text: I recently filed incorporation papers for a non-profit in Ohio.  I found the following website to be very helpful in getting started.\nhttp://www.bizfilings.com/learning/nonprofitfaq.asp#what%20steps\nEach state will have its own specific requirements which can  be found on the state's  official website.  A filing fee is usually required.\n\nOhio's state paperwork was pretty simple.  If you wish to apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status, it is much more complicated as your origination papers must contain specific wording to meet IRS requirements.  See IRS publication 557 and form 1023.\n\nI obtained copies of documents filed from silimar types of non-profits and used them as a guide for developing the papers for my organization.\n\nI haven't yet found an organization that will file the papers for you free of charge.   Networking  in your local area may lead you to an accountant or attorney who supports your objective enough to do it pro bono.  Or, perhaps your local United Way agency can assist you in that area.   Good luck to you.