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Nonprofit Consulting &
501(c)(3) Formation

Starting a nonprofit takes vision. Sustaining and scaling one takes discipline and the right financial foundation.

Led by Crystal Barrow McKinney, CPA — who has served as a Board of Trustees Treasurer — we bring both. From securing your IRS determination letter to building strong financial controls, forecasting with confidence, and positioning your organization to raise and manage funds effectively, we support your nonprofit at every stage of growth.

A nonprofit is a
more complex business.

A nonprofit isn't a lesser version of a business. It's a more complex one — with all the management challenges of a company, plus the compliance demands of the IRS, the accountability expectations of donors and grantors, and the weight of a mission that matters.

CBarrow CPA & Advisory brings the same operational rigor and financial expertise we apply to growing businesses directly to the nonprofit sector — from the first IRS filing through long-term organizational growth.

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  • Founders launching new 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Community-based nonprofits in health, education & housing
  • Faith-based and religious organizations
  • Arts, culture, and civic organizations
  • Foundations and grantmaking organizations
  • Organizations seeking or receiving government grants
  • Hybrid organizations and social enterprises

From idea to
IRS determination.

Our 501(c)(3) formation service guides you through every step of the process — no surprises, no delays.

01
Entity Formation & Legal Structure

Nonprofit articles of incorporation, bylaws drafting, state registration, charitable solicitation filings, board structure design, and registered agent setup.

02
IRS 501(c)(3) Application (Form 1023 / 1023-EZ)

Organizational narrative development, program descriptions, financial projections and budgets, public support test analysis, conflict of interest policies, and full IRS correspondence support through determination letter.

03
Financial Infrastructure Setup

Fund accounting setup, chart of accounts design, restricted and unrestricted fund tracking, accounting software implementation (QuickBooks Nonprofit), and initial financial controls.

04
Grant Readiness & Ongoing Compliance

Grant compliance frameworks, Form 990 preparation support, audit readiness, indirect cost rate development, federal grant compliance (Uniform Guidance), and ongoing financial reporting for boards and donors.

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Financial Management
Monthly reporting, board-level dashboards, budget development, cash flow planning, and Form 990 support — everything your leadership team needs to stay financially healthy.
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Grant Strategy
Grant proposal budgets, multi-funder financial tracking, program cost allocation, and federal grant compliance advisory to maximize your funding success.
📈
Fractional CFO
Ongoing senior financial leadership — cash flow strategy, reserve planning, audit management, executive financial coaching, and scenario modeling for organizational sustainability.
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Operational Advisory
Organizational assessments, staffing structure and capacity planning, technology systems review, earned revenue strategy, and merger/fiscal sponsorship advisory.
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Strategic Planning
Strategic plan facilitation, program financial modeling, cost-per-outcome analysis, and long-range organizational sustainability planning.
"We had a mission and no infrastructure. Crystal built both in six months."
Houston Nonprofit Executive Director

Ready to launch or
strengthen your nonprofit?

Schedule a free consultation. We'll review your formation status, financial needs, and create a roadmap for your organization.

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