StretchLearn Course

Start a nonprofit the right way, and keep it compliant

Formation, governance, budgeting, and the filings that protect your tax-exempt status.

Beginner9 hrSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

This course takes a first-time founder or new executive director from incorporation through Form 1023 exemption, board recruitment, and a mission-aligned budget. It covers the governance practices, conflict-of-interest controls, and annual filings (Form 990, state registration, charitable solicitation) that keep a nonprofit legal and trustworthy. Every module uses real frameworks, named tools, and worked numbers you can apply this week.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

Choose the right legal structure and incorporate a nonprofit with compliant articles and bylaws

Prepare and file IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ to secure 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Recruit and structure a working board with defined roles, committees, and term limits

Build a mission-aligned operating budget that separates program, admin, and fundraising costs

Design conflict-of-interest, document-retention, and whistleblower policies that satisfy IRS expectations

Calendar and complete annual compliance: Form 990, state charitable registration, and corporate renewals

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Forming the Organization and Securing 501(c)(3) Status

Move from idea to a legally recognized, tax-exempt entity. Choose a structure, incorporate, and complete the IRS exemption application.

3 lessons

Is a Nonprofit the Right Vehicle? Structures and Trade-offsContent · 45 min

Preview Enabled

Incorporating: Articles, Bylaws, and the Founding DocumentsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Filing for Federal Exemption: Form 1023 vs 1023-EZContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 2

Module 2: Building and Running an Effective Board

Recruit the right directors, define their fiduciary duties, structure committees, and run meetings that produce real decisions.

3 lessons

Fiduciary Duties and the Legal Role of the BoardContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Structuring the BoardContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Running Meetings, Minutes, and Decisions That StickContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 3

Module 3: Mission-Aligned Budgeting and Financial Stewardship

Build a budget that funds the mission, separates program from overhead honestly, and gives the board real financial oversight.

3 lessons

Building a Mission-Aligned Operating BudgetContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Reading Nonprofit Financials and Overhead HonestlyContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Internal Controls, Audits, and Protecting the AssetsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 4

Module 4: Compliance, Policies, and Staying Legal Year After Year

Meet the annual federal and state filing obligations, adopt the governance policies the IRS expects, and protect your exempt status.

3 lessons

The Annual Form 990 and What It SignalsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

State Charitable Registration and Ongoing FilingsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Governance Policies, Lobbying Limits, and Protecting ExemptionContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

501(c)(3)board governancenonprofit formationForm 990nonprofit budgetingcharitable compliancefiduciary dutyForm 1023