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Becoming a successful nonprofit organization

From dream to reality

Do you dream of starting a nonprofit organization? This series of workshops will equip you with the knowledge needed to start and manage a successful nonprofit organization.

NEW LOCATION:  Adult Learning Program Classroom, 1st Floor

If you are serious about starting a nonprofit, you should plan to attend all nine sessions. You only need to register for the first session as you'll be automatically signed up for the other sessions. You cannot register for any individual workshop.  

Sunday, January 11 2026:  Keeping it legal
Guest speaker:  Sean Thueson, JD
Sean Thueson is a Nevada licensed attorney who has practiced law in Las Vegas for the past 23 years, currently as General Counsel for The Siegel Group.  He has been involved in forming and assisting nonprofit organizations since 2012 when he helped create a 501(c)(3) booster program for the high school marching band. He and his wife are now very active in nonprofit animal rescues and he regularly assists nonprofit organizations with issues of formation, governance and compliance.

Topics include:

• Legal issues unique to nonprofits
• Nonprofit vs for-profit law
• Board responsibilities
• Operating after incorporation
• Nonprofit HR

Sunday, January 25 2026:  Module 1: In the beginning...
Learn what it takes to start a nonprofit organization in Nevada. This workshop will help turn your ideas into action and guide you through the important steps needed to form an organization.

In the first hour, you'll learn about:

• Assessing your nonprofit readiness
• Writing a Mission Statement that fits the organization
• Nevada requirements for the Articles of Incorporation, Board of Directors and Bylaws 

During the second hour, you will start drafting the Mission Statement, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Sunday, February 15 2026:  Module 2: Building the nonprofit Board
The first Board of Directors for a nonprofit should consist of people who care strongly about the cause. They help the nonprofit get started, stay legal and grow the organization.

In the first hour, you'll learn about:

• Responsibilities of the first Board
• Expectations for the organization and Board
• How to recruit and guide the first Board Members

During the second hour, you will start drafting Board member job descriptions as well as recruiting and orientation materials.

Sunday, March 15 2026:  Module 3: Plans, plans and more plans
Learn how to plan for long-term nonprofit success.

In the first hour, you'll learn about:

• Strategic planning
• Program planning
• Financial planning
• Communication planning

During the second hour, you will staft drafting a one-page outline for the strategic plan. 

Sunday, April 19 2026: Module 4: Nonprofit financial management
Learn to responsibly manage the organization's nonprofit finances.

In the first hour, you'll learn about:

• Nonprofit financial management overview
• Developing a budget
• Setting up financial systems
• Introduction to fundraising from individuals

During the second hour, you will begin developing the startup budget and basic fundraising materials.

Sunday, May 17 2026:  Module 5: Nonprofit Human Resources
Learn how to effectively find and manage volunteers and staff.

In the first hour, you'll learn about:

• Recruiting volunteers
• Managing volunteers
• Transitioning to paid staff

During the second hour, you will start writing volunteer position descriptions and creating a checklist for when to hire the first paid employee.

Sunday, June 21 2026:  Module 6: Applying for IRS tax-exemption
To become tax-exempt, you must apply to the IRS and be approved. There's no need to spend thousands of dollars on a lawyer to complete the application ... if you understand that form.  

During the first hour, you'll learn about:

• Understanding IRS Form 1023
• Completing IRS Form 1023 line-by-line
• Why not to use IRS Form 1023-EZ
• Submitting the form and following up

During the second hour, you will begin to start drafting the IRS application.

Sunday, July 19 2026:  Putting it all together: modules 1-3
Time to put all the materials together!

During this two-hour review session, you'll have the opportunity to have the paperwork reviewed from:

• Module 1:  Mission Statement, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
• Module 2:  Board member job descriptions, recruitment and orientation materials
• Module 3:  Strategic plan outline

Sunday, August 16 2026:  Putting it all together: modules 4-6
Time to put all the materials together!

During this two-hour workshop, you'll have the chance to have the paperwork reviewed from:

• Module 4:  Startup budget and fundraising materials
• Module 5:  Volunteer position descriptions and checklist for first paid employee
• Module 6:  IRS application for tax-exempt status

Online registration (no email or phone calls) is required for the series. 
REGISTRATION CLOSES ON THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026. 
Each person attending must be registered individually.

For more information, call 702.507.3421 or email sonnpic@thelibrarydistrict.org

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