Pre-501(c)(3) Application
Even while your 501(c)(3) is pending, apply for a free, professionally built website (a fast, secure GitHub Pages site built with AI) and a free .org domain once your site is approved. Charity email comes after the IRS approves your 501(c)(3); until then, use a free yourcharityname@gmail.com or @outlook.com address.
This is the application for nonprofit groups that are not yet IRS-recognized as a 501(c)(3).
Is this the right application?
Only apply here if your organization is NOT yet IRS-recognized as a 501(c)(3).
Already recognized, with an IRS determination letter? STOP: do not click Apply. Use the 501(c)(3) application instead.
Go to the 501(c)(3) Application page or text 520-222-8104.
This application is for you only if all of these are true:
- Your nonprofit is formed in a US state (articles of incorporation), but the IRS has not recognized it as a 501(c)(3) yet.
- You are based in the United States (US territories count).
- Your annual revenue is under $1 million. This is a hard limit.
- You are not primarily funded by federal grants or contracts.
- You are not a fiscally sponsored project. If you are, your sponsor applies on the 501(c)(3) application (unless you are also pursuing your own 501(c)(3)).
What you’re committing to
Free For Charity is free, and it works because every charity we serve agrees to the same few things. In plain words:
1. The full stack
You adopt the whole Free For Charity stack (website, domain, email and the tools that go with them), not just the pieces you like.
2. Your own accounts, secured
Everyone uses their own real-name accounts, protected with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and a unique password. No shared logins.
3. You own it and keep it current
Your organization keeps ownership of its content, accounts and domain, and keeps its information up to date.
4. The footer credit
Your website carries the standard FFC footer, including the “Free For Charity” credit.
5. Volunteer, best-effort service
We’re all volunteers. We help as quickly as we can, but there is no guaranteed response time.
6. A yearly Candid refresh
About 30 minutes once a year keeping your Candid profile current. If it lapses, we may pause service until it’s updated.
The binding version is our Terms of Service.
How it works
Step 1: You apply You
Complete every required field on your application, copying each answer from the document where you saved it.
Typical time: About an hour, once your answers are ready
Step 2: We review and approve Free For Charity
We validate your organization (IRS status or formation documents, Candid profile and officers) and confirm program fit.
Typical time: Typically a few days
Step 3: We build your site Free For Charity
A volunteer builds your website from the FFC template using the content on your application. There is nothing else to send.
Typical time: Typically 2–6 weeks, mostly depending on how complete your application is
Step 4: You get a preview link Free For Charity
We email you a link to your site, live on its free GitHub Pages address.
Typical time: As soon as the build is ready
Step 5: You approve your site You
Review the preview and approve it, or tell us what to change.
Typical time: Up to you
Step 6: You order your domain You
Order your free .org (or a transfer) with the coupon from your acceptance email. Checkout shows a $1 verification charge, and the coupon brings it to $0. We register the domain, handle all DNS and point it at your site.
Typical time: Typically the same week
Step 7: Charity email Free For Charity
For 501(c)(3) charities: free Microsoft 365 (Business Basic) or Google Workspace through the nonprofit programs; we add the DNS records. Pre-501(c)(3) groups get charity email only after their 501(c)(3) is approved; until then, use a free yourcharityname@gmail.com or @outlook.com address.
Typical time: Typically a few days, depending on Microsoft or Google
Times are typical, not promises: we’re all volunteers.
Before you start
Save every answer in a Word document or Google Doc first
Before you put anything into our form, type or paste each answer into a Word document on your computer or a Google Doc. Then copy each answer from your document into the form. If a field is rejected or you have to resubmit, nothing is lost: your answers are still in your document.
Keep the document after you apply. It’s also useful when we build your website. The application worksheet below lists every question in order, ready to copy into it.
Microsoft Word
Open Word, choose File, then New, then Blank document. Choose Save and give it a name you’ll find again, such as “FFC application”.
Google Docs
Go to docs.new (opens in a new tab) to start a blank document, then click “Untitled document” at the top left to rename it. Google saves it for you as you type.
Why every required field is required
Free For Charity's services are free, and demand for them is very high. To review every application fairly and quickly, we need each required field completed, so we're not able to make exceptions or waivers.
Everything we ask for is free to set up. Each section below links to a step-by-step guide.
Read the whole field guide below before you start: the application’s first question asks you to confirm you have.
The application, field by field
Every question on the Pre-501(c)(3) application, in the order the form asks it: whether you need it, why we ask, and how to get it for free. Open a group to read it.
