Starting a non-profit in Virginia


How to Start a Non-Profit in the State of Virginia:


Step/Task


Step 1:

Start the Creation of the Organization itself. (Foundation Group, 2026) (State Corporation Commission, 2026)


Step 2: 

Create the Organization's name (Within 120 days), form members, elect officer positions, and write the reason for the organization. (Foundation Group, 2026) (State Corporation Commission, 2026) (State Corporation Commission, 2026)

Step 3:

Look up examples and create your businesses articles of incorporation (form SCC819Np). (Foundation Group, 2026) (State Corporation Commission, 2026)

Step 4:

File information with the State Corporation Commission. This information includes, business name, address, names of directors(their addresses as well), and the articles of incorporation (form SCC819Np).(Foundation Group, 2026) (State Corporation Commission, 2026) 

Step 5:

Get a Federal Employer Identification Number. This will be like a social security number for the business and will help it when it comes to identifiability. (Foundation Group, 2026)

Step 6:

Make up Bylaws for the Non-profit. This is where you lay out the regulations for the directors in the non-profit. This will be needed when filing for a 501c(3). (Foundation Group, 2026) (IRS, 2025)

Step 7:

Apply for a 501c(3). This is through the Internal Revenue Service and will allow for tax exemption. (Foundation Group, 2026) (IRS, 2025) (State Corporation Commission, 2026)

Step 8:

File Charitable Solicitation Registration- Virginia Exemption Application for a Charitable or Civic Organization. This is state based and needs to be filed with the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs. This allows for fundraising and gaining funds for the non-profit. (Foundation Group, 2026) (VDACS, 2026)

Step 9:

Apply for a sales tax exemption. This helps the non-profit not have to pay taxes on certain items when they purchase them. (Foundation Group, 2026) (Virginia Tax, 2019)



References:

Foundation Group. (2026). Starting and Maintaining a Nonprofit in Virginia A Step-by-Step Guide. https://www.501c3.org/state-nonprofit-guide/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-virginia/?_bt=&_bk=&_bm=&_bn=x&_bg=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23504875428&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kHVfwWbirYrTJ_4xG98BZUBqLO&gclid=CjwKCAjw1bvTBhBbEiwAzbP8L1Oa32-uS5eidYEkpjFEpOOcfOcY67YoeU_F6N6sFB7Xhg9tmziiMRoCjq4QAvD_BwE

IRS. (2025, January). Publication 557 (01/2025), tax-exempt status for your organization. Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p557 

State Corporation Commission. (2026). Virginia Nonstock Corporations. Virginia SCC . https://www.scc.virginia.gov/businesses/forms-and-fees/virginia-nonstock-corporations/ 

State Corporation Commission. (2026, February 2). Virginia nonprofit organization toolkit . https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/business-home/business-faqs/virginia-nonstock-corporations/nptoolkit.pdf 

VDACS. (2026). CHARITABLE SOLICITATION REGISTRATION. https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food-charitable-solicitation.shtml 

Virginia Tax. (2019). Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations. https://www.tax.virginia.gov/nonprofit-organizations 


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