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Purpose Framework

Purpose Framework

A clearer starting point.

Find compliance guidance for where you work, and practical resources for what comes next.

Free to read. No account needed.

01 / Compliance guidance

Compliance starts where you are.

Select a state to explore its guide.
Alabama: State guide in preparationALAlaska: State guide in preparationAKArizona: State + Federal resourcesAZArkansas: State guide in preparationARCalifornia: State + Federal resourcesCAColorado: State + Federal resourcesCOConnecticut: State guide in preparationDelaware: State guide in preparationDistrict of Columbia: State guide in preparationFlorida: State guide in preparationFLGeorgia: State guide in preparationGAHawaii: State guide in preparationHIIdaho: State guide in preparationIDIllinois: State guide in preparationILIndiana: State guide in preparationINIowa: State guide in preparationIAKansas: State guide in preparationKSKentucky: State guide in preparationKYLouisiana: State guide in preparationLAMaine: State guide in preparationMEMaryland: State guide in preparationMassachusetts: State guide in preparationMichigan: State guide in preparationMIMinnesota: State guide in preparationMNMississippi: State guide in preparationMSMissouri: State guide in preparationMOMontana: State guide in preparationMTNebraska: State guide in preparationNENevada: State guide in preparationNVNew Hampshire: State guide in preparationNew Jersey: State guide in preparationNew Mexico: State guide in preparationNMNew York: State guide in preparationNYNorth Carolina: State guide in preparationNCNorth Dakota: State guide in preparationNDOhio: State guide in preparationOHOklahoma: State guide in preparationOKOregon: State guide in preparationORPennsylvania: State guide in preparationPARhode Island: State guide in preparationSouth Carolina: State guide in preparationSCSouth Dakota: State guide in preparationSDTennessee: State guide in preparationTNTexas: State + Federal resourcesTXUtah: State + Federal resourcesUTVermont: State guide in preparationVirginia: State guide in preparationVAWashington: State guide in preparationWAWest Virginia: State guide in preparationWVWisconsin: State guide in preparationWIWyoming: State + Federal resourcesWYCTDEDCMDMANHNJRIVT
Published state guidesMore state guides in preparationSelected state

Your selected reference

New Mexico

State guide in preparation · Edition FY 2027

New Mexico resources are on the way.

A reviewed state guide has not been published yet. You can explore the federal reference while state resources are being prepared. Federal guidance does not cover your state's requirements.

Explore federal resources

02 / Templates, checklists & guides

Less starting from scratch.
More moving forward.

Practical starting points for your board, your team, and the systems that support them. Read online, then download editable text to make it your own.

Available resources

8 resources · Free to read and download

Governance
Policy template

Conflict of Interest Policy

An editable starting point for disclosing interests, recording recusals, and making independent decisions.

Read & download
Governance
Checklist

Board Member Onboarding Checklist

Give new board members the context, documents, and introductions they need to begin well.

Read & download
Financial Management
Checklist

Monthly Financial Oversight Checklist

A practical discussion guide for reviewing cash, budget changes, and follow-up responsibilities.

Read & download
Financial Management
Framework

A Clear Expense Reimbursement Process

Map who submits, reviews, approves, and records an expense before writing a policy.

Read & download
People & Talent
Toolkit

Volunteer Onboarding Toolkit

A welcome outline, first-day checklist, and check-in prompts you can adapt for your team.

Read & download
People & Talent
Guide

Before You Build an Employee Handbook

Plan the scope, owners, and review process before assembling your handbook.

Read & download
Operations
Framework

A Simple Document Register

Track the owner, approved version, location, and next review of important documents.

Read & download
Operations
Educational article

Make Policy Review a Habit, Not a Scramble

A small, repeatable review rhythm that keeps responsibility and decisions visible.

Read & download

A growing library of starter resources. Adapt each one to your organization and seek appropriate professional advice before use.

About this library & its scope

This free compliance reference focuses on ordinary small and medium-sized 501(c)(3) public charities. It is a starting point, not a certification of compliance. Specialized programs, grant conditions, local rules, and your organization's circumstances may create additional duties. Missing findings do not establish that no obligation exists.

Confirm current requirements with the official sources. Research and editorial review may contain errors or omissions, and requirements can change between reviews. Source links are navigation aids; their inclusion does not establish that a requirement applies. Research dates, publication years, fiscal years, and legal effective dates are separate.

Published scope: Core filings for the published jurisdictions plus required and conditional policies/procedures with their legal authority, applicability triggers and required contents, alongside clearly labeled recommended best practices. Primary sources establish legal duties; secondary sources provide labeled context. Detailed tax schedules, payroll filings, industry-specific operations and organization-specific legal review require separate research.
Published November 9, 2026. Each action shows its own research date.

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