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Starting a nonprofit in Missouri is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of effort and work.
If you’re looking to start a nonprofit in Missouri but don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly how to do it — from choosing your name and applying for tax-exempt status to starting your fundraising efforts from scratch.
When considering starting a nonprofit in Missouri from scratch, it can be hard to know where to begin. When deciding to take on the endeavor, it is important to get clear on a few fundamental things, including:
Community needs: Consider what problems you want to address or what positive changes you want to make.
The market: Research nonprofits in Missouri land that work in similar areas or address similar issues. Identify any gaps or needs that your nonprofit could address.
Your goals: Clarify your nonprofit's specific goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve in the short term and long term.
Your mission statement: Write a clear and concise mission statement that articulates who you are, what you do, and who you serve.
Feedback: Seek feedback from stakeholders, potential beneficiaries, and members of your community to ensure that your mission statement accurately reflects community needs.
Step 2. Name your organization
Once you’ve determined your organization’s core mission and goals, it’s time to name your nonprofit. Not only is this step in the process important for marketing and branding purposes, but it’s also a crucial part of the legal process of starting a nonprofit in Missouri.
When deciding on your organization’s name, be sure to choose a name that:
Reflects your mission and goals
Describes what you aim to do
Is easy to spell and pronounce
Offers room for future growth
The name you choose for your nonprofit must also include “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” or “limited,”. Once you’ve determined your name, you’ll then need to search for it on the Secretary of State’s database. Missouri requires that all nonprofits shave unique names, so you’ll need ot ensure that your name isn’t already in use by another organization.
Step 3. Recruit an incorporator and a board of directors
Once you’ve determined your organization name and confirmed that it is not already in use, it’s time to create a leadership team.
Identifying an Incorporator and a Board of Directors is not only a strategic decision that can help make your nonprofit a success, but it’s a required one in Missouri.
Nonprofits must recruit one incorporator who is 18+. They must also recruit at least three directors: a chairman or president, or both, a secretary, and a treasurer (the same individual may hold two or more offices).
When choosing your leadership team, be sure to select people who are trustworthy, dependable, and bring a skillset to the table. Whether they’re already a member of your organization or a trusted volunteer, they’ll help you make crucial decisions about your charity.
Step 4. Appoint a registered agent
Appointing a registered agent is a vital step when forming a nonprofit in Missouri. In essence, a registered agent acts as a reliable point of contact for legal matters. This designated individual receives important documents and official correspondence on behalf of your nonprofit, such as legal notices and tax forms.
The registered agent must be located in Missouri and available during regular business hours to receive legal correspondence and communication.
Step 5. File the Articles of Incorporation
One of the most crucial steps in starting a nonprofit in Missouri is filing the Articles of Incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State. By filing this application you’ll officially establish your nonprofit as a legal entity.
This document typically includes your nonprofit's name, purpose, duration (which is usually perpetual), initial registered agent, and other basic information required by the state. You can file online for $25.
Step 6. File an initial report
Next, your Missouri nonprofit must file an initial report within 30 days of filing the Articles of Incorporation. You can file for $20 online or $45 by mail.
Step 7. Apply for an EIN
In Missouri, like in other states, nonprofits are required to obtain an EIN, or Employer Identification Number. An EIN is like your organization's social security number. It's used for tax purposes, including opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and applying for tax-exempt status.
To get an EIN, you can apply online using the IRS Form SS-4 on the IRS website or submit it by mail. The application process is free, and you'll receive your EIN shortly upon approval.
Step 8. Create bylaws
Next, you’ll need to call a meeting with your board to draft bylaws that align with your mission and comply with Missouri nonprofit laws.
Bylaws are the rules and procedures that govern how your nonprofit operates. They outline the structure of your organization, the responsibilities of the board and officers, how meetings will be conducted, and how decisions will be made.
When creating your bylaws, be sure to:
Use clear and concise language: Make the language easy to understand for all board members and stakeholders. Avoid jargon and overly complex language.
Make them comprehensive: Your bylaws should cover all essential aspects of your organization's governance, including board structure, officer roles, meeting procedures, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Alignment bylaws with mission and values: Ensure that the bylaws reflect and support the goals of the organization.
Consider flexibility: Include provisions that allow for amendments to the bylaws as the organization evolves and grows.
Outline board structure and responsibilities: Clearly define the board of directors, its qualifications, terms of office, and responsibilities.
Determine meeting procedures: Detail the frequency, notice requirements, quorum, voting procedures, and more.
Address finances: Establish guidelines for budgeting, accounting, and reporting requirements.
Create a conflict of interest policy: Include a conflict of interest policy that requires board members and officers to disclose any conflicts of interest and abstain from voting on matters in which they have a personal or financial interest.
Include dissolution procedures: Include provisions for the process of distributing assets in accordance with state law and IRS regulations.
Step 9. Apply for federal and state-exempt status
Apply for federal tax-exempt status: Fill out Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your nonprofit's activities, finances, and governance.
