San Francisco Formation Guide

Form a Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is the epicenter of venture capital and tech innovation — home to countless unicorns and accelerators.

$30
state filing fee
~15 minutes
on Beezsplit
873,965
population
Why San Francisco

Starting a business in San Francisco

San Francisco is the epicenter of venture capital and tech innovation — home to countless unicorns and accelerators. With a population of 873,965, San Francisco offers a strong local market for Nonprofit 501(c)(3) businesses. California has the lowest nonprofit filing fee in the US ($30). Required if your nonprofit operates in California, regardless of where you incorporate.

Included

What you get

Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit)
Bylaws
Conflict of Interest Policy
IRS Form 1023-EZ
EIN Application

Best for: California-based charities, community organizations, social enterprises

Compliance

California Nonprofit 501(c)(3) requirements

IRS Form 990 (annual)
Attorney General registration (CT-1)
Statement of Information (biennial)
Registered agent required
More in California

Also available in California

Not based in San Francisco? You can form your Nonprofit 501(c)(3) from anywhere.

View California Nonprofit 501(c)(3) formation

Ready to form your San Francisco Nonprofit 501(c)(3)?

~15 minutes from start to finish. No hidden fees.

Start Your San Francisco Nonprofit 501(c)(3), Free
Start Your San Francisco Nonprofit 501(c)(3), Free