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Here's a short list of resources to consult for background information on starting a nonprofit organization:

Starting Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Organization In Michigan
http://www.mnaonline.org/startinganonprofit.aspx
Advice from the Michigan Nonprofit Association.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

Forming a Nonprofit Corporation in Michigan
http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/forming-nonprofit-corporation-michigan
Resources for state-specific information on forming a nonprofit organization. Courtesy of the Citizen Media Law Project.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

Starting a Michigan Nonprofit Organization
http://www.hurwitassociates.com/l_s_initial_mi.php
Links and information on initial filings for forming a nonprofit organization in Michigan. Courtesy of Hurwit & Associates.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

Foundation Center's FAQ on Establishing a Nonprofit Organization
http://fdncenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/index.html
The Foundation Center helps non-profit groups learn how to solicit foundation grants and deal with other aspects of financing and managing a new charity. The center's headquarters is at 79 Fifth Avenue, New York 10003-3076; (212) 620-4230 or (800) 424-9836; fax (212) 807-3677.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

National Center for Charitable Statistics Nonprofit FAQ
http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/PubApps/nonprofitfaq.php
(Last checked 05/03/12)

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits : How to Start a Nonprofit Organization
http://www.mncn.org/info_start.htm
You want to start a nonprofit? Great! MCN commends you for embarking on this wonderful new endeavor and welcomes you to the nonprofit sector. We hope the following information is helpful to you as think about starting a new organization. We also hope you'll rely on MCN as a information resource as you grow your nonprofit into a strong and successful organization. Advice from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

IRS's Nonprofit and Charity FAQs for Applying for a Tax Exemption
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96590,00.html
(Last checked 05/03/12)

IRS Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf
(Last checked 05/03/12)

NonProfitExpert.Com's Starting a Nonprofit
http://www.nonprofitexpert.com/starting_a_nonprofit.htm
(Last checked 05/03/12)

Nonprofit Resource Guide
http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znprofrg.htm
A directory of agencies that provide nonprofits assistance.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

Nonprofit Virtual Library
http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znonprof.htm
A compilation of resources on running a nonprofit.
(Last checked 05/03/12)

The following books may be of help. All are available for consultation in the Michigan State University Libraries and can be obtained through interlibrary loan or purchased through a local bookstore.

The everything guide to starting and running a nonprofit : all you need to establish, manage, and maintain a successful nonprofit business Jim Goettler. Avon, Mass. : Adams Media, c2010. 289pp. Funding Center (1 East) HD62.6 .G648 2010
Accompanied by a CD-ROM (located in the Digital and Multimedia Center (4 West) containing sample documents of articles of incorporation, bylaws, budgets, and IRS nonprofit status applications.

How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation, seventh or 2005 Edition. Anthony Mancuso. Berkeley, Ca. : Nolo Press, 2005. MSU College of Law Library KF1388.Z9 M36 2005
An in-depth guide to the legal aspects of starting a non-profit organization, including how to obtain tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. It includes state-by-state resources and software with samples of legal documents. Published by Nolo Press, 950 Parker Street, Berkeley, Cal. 94710; (800) 992-6656; fax (800) 645-0895.

How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation : With Forms. Mark Warda. Naperville, IL Sphinx Publishing, A Division of Sourcebooks, 2000. MSU faculty and staff can access this title online via NetLibrary. A legal survival guide.

The Nonprofit Handbook : Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization Gary M. Grobman. Harrisburg, Pa : White Hat Communications, c2005. 4th ed., 469pp. Main Library HD62.6 .G762 2005
The definitive reference manual for starting and running a nonprofit corporation in the United States, this handbook provides information on everything from legal issues to fundraising techniques. Details of how to incorporate, register to lobby, apply for tax exemptions, and comply with charitable solicitation laws are included for every state and for the District of Columbia. Information about current federal laws, regulations, and court decisions that apply to nonprofits, as well as on staffing, advocacy, strategic planning, and bookkeeping is provided. This updated edition includes a discussion on the trends in nonprofit management and the future of the nonprofit sector.

The Nonprofit Handbook. Fund raising. James M. Greenfield. New York, N.Y. : John Wiley & Sons, 2001. 3rd edition, 1154pp. Funding Center (1 East) HD62.6 .N662 2001

The Nonprofit Handbook. Management. Tracy Daniel Connors. New York, N.Y. : John Wiley & Sons, 2001. 3rd edition, 932pp. Gast Business Library HD62.6 .N662 2001

Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization : a Legal Guide. Bruce R. Hopkins. New York: Wiley, 2001. 3rd edition, 344pp. Gast Business Library KF1388 .H66 2001
Discusses state and federal tax and fund-raising laws that govern the creation and operation of a non-profit organization. MSU faculty and students also have access to an electronic version of the 2001 edition. Note: 2005 edition available in the MSU College of Law Library.

Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization. Joan M. Hummel. Minneapolis, Minn. : University of Minnesota Press, c1996. 2nd edition, 152pp. Gast Business Library HD62.6 .H85 1996

Tax Planning and Compliance for Tax-Exempt Organizations : forms, checklists, procedures. Jody Blazek. John Wiley & Sons, 1999. 3rd edition, 818pp. Available in the Michigan State University Gast Business Library KF6449 .B58 1999

More resources on starting a non-profit organization can also be found in The Non-Profit Handbook, an annual supplement published by The Chronicle. To obtain a copy, call (202) 466-1234.

WWW http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/