Becoming a 501(c)3

Becoming a partner agency with MANNA is a serious undertaking and responsibility, applying for 501(c)3 status or finding a sponsoring organization is part of that process. You will need to apply with the IRS to become a 501(c)3 organization. If you’d like to begin that process, you can start here.

National and state organizations exist that can answer questions and provide guidance or support for your organization. Many of us involved in work around food insecurity want to get right to the business of serving communities that need us – you are in good company! However, from experience we know it is just as important to set up your organization in a thoughtful way so that your organization has a sound structure in which you base your service. You may want to consider some of the questions posed by the National Council of Nonprofits to be sure you’re as prepared as an organization as you are in your heart.

Another source of information is our state association of non-profits, N.C. Center for Nonprofits. They have created a booklet, How to Start a 501(c)(3) .