Helpful links and resources for individuals starting a nonprofit or who currently lead or serve an organization.*

 

Federal Level

Federal Trade Commission
Information for organizations or consumers related to federal trade practices and regulations.

IRS Charities & Nonprofits
A resource on the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) website regarding information related to federal tax-exempt status and required filings.

IRS EO Select Check
A search tool on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to verify if an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible gifts, filed a Form 990N or been revoked of its tax-exempt status.

IRS Tax Obligation
A dedicated site from the IRS detailing an overview of the responsibilities and federal tax obligations for a nonprofit corporation.

State & Local

Division of Business Services
The Division of Business Services can assist organizations with information about nonprofit corporation filing requirements (i.e. Charter, Certificate of Authority, Annual Reports) for the State of Tennessee.

Guidebook for Tennessee Nonprofits
This Guidebook is a joint creation of the Office of the Tennessee Secretary of State, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office and the Center for Nonprofit Management and is a resource for best practices for Tennessee nonprofit corporations.

Tennessee Rules and Regulations
Promulgated rules and regulations for the Tennessee Charitable Solicitations Act.

Public Interest Division, Office of Tennessee Attorney General
Information about nonprofit governance or management requirements, dissolution process, or the Tennessee Nonprofit Act.

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Contact the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development with questions about law or labor practices in Tennessee.

Tennessee Department of Revenue
Contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue with questions about state tax obligations or the process of seeking a sales tax exemption.

Nonprofit Sector

Alliance for Better Nonprofits
A Knoxville-based organization serving nonprofits in 25 East Tennessee counties that assists the region's nonprofits in their efficiency and effectiveness in walking out their missions and serving various constituencies.

Center for Nonprofit Excellence
A Nashville-based organization dedicated to creating and sustaining nonprofit excellence in Middle Tennessee through training, classes, and other resources.

United Way of Chattanooga: Nonprofit Support
A Chattanooga-based organization serving nonprofits in Southeast Tennessee. Their Nonprofit Support page includes networking opportunities, access to post and search for careers on their job board, information for upcoming events, and steps to request event space.

Membership Organizations

These offer free resources along with some for which payment is required:

Free Classes

Nonprofit Ready A program of the Cornerstone onDemand Foundation) offers free online courses, videos, and downloadable guides: Fundraising, Grant Writing, Leadership, Governance, Accounting and Finance, Operations, Marketing and Communications, Volunteer Engagement, and Program Management.

Nonprofit Finance Fund Offers consulting services, free resources for fundamentals for nonprofits, financial management, and more.

SCORE This is national organization staffed mostly by retired executives provides free online courses for nonprofits. Connect with a local chapter and business mentor by entering your organization's zip code on their site.

 

*Any information provided or posted via this website shall not be construed as an official or unofficial endorsement of a particular organization or agency.  Additionally, information gathered via any links provided cannot be considered legal counsel or financial advice provided by this department.