20

Years of Experience

$18

Million Raised

1500+

Clients

100%

501(c)(3) Approvals

Work With Me

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE ME

Practical Guidance From Someone Who's Been There

  • I've been the nonprofit founder trying to stretch every dollar.

  • Launching nonprofits taught me the realities of limited budgets and unlimited dreams.

  • I've been the executive building fundraising strategies.

  • I've represented businesses making community investment decisions.

  • I've negotiated sponsorships, developed partnerships, planned conferences, launched organizations, and built programs from the ground up.

  • That means I don't teach theories.

  • I teach the same strategies I've used throughout my career to my clients who create lasting results in their businesses and nonprofits.

Choose Your Plan

Complete Nonprofit Startup Service

$1297

  • A Done For You Service

  • Access to The Nonprofit Startup System course

  • Founder Workbook and Founder Portfolio

  • Startup intake and readiness review

  • Mission, programs, and organizational structure review

  • Form 1023 EZ eligibility review

  • Guidance selecting public charity classification

  • Guidance for state nonprofit incorporation

  • Preparation or completion of the Articles of Incorporation forms

  • Required IRS purpose and dissolution language

  • EIN application guidance or completion

  • Sample customizable bylaws

  • Sample conflict of interest policy

  • Guidance for the initial board structure

  • Preparation and completion of Form 1023 EZ

  • Guidance or form preparation for the initial charitable solicitation registration in the organization's home state

  • Final document review session

  • Post-approval compliance checklist

  • Email support for 90 days

  • Does not include filing fees

501(c)(3) Application & Readiness Review

$597

  • We prepare your Form 1023 EZ, review it with you, enter the completed application, and guide an authorized officer through electronic signature and submission

  • Review of startup documents

  • Compliance guidance

  • Liaison with IRS regarding application

  • Does not include filing fee or incorporation.

  • This is only for nonprofits that are legally established with Articles of Incorporation, EIN, bylaws, and other required documents.

  • Document review identifies readiness concerns but does not include legal advice, customized legal drafting, state incorporation, charitable registration, or correction of deficient documents unless added separately.

Nonprofit Startup Course

$397

  • The course every new founder needs

  • Self-paced video instruction

  • 28 Modules

  • Clarify your nonprofit purpose and community need

  • Create your mission, vision, values, and programs

  • Build an effective board of directors

  • Understand incorporation, bylaws, and essential policies

  • Prepare for the IRS 1023 EZ application

  • Set up banking, budgeting, and financial controls

  • Build a practical fundraising and partnership plan

  • Stay compliant with federal and state requirements

  • Complete your Founder Portfolio with worksheets, checklists, and templates

TESTIMONIALS

Highly Recommend!

"I enrolled in Deona's Win Sponsors course and found it to be very, very beneficial to me and the organization. I found the presentation to be easy to follow and the information provided was potent. I highly recommend Deona's course and gleaning from such a well knowledgeable woman! I will definitely remain connected to Deona and her team."

– Michelle T. - From Cleveland

Step-By-Step

"Deona broke down the basics of creating value for your event supporters and sponsors + how to secure sponsors and the timing of when sponsors are willing to commit funds for community events. Whether you need $6,000 or $60,000, Deona laid out a step-by-step plan to win sponsors and turn your event into a fundraiser."

Stephen H. - From Columbia

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Purposeful Partnerships. Powerful Impact. © 2026 Deona Smith. All Rights Reserved.