For Fellow Nonprofits
Building a nonprofit from the ground up is hard. These are the tools, platforms, certifications, and resources Postured In Kindness has discovered along the way. We share them freely because kindness means lifting other people up too. 💛
Incorporate your nonprofit in Texas. This is your first step. File your Certificate of Formation and get your official nonprofit status before doing anything else.
sos.state.tx.usApply for your 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status. The EZ version is for smaller nonprofits and is much faster than the full Form 1023. Get your EIN first from IRS.gov before applying.
irs.govRegister your nonprofit in the System for Award Management to become eligible for federal grants. You will receive a Unique Entity ID (UEI). This unlocks USDA, TDHCA, and other federal funding.
sam.govClaim your free nonprofit profile on Candid. Funders and donors search here to verify legitimacy. A completed Candid profile builds credibility and is often required for grant applications.
candid.orgFree online courses and certificates for nonprofit leaders. Covers fundraising, board governance, grant writing, volunteer management, and more. Create a free account and start learning today.
nonprofitready.orgEarn a free Volunteer Coordinator Certificate. Practical training for anyone managing volunteers at community events. Great for board members and team leads.
volunteerbadge.orgRequired if your nonprofit handles or distributes food at events. Quick online course through CERTUS or similar providers. PIK's founder and leadership team are certified.
certus.comProtect your volunteers and the people you serve. CPR and AED certification is worth having for any nonprofit running community events. Available locally in most cities.
redcross.orgFree Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets), up to $10,000 per month in free Google Ads, and YouTube Nonprofit Program. Apply through TechSoup verification first.
google.com/nonprofitsDeeply discounted software, hardware, and services for nonprofits. Microsoft Office, Adobe, Zoom, Salesforce and more at a fraction of the cost. Required for Google for Nonprofits verification.
techsoup.orgApply for free Canva Pro access as a verified nonprofit. Design flyers, social posts, presentations, and grant documents with professional templates at zero cost.
canva.com/canva-for-nonprofitsFree fundraising, event ticketing, and volunteer management platform. PIK uses Givebutter for all our campaigns and volunteer signups. Easy to set up and powerful to use.
givebutter.comVolunteer attraction and management platform. Post opportunities, track hours, and manage your volunteer pipeline. Integrates directly with Givebutter. PIK uses this for all volunteer coordination.
pointapp.orgThe official federal grants database. Search hundreds of active federal grant opportunities by category, agency, and eligibility. Requires SAM.gov registration with active UEI.
grants.govCollin County Impact Fund and other North Texas grant opportunities. Strong focus on pressing community needs including food, housing, and human services in our region.
cftexas.orgWalmart's community grant program. Apply online, link to a local store, and focus on hunger relief or community need. Quarterly application cycles. Good first grant for new nonprofits.
walmart.orgGrants for nonprofits focused on home repair, community spaces, and tools. Awarded as Home Depot gift cards. Good fit for home stewardship, community improvement, and disaster relief programs.
corporate.homedepot.comZero Hunger, Zero Waste initiative. Quarterly grants for nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access. Apply at thekrogerco.com. Good fit for food pantry and nutrition programs.
thekrogerco.comThe most comprehensive private foundation grant database available. Check if your local library offers free access. Candid also provides a free limited version for nonprofits.
candid.org/find-fundingPost volunteer opportunities and attract community members looking to give back. One of the largest volunteer recruiting platforms in the country. Free basic listing for verified nonprofits.
volunteermatch.orgPost volunteer opportunities, jobs, and internships for your nonprofit. Strong community of people actively looking to plug in and make a difference. Easy to set up and manage.
idealist.orgReach your immediate neighborhood directly. Create a nonprofit page and post events, volunteer needs, and donation drives to the neighbors closest to your mission. PIK built its early volunteer base here.
nextdoor.com/nonprofit-programPostured In Kindness is not just building our own organization. We are part of a community of organizations all trying to make the world more dignified and kind. If you have a resource to add to this list or want to connect, reach out. We would love to hear from you.
Connect With PIK 💛