Attorney-quality documents, created by you
When you're ready to start a nonprofit, every Google search will tell you the same thing:
Step one, you have to get incorporated as a nonprofit in your state.
Seems easy, right? I mean, the Minnesota Secretary of State even has a free form for you to use!
But what that Google search doesn't tell you is that the free Articles of Incorporation form from the state isn't enough to become a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity.
Not to worry!
For just $500, you can create your own Minnesota and IRS compliant Articles of Incorporation using a system built and tested by a lawyer for nonprofits.
Simply fill out a quick interview, and we'll deliver you a finished document ready to file with the Secretary of State!
Maybe you're wondering – why are these Articles better than the free form? Or why not use another document filing company?
Here's the thing:
Nonprofits aren't automatically exempt from paying income tax. You have to apply and prove to the IRS why you deserve to be exempt from paying taxes.
And guess what - that free form doesn't do that. It says NOTHING about your amazing mission and the difference you will make in your community.
It doesn't even say that you have a charitable mission!
And those other document filing companies? Most of them will charge you hundreds of dollars, and then take the free form from the state and append a generic statement like this:
"The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code."
It's better than nothing, but also still not enough to get your tax exemption. Plus how annoying that you paid all that money for one paragraph added to the free form!?
Don't waste your time and money filing Articles of Incorporation that you will need to redo later. With Mission Guardian's DIY Articles of Incorporation, you're getting started on the right foot.
Your document will:
Comply with MN state statutes
Comply with IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) charities
Follow nonprofit industry best practices
Establish a nonprofit with a strong purpose that people want to give money to
Unless you're an expert in this stuff, it can be really hard to know what to do. Even other lawyers volunteering on a board can get it wrong - let's be real - if it's outside of their main focus area they're probably starting with a Google search too!
Look, I get it. You're here to make a difference - not draft boring documents!
That's where my Mission Guardian system comes in.
Now you can get DIY Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation designed by a lawyer focused only on nonprofits like yours.
Think of it like a SaaS product (software as a service). The "Mission Guardian" system let's you draft your own set of Articles with confidence because it's designed by an attorney for nonprofits.
Now for just $500, you can easily create your own document and know that you're starting out on the right foot.
Why is it so affordable? Because it's automated software. You do the work. You learn from the educational interview materials and give your answers - then the software provides you with a document.
I've built Mission Guardian on years of lawyer experience combined with modern document automation technology.
Mission Guardian provides you with a better way to incorporate a nonprofit on a budget.
"Jess is able to educate her customers, which helps us make better decisions.
Our nonprofit would not be where it is today if we didn't have her help."
"When it comes to learning about nonprofits, you want Jess Birken."
"Jess is honest and forthright, direct to the point and very knowledgeable"
"Her integrity, knowledge, and communication skills are far superior to others"
"Your webinar was excellent and well worth my time. I thought the value you offered to participants was outstanding."
Starting a nonprofit is exciting - and tricky! It's easy to make mistakes right from the beginning. This Do-It-Yourself Articles of Incorporation course will help you get started right for your Minnesota nonprofit incorporation.