Nonprofit 101
Websites and books that will help you learn how to start a nonprofit organization.
List maintained by librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Updated May 2025.
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Nonprofit Startup Assessment Tool - Candid
Assess your readiness to start a nonprofit, and access resources to build your skills and knowledge as a founder.
View Nonprofit Startup Assessment Tool - Candid -
Starting a Nonprofit and Fiscal Sponsorship - 501 Commons
Information from the state's nonprofit resource organization, 501 Commons, about starting a nonprofit. Includes 501 Commons' 'Starting a Nonprofit Organization Guide.'
View Starting a Nonprofit and Fiscal Sponsorship - 501 Commons -
Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2022
For those seeking guidance in how to start and manage a Washington nonprofit, the Nonprofit Handbook published by Communities Rise provides valuable insight. This book is a practical resource for anyone considering forming an organization that will benefit their neighbors, or looking to wind down the affairs of a nonprofit corporation. It outlines management standards and offers tips for how nonprofit leaders can stay in compliance with the laws and develop their organizations.
View Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2022 -
501 Compensation Tracker - King County Nonprofit Wages & Benefits
Salary information for nonprofit employees in King County, Washington. Download the full report, or explore salary data online.
View 501 Compensation Tracker - King County Nonprofit Wages & Benefits -
Candid Learning
Learning opportunities designed to develop skills, practices, and behaviors which best prepare people working in the social sector for success. Search for training
View Candid Learning -
IRS Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization
IRS guide to 501(c) organizations. See Chapter 3 for the most common nonprofit type, 501(c)(3).
View IRS Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization -
Starting a Nonprofit - Candid eBook Library
Browse, borrow, and enjoy titles from the Candid digital collection. Get a free Candid library card by clicking on "Sign in" then "User ID help." Candid's collection includes books about nonprofits, philanthropy, social justice, and more. This link will take you straight to the collection of eBooks about starting a nonprofit.
View Starting a Nonprofit - Candid eBook Library -
Starting & Building A Nonprofit
"This essential guide to starting and running a nonprofit organization includes practical advice, legal information, tips, and step-by-step instructions. It explains how to develop a strategic plan and budget; recruit and manage board members, volunteers, and staff; market an organization to a target audience; raise money-including traditional methods and crowdfunding; build a website and use social media strategically; and adopt policies that are legally sound. Includes helpful checklists and a sample annual budget."
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Nonprofit Kit
"[This] fills your 501(c)(3) toolbox with the tips, strategies, and techniques you need to get the most out of your public charity. From management practices to tax exemptions, fundraising tactics, and grand proposals, this straightforward, hands-on guide provides insight and practical advice for nonprofit founders, directors, managers, and volunteers."
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Nonprofit Kit -
How to Form A Nonprofit Corporation
"Learn how to form a nonprofit corporation in any state and gain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Includes step-by-step instructions for both IRS Form 1023 and the streamlined Form 1023-EZ federal tax-exemption application. Learn to choose a legal name; prepare articles of incorporation; create your bylaws; obtain federal and state tax-exempt status; prepare minutes for your organizational meeting; and, establish a corporate records book."
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View How to Form A Nonprofit Corporation