Application worksheet
every question, ready to copy into your document
Select the list, copy it into your Word document or Google Doc, and write your answer under each question.
Before you start
- 1. I have read the full application help page (Required)
Your organization
- 2. Organization's legal name (Required)
- 3. Legal status (Required)
- 4. EIN (NN-NNNNNNN; a group without one yet may enter NONE) (Required)
- 5. Mission (Required)
- 6. Year founded (Required)
- 7. Also known as / abbreviations (Optional)
Public verification
- 8. Candid (GuideStar) full profile link (Optional)
- 9. GuideStar.org URL (Optional)
- 10. Charity Facebook Page link (Required)
- 11. Charity LinkedIn Page link (Required)
- 12. Instagram, X and YouTube links (Optional)
Board officers
- 13. Chair: LinkedIn profile link (Required)
- 14. Secretary: LinkedIn profile link (Required)
- 15. Treasurer: LinkedIn profile link (Required)
- 16. Team members 1 to 3: name and role (Required)
- 17. Team members 1 to 3: LinkedIn profile links (Optional)
- 18. Team members 4 and 5: name, role and LinkedIn (Optional)
Who we work with
- 19. Phone number we can reach you at (Required)
- 20. Website maintainer: GitHub username (Required)
- 21. Website maintainer: role (Optional)
- 22. Best time to call you (Required)
Website footer contact
- 23. Public phone (Required)
- 24. Public email (Required)
- 25. City and state (Required)
Domain and current site
- 26. Domain (e.g. yourcharity.org) (Required)
- 27. Do you already own the domain? (Required)
- 28. Domain registrar (Optional)
- 29. Current website or page link (Optional)
- 30. Do you have web hosting? (Required)
- 31. Current hosting provider (Optional)
Website content
- 32. Website starting point (template) (Required)
- 33. Tagline (Required)
- 34. Description (one or two sentences) (Required)
- 35. Short description (under 200 characters) (Required)
- 36. Program 1: title and description (Required)
- 37. Programs 2 and 3: title and description (Optional)
- 38. SEO keywords (Optional)
- 39. Brand color (hex, e.g. #0567B1) (Optional)
- 40. Logo link (Optional)
Donations and volunteers
- 41. Zeffy donation form link (Optional)
- 42. Idealist page link (Optional)
Leaders on your website
- 43. Chair, Secretary and Treasurer names, as they should appear (Required)
- 44. Other leaders to show (Optional)
- 45. Consent: all three agree to appear (Required)
Tools
- 46. Have you been approved by TechSoup? (Required)
- 47. Do you have a business email provider? (Required)
- 48. If yes, who is your email provider? (Required)
Final certifications
- 49. AI tools you use (Required)
- 50. How you plan to use AI (Required)
- 51. US attestation (Required)
- 52. Terms of Service certification (Required)
Before you start
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| I have read the full application help page | Required |
Why we ask
The application's first question asks you to confirm you've read this page, so you know what every field needs before you begin.
How to get it
Read this whole page first, then tick the box at the start of the application.
Organization's legal name
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Organization name | Required |
Why we ask
We use it to find your application, match it to IRS and Candid records, and name your website. Also enter it in the Company Name box of your account (that box is now required).
How to get it
Use the exact name on your state filing (your articles of incorporation).
Legal status
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| What is the legal status of your organization? | Required |
Why we ask
It puts you on the right track (501(c)(3) or pre-501(c)(3)) and decides which services you qualify for.
How to get it
Pick the option that describes your organization today. Already have your IRS determination letter? Apply on the 501(c)(3) form instead.
In-depth help
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| What is your organization's EIN number? | Required |
Why we ask
It verifies your organization with the IRS and appears in your website footer (it is public for registered charities).
How to get it
Format NN-NNNNNNN. An EIN is free from the IRS online in minutes; never pay for one. Pre-501(c)(3) groups that do not have an EIN yet may enter NONE (we can help you get one).
In-depth help
Step-by-step help
Mission
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| What is your organization's mission? | Required |
Why we ask
It confirms your mission focus and is the starting point for your website's wording.
How to get it
One or two plain sentences: who you help and the change you create.
Year founded
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Founding year | Required |
Why we ask
Shown on your website so donors see how long you have served.
How to get it
A four-digit year. Use your founding documents, or the year your group began operating.
Also known as / abbreviations
1 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Alternate names | Optional |
Why we ask
Helps people find you by the name they actually use.
