PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Nonprofit daycare centers are run similarly to daycare centers that operate for profit. The major difference is that nonprofit daycares are eligible for grants and other funding, and they are exempt from state and federal taxes. Nonprofit daycares are also required to be governed by a board of directors made up mostly of parents. All of the money collected from parents and other sources must be invested in the organization and the service it provides to children and families. Start a nonprofit daycare by obtaining funding and making sure you comply with all of the guidelines set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

1

Create a nonprofit corporate entity.

PDF download Download Article
  1. File nonprofit articles of incorporation with the state in which you are establishing the daycare. You can get the appropriate forms and guidelines from the Secretary of State.[1] Include the name and address of your nonprofit daycare in the articles of incorporation, as well as the purpose of starting it. Describe who you will serve and how the daycare will be run and governed.
  2. Advertisement
3

Obtain tax exempt status from the IRS.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is the form used to apply for exemption from federal income tax in the United States.[2] You will need to demonstrate that your daycare center will operate for charitable purposes.
    • Show the IRS or other relevant Tax office that your services are available to the general public so that parents can look for or keep employment.
    • Include your articles of incorporation, information on how much you charge for daycare services, the number of students you serve and your curriculum.
    • If you're not in the U.S., file whichever form is appropriate in your location.
  2. Advertisement
6

Look for grants and other funding.

PDF download Download Article
  1. While some of your daycare's income will come from what you charge the families who use your services, additional money can help you make improvements, hire more teachers and train staff.[4]
    • Obtain a list of grant opportunities from your local Childcare Resource and Referral Agency. Visit www.childcareaware.org and enter your zip code. You will get the contact information for your agency, and they can give you a list of grants available in your area.
    • Inquire about grants and funding opportunities from your local United Way, Community Foundation and other organizations which give grants.
    • Research your local businesses and find out if they make corporate grants.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How many members should the board have and can they be the same people who run the daycare?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, it cannot be all of the same people who run the daycare. Some can be involved, but the entire board cannot be made up of them. There isn't a set number for a board, but consider having an odd number of people, so in the event of a vote, there isn't a chance of a tie.
  • Question
    How can I start a daycare out of my house?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Check with your local department of family and child services, or look up child care licensing and you should be directed to the appropriate website for your area. You will need to take a course and pass an examination, and become CPR certified.. Usually you will need at least one fire extinguisher, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire alarm in EACH room of the house, fire escape exits in every room, and appropriate child-proofing. You'll want to make sure your house has sufficient space to meet local requirements as well.
  • Question
    Can I limit the number of kids in a nonprofit childcare to only 1-2?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Many times you will need to have more children than that in order to be classified as a non-profit childcare center, but you will need to check about your individual state's requirements.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

  • Work closely with an attorney and an accountant. These may be Board members or people you hire professionally. You will need to be transparent about all of the money your daycare earns, and how you spend it. There are reporting requirements and legal issues that will need your attention.
  • Consider writing and posting a mission statement. Most nonprofit organizations use a mission statement to explain why they exist. Yours might focus on providing affordable childcare to all members of your community.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Articles of Incorporation

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 158,412 times.
478 votes - 92%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: December 22, 2024
Views: 158,412
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 158,412 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Christine Hamberger

    Christine Hamberger

    Apr 13, 2016

    "A very helpful step-by-step approach. It helped explain nonprofit centers and what they entail. It spoke in plain,..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement