Getting Your House In Order (pdf version)

This manual is a checklist with explanations. Each section starts with a heading that tells you what to do. The paragraphs under it explain why it matters and how to do it.
Who this book is for. It is written for three kinds of organizations:
Churches. This includes local congregations, conventions or associations of churches, and integrated auxiliaries of churches (for example, a church’s women’s ministry or a church-run school that is part of the church).
Faith-based nonprofits. These are religious 501(c)(3) organizations that are not churches. Examples include parachurch ministries, food pantries, Christian schools that stand on their own, missions agencies, counseling centers, and community development groups.
Civic nonprofits. These are community-serving organizations with no religious affiliation. Most are 501(c)(3) charities, such as civic clubs’ charitable foundations, youth sports leagues, community centers, neighborhood improvement groups, and service organizations. Others are 501(c)(4) civic leagues and social welfare organizations, such as homeowner and civic associations, community advocacy groups, and some volunteer fire companies. A civic 501(c)(3) follows the same rules as a faith-based nonprofit. A 501(c)(4) follows several different rules, which are marked separately.