead instructor is a nonprofit expert with years of experience guiding new founders from idea to launch. They make each step simple, clear, and confidence-building — perfect for beginners ready to make an impact

Meet our lead instructor — a nonprofit strategist with over a decade of experience helping community leaders turn ideas into thriving organizations. With a background in fundraising, compliance, and board development, they’ve guided hundreds of first-time founders through every step of launching a legal, sustainable nonprofit. Their teaching style is friendly, practical, and focused on real results — so even if you’ve never started an organization before, you’ll feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Guest Speaker #1

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really free?


Yes. There’s no upsell and no sales pitch. Some state filing fees apply only when you decide to file paperwork
after you’re ready.

No. We teach every step. Basic computer skills are helpful.

If you miss a live session, you’ll receive the recording and materials.

Yes. You can complete the course before deciding to submit any filings that require fees.

Yes. This program is designed for U.S. requirements and timelines.

This is educational and practical guidance. For personal legal/tax questions, consult a professional.

We keep cohorts small so you can get your questions answered. When seats are full, we close enrollment.

Yes. There’s no upsell and no sales pitch. Some state filing fees apply only when you decide to file paperwork
after you’re ready.

No. We teach every step. Basic computer skills are helpful.

If you miss a live session, you’ll receive the recording and materials.

Yes. You can complete the course before deciding to submit any filings that require fees.

Yes. This program is designed for U.S. requirements and timelines.

This is educational and practical guidance. For personal legal/tax questions, consult a professional.

We keep cohorts small so you can get your questions answered. When seats are full, we close enrollment.

Ready to Start?

Spots are limited so we can give you real help each week.


Reserve My Spot


Get the Syllabus PDF