IEF Nonprofit Startup Cost Estimator

Organization Basics

Tell us about your planned nonprofit to customize your estimate.

Which state will you incorporate in?

Expected organization size in Year 1

Primary mission area

Estimated Total So Far $0

Legal & Formation Costs

Required and optional legal expenses to establish your nonprofit.

Required Formation Costs

State Incorporation Fee

~$50 (varies by state)

IRS 501(c)(3) Application

$275-$600

Optional Legal Services

Attorney for 501(c)(3)

$1,000-$3,000

Registered Agent Service

$100-$300/year

Attorney for Bylaws

$500-$1,000

Trademark Search

$100-$350

Estimated Total So Far $650

Operations & Insurance

Day-to-day operational costs and required coverage.

Will you have a physical office space?

Yes, we'll rent office space

Estimated Monthly Rent Enter monthly amount - we'll calculate annual cost

Insurance Coverage

General Liability Insurance

$500-$1,200/year

Directors & Officers (D&O)

$800-$2,000/year

Workers' Compensation

Varies by payroll

Property Insurance

$300-$700/year

Office Supplies & Equipment

Basic Office Supplies

$300-$700

Office Furniture

$1,000-$3,000

Estimated Total So Far $650

Technology & Software

Digital tools to run your organization efficiently.

Website & Domain

Domain Name

$10-$30/year

Website Hosting

$100-$300/year

Professional Website Design

$1,500-$5,000

DIY Website Builder

Free-$200/year

Software & Subscriptions

Google Workspace (Nonprofit)

Free for nonprofits

Donor Management (CRM)

$0-$1,200/year

Accounting Software

$200-$500/year

Email Marketing

Free-$300/year

Hardware

Computer/Laptop

$800-$1,500

Printer/Scanner

$150-$400

Estimated Total So Far $670

Marketing & Outreach

Getting the word out about your mission.

Branding & Design

Professional Logo Design

$300-$1,500

Brand Style Guide

$300-$800

Business Cards & Stationery

$200-$600

Marketing Materials

Brochures/Flyers

$300-$1,000

Promotional Items

$200-$500

Banners & Signage

$100-$400

Online Presence

Social Media Advertising

$500-$2,000/year

Google Ad Grants

Free ($10k/mo in ads!)

Estimated Total So Far $670

💰 IEF Nonprofit Startup Cost Estimator

🎯 How This Tool Helps Your Organization

Organization Basics

Legal & Formation Costs

Operations & Insurance

Technology & Software

Marketing & Outreach

Your Estimated First-Year Costs

Cost Breakdown

Money-Saving Tips