The Toolkit
Everything you need
to run on more than duct tape.
Free guides, funding sources and discounted tools, picked for small nonprofits.
Guides from Nonprofitz
Free printable
Donate-Ready Website Checklist
19 must-haves for a nonprofit website, on one page you can print and tick off.
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Grant writing basics for small nonprofits
How to find grants that fit, what most applications ask for, and how to write a proposal a funder can say yes to.
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How to recruit nonprofit board members
How to figure out what your board needs, where to find good candidates, and how to bring new members on so they stay engaged.
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A simple year-end giving campaign for small nonprofits
A week-by-week plan for GivingTuesday and the December giving season: one goal, a few emails and posts, and a donate page that is ready for the rush.
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How to write page titles and descriptions Google will show
The two short lines that decide whether people click your nonprofit in Google results, with simple formulas and examples.
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Alt text for nonprofit websites: a quick guide
What alt text is, why it matters for people using screen readers and for Google, and how to write it for photos, logos and buttons.
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Is your nonprofit website fast enough?
Why speed matters for donations, how to check it for free, and the usual fixes: smaller images, fewer plugins and caching.
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How to recruit volunteers online
Where to post volunteer roles, how to write a role people want to say yes to, and how to keep new volunteers coming back.
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How to start a nonprofit email newsletter
Why an email list is the cheapest way to keep donors and volunteers close, what to send, how often, and the rules to follow.
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Form 1023-EZ basics: is the short application right for you?
A plain overview of the IRS short-form application for 501(c)(3) status, who can use it, and what to have ready before you file.
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How to add a donate button to your nonprofit website
A step-by-step guide to picking a donation platform, placing the button where people look for it, and making sure the gift actually goes through.
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What to put on a nonprofit home page
A plain checklist for a home page that tells visitors who you help, earns their trust and gives them an easy next step: donate, volunteer or sign up.
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Google Ad Grants: free search ads for nonprofits
What the Google Ad Grants program offers eligible nonprofits, who qualifies, and how to get your website ready before you apply.
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Guides
IRS
Charities & nonprofits: the IRS basics
Start here for 501(c)(3) rules, applying for exemption and staying compliant.
OpenIRS
Is Form 1023-EZ right for you?
The shorter exemption application for small organizations, and who qualifies.
OpenNational Council of Nonprofits
Running a nonprofit
Plain-language guides on boards, finances, fundraising and the law.
OpenCandid Learning
Free nonprofit training
Webinars and courses on fundraising, proposals and management.
OpenIRS
Publication 557: tax-exempt status
The IRS handbook on which organizations qualify for exemption and how to apply.
OpenIRS
File the 990-N e-Postcard
Small nonprofits with gross receipts of $50,000 or less file this short annual notice online.
OpenIRS
Stay Exempt: free IRS courses
Short online lessons on keeping your exemption, filing and handling donations.
OpenNational Council of Nonprofits
Find your state nonprofit association
Your state association offers local training, advocacy and member discounts.
OpenNonprofit Ready
Free nonprofit courses
Self-paced classes on fundraising, grant writing, boards and leadership.
OpenBBB Wise Giving Alliance
Charity accountability standards
The 20 standards donors use to judge governance, finances and honest fundraising.
OpenFunding & Grants
Grants.gov
Search federal grants
Every federal grant opportunity in one searchable place.
OpenCandid
Find foundation funding
Research foundations and grantmakers that fund your cause.
OpenSAM.gov
Register in SAM.gov
A free registration and Unique Entity ID are required before you can apply for federal grants.
OpenGoogle Ad Grants
Up to $10,000 a month in free Google search ads for eligible nonprofits.
OpenNational Endowment for the Arts
Arts grants
Federal funding for arts projects, arts education and local arts agencies.
OpenAmeriCorps
AmeriCorps funding
Grants that put national service members to work on your community programs.
OpenCouncil on Foundations
Find your community foundation
Community foundations fund local nonprofits. Find the one that serves your area.
OpenTools & Discounts
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
Check a charity’s status
Look up any organization's tax-exempt status and filings.
OpenGoogle for Nonprofits
Free Workspace, ad grants and YouTube tools for eligible nonprofits.
OpenTechSoup
Discounted software
Donated and discounted tech for nonprofits and libraries.
OpenCanva
Canva for Nonprofits
Design tools at no cost for eligible nonprofits.
OpenZeffy
Free fundraising with Zeffy
Donation forms, ticketing and memberships with no platform or card fees for nonprofits.
OpenMicrosoft
Microsoft for Nonprofits
Donated and discounted Microsoft 365, Azure credits and Dynamics for eligible nonprofits.
OpenSalesforce
Salesforce Power of Us
Donated Salesforce licenses to manage donors, volunteers and programs.
OpenSlack
Slack for Nonprofits
Free and discounted Slack plans for qualifying nonprofits.
OpenCandid (GuideStar)
Claim your Candid profile
Share your mission, programs and financials on the profile donors and funders check.
OpenCharity Navigator
Get rated on Charity Navigator
Look up ratings and add your organization to the site many donors trust.
OpenVolunteers & Boards
Idealist
Recruit volunteers and staff
Post volunteer roles, internships and jobs for free to people looking to do good.
OpenLinkedIn for Nonprofits
Recruit board members and volunteers and grow your page with discounted LinkedIn tools.
OpenBoardSource
Board governance resources
Guides on board roles, recruiting board members and running better meetings.
OpenLinks go to outside sites we think are useful. We’re not affiliated with them, and nothing here is legal or tax advice. Know a great resource? Tell us.