Everything you need to incorporate a nonprofit in Wisconsin — filing requirements, fees, board minimums, and direct links to state agencies.
$35
State Filing Fee
3+
Minimum Board Members
$310
Minimum Total Cost
Wisconsin requires a minimum of 3 board members. Write a clear mission statement and recruit directors who are passionate about your cause. See How to Write a Mission Statement and Board Requirements.
Draft bylaws covering board structure, officer roles, meeting requirements, conflict of interest policy, and dissolution clause. The IRS requires a copy with your Form 1023. See How to Write Bylaws.
File with the Department of Financial Institutions. Fee: $35. Processing: 3-5 business days. Online filing available.
File with Wisconsin Department of Financial InstitutionsYour articles must include IRS-required purpose and dissolution clauses. See What to Include.
Apply online at IRS.gov — free and instant during business hours (Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm ET).
Apply for EIN at IRS.govFile Form 1023-EZ ($275, 2-4 week approval) if your gross receipts are under $50K/year, or the full Form 1023 ($600, 3-6 months) for larger organizations.
Open a bank account, set up fund accounting, and start tracking donations from day one. Alignmint is free for nonprofits under $100K in annual donations — includes fund accounting, donor CRM, volunteer management, and AI features.
| Expense | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin incorporation fee | $35 | Yes |
| IRS Form 1023-EZ | $275 | Yes* |
| IRS Form 1023 (full) | $600 | If needed |
| EIN | Free | Yes |
| Charitable solicitation registration | $15 | Yes |
| Registered agent (optional) | $100-300/yr | Optional |
| Accounting software (Alignmint Starter) | Free | Effectively yes |
| Total (minimum) | $310 |
*Most small nonprofits qualify for Form 1023-EZ ($275). Use the full Form 1023 ($600) if gross receipts exceed $50K/year.
Fiscal sponsorship lets you start fundraising in weeks instead of months. InFocus Ministries handles the legal structure and compliance.
Looking for local resources? The Nonprofits First provides networking, training, and advocacy for nonprofits in Wisconsin.
Interactive tools tailored to Wisconsin's requirements.