How to get it
Comma-separated, e.g. an acronym.
Why it’s optional
Not every organization has another name.
Candid (GuideStar) profile
2 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Candid (GuideStar) full profile link | Optional |
| What is your GuideStar.org URL? | Optional |
Why we ask
Candid is how we verify a charity is real and well run, and your profile links from your website footer.
How to get it
If your group already has a Candid profile, paste its links. Most pre-501(c)(3) groups do not have one yet; you can add it after the IRS recognizes you.
Why it’s optional
Pre-501(c)(3) groups usually cannot have a Candid profile yet (Candid builds them from IRS 501(c)(3) records), so it is optional on the pre-501(c)(3) form only.
Officer LinkedIn profiles
3 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Chair LinkedIn | Required |
| Secretary LinkedIn | Required |
| Treasurer LinkedIn | Required |
Why we ask
A real, working profile for each of the three officers is how we confirm they are real people.
How to get it
The profile does not need much public information, but it must exist and the link must open. Creating one is free.
In-depth help
Step-by-step help
Team members (pre-501(c)(3))
6 required, 9 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Team member 1 name | Required |
| Team member 1 role | Required |
| Team member 2 name | Required |
| Team member 2 role | Required |
| Team member 3 name | Required |
| Team member 3 role | Required |
| Team member 1 LinkedIn | Optional |
| Team member 2 LinkedIn | Optional |
| Team member 3 LinkedIn | Optional |
| Team member 4 name | Optional |
| Team member 4 role | Optional |
| Team member 4 LinkedIn | Optional |
| Team member 5 name | Optional |
| Team member 5 role | Optional |
| Team member 5 LinkedIn | Optional |
Why we ask
Shows who is building the organization before it has a formal board.
How to get it
Names and roles of at least three people.
Why it’s optional
Small or new groups often have fewer people; the officers' LinkedIn profiles are asked separately and are required.
In-depth help
Primary and technical contacts
2 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| What phone number do you want us to reach you at? | Required |
| What is the best time to call you? | Required |
Why we ask
Who we work with during onboarding, and when to reach them. Kept private.
How to get it
The phone number we should call you on, and the best time to reach you.
In-depth help
Website maintainer: GitHub username and role
1 required, 1 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Maintainer GitHub username | Required |
| Maintainer role | Optional |
Why we ask
Your site lives on GitHub. We invite this account to your site's repository so your maintainer can edit it, and send them their first task.
How to get it
Create a free GitHub account and enter just the username.
Why it’s optional
The role only helps us tailor training; the username is what we need.
Public phone, email and location for your website footer
3 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Public phone (website footer) | Required |
| Public email (website footer) | Required |
| Footer location (city and state) | Required |
Why we ask
Every FFC site shows how to reach the charity; donors expect it.
How to get it
Use a public line (a free Google Voice number works) and a charity email (a free outlook.com address works). City and state only, never a home address.
Step-by-step help
Website domain
2 required, 1 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| What is your current/desired domain name? | Required |
| Do you have a domain name? | Required |
| Domain registrar | Optional |
Why we ask
The domain names your website's repository and is what we register for you (free .org) or connect if you already own it.
How to get it
Just the domain, e.g. yourcharity.org. Tell us if you already own it and where.
Why it’s optional
The registrar only applies if you already own a domain.
Step-by-step help
Current website or page
1 required, 2 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Current website or page link | Optional |
| Do you have Web Hosting? | Required |
| Who is your current hosting provider? | Optional |
Why we ask
We reuse your existing content and make sure nothing breaks, including free sites without their own domain (Canva, brand.page, Wix or Google Sites subdomains, Linktree, Carrd).
How to get it
Paste the full link.
Why it’s optional
Only applies if you have a site or hosting; the hosting company is asked only if you answered Yes to having web hosting.
Website starting point
1 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Template choice | Required |
Why we ask
Single Page builds your full site from our template; Footer-Only adds the FFC footer to a site you keep.
How to get it
Pick one, or 'Not sure' and we recommend. Either way, six policy pages, prepared for you and branded to your organization (privacy, cookie, terms of service, your donation policy, vulnerability disclosure and security acknowledgements), go live with your public contact email and address; you accept them with a tickbox on the application.
Tagline and descriptions
3 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Tagline | Required |
| Site description | Required |
| Site short description | Required |
Why we ask
They are the words at the top of your site and in search results and share cards. We build your site from them right after approval.
