Entity Formation, Compliance, and Governance
Building and maintaining legally sound nonprofit organizations, from incorporation through ongoing regulatory compliance and board oversight.
We guide founders and boards through every stage of formation and tax-exempt recognition: entity selection, state incorporation, EIN and tax registrations, bylaws and initial governance documents, IRS exemption applications (Forms 1023, 1023-EZ, and 1024), and follow-through on state charitable and fundraising registrations.
Nonprofit formation and tax-exempt status.
What Our Clients Say
When I decided to launch a brand new nonprofit, I knew that we needed to have a legal service with clear expertise in this space to build a strong foundation. That is absolutely key to set your nonprofit up for success. I shopped around and found that many legal service companies lacked experience in the nonprofit arena. They also seemed to charge by the hour and did not offer flat rate packages.
Commonlight Legal was our ideal solution! Nonprofit work is their "bread and butter" and they are clearly experts at it! They walked us through the process of starting a new 501c3 organization and laid out the services that would be included in a Founders Package. Their service was truly exceptional!
Kathryn Brodowski, MD, MPH
CEO & President, Mobile Whinnies
Governance and board responsibilities.
Strong governance is the single highest-leverage legal investment a nonprofit can make. We work with boards and executives on the structures, policies, and practices that keep an organization legally sound and operationally accountable.
Formation is the beginning. The obligations that follow (federal, state, and increasingly cross-jurisdictional) are where organizations get into trouble. We counsel on compliance as an ongoing discipline, not a year-end scramble. And when you’re ready to sunset, we’re here for that, too.
Ongoing compliance throughout the life of a nonprofit.
Founders Package
Our entire suite of startup services. Predictability and stability as you steadily build your dream.
Starting at $8,000.
Founders Refresh
Designed for founders and leaders who are at a turning point in their organization’s lifecycle.
Starting at $4,000.
Sunset Package
Our entire suite of wind-down services. Leading you confidently to your next adventure.
Starting at $2,000.
What you can count on.
Ready to talk?
A complimentary 30-minute call with a managing partner. Clear scope.
Transparent fees. No primer required.