If your nonprofit intends to seek donations in Missouri as part of your fundraising strategy — as most organizations do — you’ll need to officially register as a charity with the Missouri Attorney General’s office, which costs $15.
Step 11. Obtain other necessary licenses
If you intend to use games of chance like raffles or bingo to raise money for your charity, you’ll need to apply for additional licensing through the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Additionally, if you’d like to sell alcoholic drinks at a fundraising event, you’ll need a license from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
Step 12. Start fundraising
Once you’ve filed all of the appropriate forms and established the necessary regulatory foundation for your nonprofit, it’s time to start fundraising.
First, build a fundraising plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and tactics. Plus, be sure to consider how you’ll cultivate donor relationships. Then, Put your fundraising plan into action by launching campaigns, events, and appeals to solicit donations and support. Keep track of your fundraising efforts and evaluate their effectiveness over time.
One of the best ways to start your nonprofit, and begin bringing in funds and connecting with donors, is by using a free all-in-one donation platform, designed specifically for charities. Unlike other platforms, Zeffy offers free marketing and engagement tools, event ticketing and management, raffle and auction tools, and so much more — without charging nonprofits a cent.
So not only can nonprofits start fundraising in minutes, but they don’t have to pay any upfront, monthly, or hidden fees, ever. In fact, over 10,000 nonprofits use and love Zeffy for its powerful but simple —and always free—software designed to help make the world a better place.
Step 13. Stay compliant
As a legal nonprofit in the state of Missouri, you’ll need to remain compliant with federal and state rules and regulations throughout the year. This includes:
Maintaining records: Keep accurate and up-to-date records of your nonprofit's activities, finances, and governance. This includes meeting minutes, financial statements, tax filings, and other important documents.
Filing annual reports: File annual reports with the IRS to maintain your nonprofit's legal and tax-exempt status.
Staying informed: Stay informed about changes to Missouri state laws and regulations affecting nonprofit organizations. Attend training sessions, workshops, and webinars to learn about best practices and compliance requirements.
Start your nonprofit for free with Zeffy
We're excited to announce that Zeffy is finalizing its nonprofit incorporation feature, and we’re looking for proactive individuals to participate in our beta program. If you're looking to start a nonprofit in the United States and meet our specific criteria, we want to hear from you!
To enter the program, simply answer a few questions so we can assess your eligibility. Fill out the Google Form and, if you align with the right qualifications and we still have places available in our next test group, we’ll reach out to you very soon.
Learn how this Missouri nonprofit made almost $100,000 for free
enGAGE mobility, a Missouri nonprofit, is dedicated to meeting the transportation needs of those impacted by disability in their community. In order to help families get the transportation tools and resources they need, enGAGE relies on charitable contributions and donations from their supporters.
Like many nonprofits, enGAGE wanted to offer its supporters multiple ways to get involved and give back — not just at events. But in order to offer new ways to give, enGAGE needed a user-friendly and simple but powerful tool that would allow them to expand and grow. Specifically, they wanted to sell merchandise and offer multiple giving options right on their website.
However, they faced a few roadblocks when searching for platforms that would allow this. Most of the software solutions they found didn’t offer enough tools and features, and the ones that did were quite pricey, charging steep upfront costs and processing fees.
However, once enGAGE found Zeffy, they were able to create a custom online shop and donation page—both linked to their website—without paying a cent. Without any upfront costs or processing fees, enGAGE could ensure that 100% of the donations they received went straight to the cause, helping children in need.
Since using Zeffy, enGAGE has been able tp raise +$98,500 and save $5,000 in fees.
Using volunteers: Leverage volunteers for administrative, fundraising, or program work, to reduce the need for paid staff.
Seeking out in-kind donations and grants: Ask for donations of goods and services from businesses, individuals, or other organizations to support your nonprofit's activities (think office space or equipment). And, research grant opportunities to generate free financial support for your nonprofit's mission.
Leveraging partnerships: Look for potential partners, such as other nonprofits or community organizations, who might want to collaborate on shared goals.
Taking advantage of free tools and platforms: Be sure to use fundraising and donor engagement tools that are completely free to use, like Zeffy. That way, you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees and can get started making an impact right away — without paying a cent.
How many board members are required for a nonprofit in Missouri?
Missouri requires that nonprofits have at least three board members.
Does Missouri allow nonprofit LLCs?
Missouri does not allow nonprofit LLCs.
Start fundraising for free with Zeffy
Whether you’re a brand new nonprofit looking to get your fundraising up and running, or an established one looking for new tools and features to make even more impact, Zeffy is one of the best all-in-one solutions for all of your nonprofit needs.
From event tracking and management to marketing and engagement tools, custom donation forms, and even the ability to create an online shop or nonprofit membership association, Zeffy offers everything you need without charging a single fee.
Simple and powerful — and packed with free support whenever you need it — Zeffy ensures that your donor’s gifts are going right to the cause, and nowhere else.
The only 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits
How to Start a Nonprofit Organization with No Money in 6 Steps
Is it possible to start a nonprofit organization for free? Explore our complete 2024 guide to discover our best tips to launch your charity on a budget.
