Southern Nevada Nonprofit Information Center (SoNNPIC) FAQs

  • General Questions

    Most forms of assistance for housing, medical bills or personal debt will come from charitable organizations or government assistance programs, rather than grants from foundations. 

    Immediate resources for funding can be obtained at local government agencies, organizations, and gifts or loans from generous individuals. You might also contact your elected officials to ask about government-sponsored or other programs for which you may be eligible. Please visit any Las Vegas-Clark County Library District branch for more information.

    A nonprofit organization is formed for the purpose of serving a scientific, literary, education, artistic or charitable purpose and not for the pursuit or accumulation of profits. A nonprofit is not a way for ordinary businesses -- or people -- to shield assets or avoid paying income tax. It is not an alternative business form for any regular type of business.

    Starting a nonprofit organization takes time and effort. It is not something that can be done in a weekend. A nonprofit organization is a separate legal entity, created by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State. For more information on the steps required, see Starting a Nonprofit Organization, opens a new window.

    Some essential elements in starting a successful nonprofit include (but are not limited to) a reason to exist, high-quality, unduplicated programs/services and reliable and diverse financial revenue.

    For more information on the steps required, see Nolo's How to Form a Nevada Nonprofit Corporation.  Determine your readiness to start a nonprofit by completing Candid's Nonprofit Startup Assessment Tool.

    To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for the purpose of serving a scientific, literary, education, artistic or charitable purpose. In addition, none of its earnings may be returned to any private shareholder or individual. Additionally, it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

    A nonprofit organization applies for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please note that it can take 2-6 months for the IRS to return its decision. It is to the organization's advantage to take the time and effort required in filling out the IRS Form 1023, rather than the IRS Form 1023-EZ.

    For more information, see Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Application Process, opens a new window.

    The IRS requires that the majority of tax-exempt organizations file an annual informational return using one of three versions of Form 990.

    Most tax-exempt organizations with annual assets under $50,000 will file the Form 990-N. It is an eight question form and only available online. For more information, see Form 990-N (e-Postcard) Internal Revenue Service, opens a new window.

    Foundation Directory Online is our searchable database that provides comprehensive and accurate information on U.S. funders and their grants. This database is available from a public computer located within Clark County Library.

    The Southern Nevada Nonprofit Information Center offers the Foundation Directory Online Professional in person at the Clark County Library. There is no charge to access this database. This database can only be used in the library.

    The majority of government grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations, not to individuals. Government grants nearly always have stiff reporting requirements. Careful record keeping is a must, since an audit is always a possibility.

    Individuals looking for government grants and loans should visit Benefits.gov, which is the official government benefits website.  This site allows you to complete a confidential questionnaire and receive a list of programs that may apply to your situation.