Nonprofit Resources

Explore these valuable links to help you start and run a more effective organization.

Center for Nonprofit Management
Overview: Provides resources and information on starting a new nonprofit, including incorporation, structure, and obtaining tax-exempt status.
CalNonprofits
Overview: CalNonprofits, the leading policy voice for California’s nonprofit sector, focuses on advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across California.
InstantNonprofit
Overview: A done-for-you service to set up your nonprofit, assisting with IRS 1023-EZ application and aiming for approval within 4-10 weeks. Note: This is an affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission if you sign up—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we believe are genuinely helpful.
Nolo’s Guide to Forming a Nonprofit Corporation
Overview: Provides a step-by-step guide to creating a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, including applying for federal and state tax exemptions.
Pasadena City College (PCC)
Overview: Offers an online course titled “Introduction to Nonprofit Management,” designed to help transform your good intentions into a professional plan of action.
Public Counsel’s Guide to Forming a Nonprofit
Overview: A comprehensive resource offering step-by-step instructions on creating a charitable, tax-exempt nonprofit in California.

African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI)
Overview: Strengthens nonprofit, public, and private organizations by recruiting and preparing African American professionals for a broad range of governing boards
AAPA – Board Leadership Program
Overview: The Board Leadership Program (BLP) responds to the need for greater representation of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and fellow communities of color in leadership positions on nonprofit boards.
BoardSource
Overview: A recognized leader in nonprofit board leadership research, offering resources to increase board effectiveness and strengthen organizational impact.
Latinos LEAD
Overview: Promotes more inclusive and effective civil society organizations by preparing and recruiting Latinos for nonprofit board leadership.

AI Literacy for Nonprofits
Overview: A three-part series by OpenAI Academy to help nonprofits understand and use AI effectively. A great resource for nonprofits looking to build AI literacy and expand their capacity.
Nonprofit Learning Lab
Overview: Offers a wide range of free and low-cost resources for nonprofit professionals, including toolkits, templates, and on-demand webinars on topics like fundraising, DEI, and volunteer management.

Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF)
Overview: Unlocks the potential of mission-driven organizations through tailored investments, strategic advice, and accessible insights.
Pasadena Community Foundation
Overview: Serves as a leader, catalyst, and resource for philanthropy to improve the lives of people in the greater Pasadena area, now and for future generations.

Community Partners
Overview: Works with social entrepreneurs, grantmakers, and civic leaders to imagine possibilities, design solutions, and see them through to results, offering comprehensive fiscal sponsorship services.
Creative Visions
Overview: Supports artists, filmmakers, journalists, and changemakers through fiscal sponsorship, helping bring powerful stories to life. Offers fundraising guidance, impact strategy support, and a global network of creative activists driving social change.
Fulcrum Arts
Overview: Fulcrum Arts offers support to artists, independent arts organizations, and non-profit cultural organizations through fiscal sponsorship, professional development, consulting, and financial services.

Pasadena area restaurants that offer fundraising/giveback events.

Annenberg Alchemy
Overview: A free capacity-building and leadership development program designed to assist small to midsize Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations and their leaders.
California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits)
Overview: A statewide membership organization that brings nonprofits together to advocate for the communities they serve. Their free resources include Nonprofit Insurance Services, Nonprofit Compliance Checklist, and many great resources for members.
Center for Nonprofit Management
Overview: Fosters thriving communities in Southern California by ensuring that nonprofit leaders and organizations have the knowledge, skills, and resources to fulfill their mission.
Executive Service Corps Southern California
Overview: Provides high-impact, affordable management development services to nonprofits in Southern California.

Day One Community Directory
Overview: Connects residents across the San Gabriel Valley with resources in their local communities to enhance health and wellness.

L.A. Works
Overview: Increases volunteer participation throughout greater Los Angeles, provides nonprofit partners with access to labor, and educates about broader social issues.
Catchafire
Overview: A network of volunteers, nonprofits, and funders working together to solve urgent problems and uplift communities.
Taproot Foundation
Overview: Leads, mobilizes, and engages professionals in pro bono service that drives social change.
Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley
Overview: Connects volunteers and their abilities to serve in the community by identifying needs, creating programs, and placing volunteers in the San Gabriel Valley.