How to get it
Tagline: a short slogan. Description: one or two sentences. Short description: under 200 characters.
Programs
2 required, 4 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Program 1 title | Required |
| Program 1 description | Required |
| Program 2 title | Optional |
| Program 2 description | Optional |
| Program 3 title | Optional |
| Program 3 description | Optional |
Why we ask
Your programs section shows donors what you actually do. At least one is required.
How to get it
A short title and one or two sentences each.
Why it’s optional
Programs 2 and 3 are optional; many charities start with one.
SEO keywords, brand color and logo
3 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| SEO keywords | Optional |
| Brand color | Optional |
| Logo link | Optional |
Why we ask
They polish your site.
How to get it
Keywords comma-separated; one hex color like #0567B1. No logo link? Your maintainer gets a first GitHub issue, 'Add your logo', after the site is created.
Why it’s optional
We draft keywords from your mission and use the template's palette; the logo is uploaded on GitHub later.
Zeffy donations and Idealist volunteers
2 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Zeffy donation form link | Optional |
| Idealist page link | Optional |
Why we ask
Every 501(c)(3) site takes donations (Zeffy keeps 100% for the charity) and lists volunteer opportunities. Both are free.
How to get it
Create the Zeffy donation form and the Idealist page, then paste their links.
Why it’s optional
Optional only for pre-501(c)(3) groups that cannot get them yet; required for 501(c)(3) charities.
Leaders shown on your website (and consent)
4 required, 1 optional
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Site leader 1 | Required |
| Site leader 2 | Required |
| Site leader 3 | Required |
| Site leaders consent | Required |
| Other leaders shown publicly | Optional |
Why we ask
FFC sites show the charity's Chair, Secretary and Treasurer by name and role so donors can see who leads it. We cannot accept an application unless all three agree to appear.
How to get it
Full names as they should appear; tick the consent box once all three agree.
Why it’s optional
Other leaders are optional and listed only with their agreement.
In-depth help
TechSoup and email provider (pre-501(c)(3))
3 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Have you been approved by TechSoup.org? | Required |
| Do you have a business email provider? | Required |
| If yes, who is your email provider? | Required |
Why we ask
Tells us which discounted tools you can use now and what email setup to plan.
How to get it
Answer as things stand today.
Terms of Service, US attestation and AI questions
4 required
| Field | On the Pre-501(c)(3) application |
|---|---|
| Terms of Service certification | Required |
| US attestation | Required |
| AI tools you use | Required |
| How you plan to use AI | Required |
Why we ask
We serve US organizations that agree to our terms; the AI questions help us tailor training.
How to get it
Read the Terms of Service; answer the AI questions honestly. If you don't use AI tools yet, just say so.
Apply: the Pre-501(c)(3) Application
Only apply here if your organization is NOT yet IRS-recognized as a 501(c)(3).
Already recognized, with an IRS determination letter? STOP: do not click Apply. Use the 501(c)(3) application instead.
Have every answer saved in your own document first, then copy each one into the form.
Apply as a pre-501(c)(3) organizationAfter you apply
Your website
A volunteer builds your site from the content on your application; there is nothing else to send. Your maintainer accepts the GitHub invitation, and if you didn’t include a logo link, uploads your logo through the first “Add your logo” GitHub issue. Six policy pages, prepared for you and branded to your organization, go live with your public contact email and address; you accept them with a tickbox on the application.
Your domain
Once you approve your preview, order your free .org (or a transfer) with the coupon from your acceptance email. Checkout shows a $1 verification charge, and the coupon brings it to $0. We register the domain, pay the renewals and handle all DNS: you never edit DNS.
Your email
Charity email comes only after the IRS approves your 501(c)(3). Until then, use a free yourcharityname@gmail.com or yourcharityname@outlook.com address, owned by the organization rather than one person.
What pre-501(c)(3) groups can get from us
- A password manager for your organization’s accounts
- A free organization-owned email address, such as yourcharityname@gmail.com or yourcharityname@outlook.com, to use until your 501(c)(3) is approved
- Your free .org domain (yourcharityname.org), registered once your website is approved
- Your charity website on GitHub Pages (a fast, secure static site), which also helps with your IRS application
- Help setting up your Facebook Page and LinkedIn Page
- Charity email at your own domain (Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Google Workspace) after the IRS approves your 501(c)(3)
Questions?
Text or call 520-222-8104, or use our contact page. We’re all volunteers, so we answer as soon as we can.