←Home/Templates/Legal/Nonprofit Client Intake Form

Nonprofit Client Intake Form

Nonprofit Attorney and Formation Resource

Streamline nonprofit client onboarding with our intake form guide. For attorneys, formation services, CPAs, and consultants who work with nonprofits. Collect client and organization contact information, type and purpose of the nonprofit, formation status (not yet formed, incorporated, EIN, 501(c)(3) status), state of formation, client goals (formation, exemption application, compliance, governance, grants), board and key staff overview, and timeline so you can assess scope, conflict-check, and plan next steps. Use this structure for initial consultations and new nonprofit engagements.

Key Benefits

Capture client and organization information in one place
Document formation status and 501(c)(3) goals clearly
Identify scope (formation, exemption, compliance, grants)
Support conflict checks and engagement letters
Plan next steps and document checklist
Professional nonprofit intake workflow

Common Use Cases

Attorneys onboarding new nonprofit formation or exemption clientsFormation services and incorporators conducting initial intakeCPAs and consultants gathering nonprofit client backgroundLaw firms standardizing nonprofit intake across the practiceOrganizations seeking help with formation, 1023, or compliancePro bono or legal aid programs screening nonprofit matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nonprofit intake form used for?
An intake form helps the professional and staff collect consistent information at the start of a nonprofit engagement. It covers who the client is, the organization's name and purpose, whether the entity is formed and whether it has 501(c)(3) status, what the client wants (formation, Form 1023, compliance, governance, grants), and key contacts. It supports conflict checks, scope definition, and preparation for the first meeting or engagement letter.
What should I collect about formation status?
Determine whether the organization is not yet formed, in formation, or already incorporated; whether it has an EIN; and whether it has applied for or received 501(c)(3) determination. Note state of incorporation and registered agent. This tells you whether to use a formation checklist, 501(c)(3) application checklist, or ongoing compliance checklist.
Why ask about client goals in the intake?
Goals (e.g. form a new 501(c)(3), file Form 1023, get grant-ready, fix governance) define scope and which checklists or deliverables apply. They also help with pricing, timeline, and assigning the right team. Clarify whether the client needs formation only, exemption application, or ongoing compliance and governance support.
Should the intake form replace a document checklist?
No. The intake form gathers facts and goals. Use a formation checklist, 501(c)(3) application checklist, or compliance checklist to list documents the client must provide or that you will prepare. Intake informs which checklist to use; the checklist drives document collection and drafting.

Checklist

Client Information

Client contact: full name, role (founder, board member, ED, etc.), phone, email, mailing address
Required

Who is the primary contact? Preferred method and safe times. Language preference if any. Note if they represent the organization or are pre-formation.

Organization Information

Organization name (proposed or legal name) and any DBA
Required

Legal name as filed or to be filed with state. Confirm availability if not yet formed. DBA if different from legal name.

Purpose or mission (charitable, educational, religious, etc.—501(c)(3) type)
Required

Brief description of what the organization does or will do. Confirms 501(c)(3) eligibility and supports purpose language for articles and Form 1023.

Formation status: not yet formed, articles filed, EIN obtained, 501(c)(3) application filed or approved
Required

Where is the organization in the lifecycle? Drives whether you use formation checklist, 1023/1023-EZ checklist, or compliance checklist.

State of incorporation (or intended state) and registered agent if formed
Required

State where articles are or will be filed. Registered agent name and address if already formed. Affects formation and compliance steps.

Prior or current advisors (attorney, CPA, formation service) if any

Who has helped so far? Avoid duplication; coordinate on documents (e.g. articles, 1023) if another professional is involved.

Scope

Client goals: formation, 501(c)(3) application, governance, compliance, grant readiness, other
Required

What does the client want from this engagement? Formation only, Form 1023/1023-EZ, bylaws, conflict policy, annual compliance, grant prep. Define scope for engagement letter and deliverables.

Timeline or urgency (e.g. grant deadline, fiscal year, event)

Any deadline that affects formation, 1023 filing, or compliance? Helps prioritize and set milestones.

Governance

Board and key staff: names and roles (number of directors, officers, key employees if known)
Required

Who is on the board? Who are officers or key staff? Supports conflict check, 1023 compensation section, and governance documents.

Intake Process

Conflict check: organization name, board members, and related parties or entities
Required

Run conflict check before engagement. Note any prior representation of the organization, board members, or related entities. Clear conflicts before signing engagement letter.