One page, three phases — everything a new charity gathers and does on the way to a free domain, email, and website. Print it (this page is print-formatted) or work through it on screen; each item links to the guide that explains it.

Before you apply

• EIN and IRS determination letter located (pre-501c3: formation documents). Confirm your 990 filings are current.
• Three .org name ideas, in order of preference. Domain guide
• Board aware and one person named as FFC point of contact.
• Details of any existing domain, website, or email accounts written down.

During onboarding

• Application submitted via Help for Charities. What happens next
• Microsoft for Nonprofits registration started. M365 email guide
• DNS verification codes sent to FFC when Microsoft displays them.
• MFA turned on for every new mailbox. Security guide
• Logo, photos, mission text, and program descriptions sent for the site build.
• Site draft reviewed and launch approved.

After launch

• Candid profile claimed and seal earned; live seal embed added to your site. GuideStar guide
• Google for Nonprofits + Ad Grants claimed. Guide
• Fee-free donation form live. Zeffy guide
• Shared passwords in a password manager; leaver process agreed.
• Annual 990 deadline on the organization’s calendar.

Free For Charity · freeforcharity.org · EIN 46-2471893 — questions? freeforcharity.org/contact-us