Founder tool

First-year budget builder

A first-year budget is a promise to yourself about what's realistic. Fill in what you know, leave the rest at zero, and see whether the year adds up.

Income
Money coming in	Per year ($)
Individual donations
Grants (only ones you're confident of)
Fundraising events (net)
Business or church support
Fees or earned income
In-kind gifts (donated goods or space, at fair value)
Total income	$0

Expenses
Money going out	Per year ($)
State incorporation and registration fees
IRS application fee (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ)
Insurance
Bank and payment fees
Software and website
Space and utilities
Program supplies
Volunteer costs (training, background checks, thank-yous)
Printing and outreach
Accountant or legal help
Staff or contractors
Other
Total expenses	$0

The IRS user fee is $600 for Form 1023 and $275 for Form 1023-EZ (IRS, checked 14 October 2026). State fees vary; see Legal formation.

Your answers aren't stored or sent to anyone. They're only in this page's address, so you can bookmark or share the result.

Your first year

Fill in what you know. Totals update as you type.

Golden hint

Count only grants you've been told you'll get. A budget built on hoped-for grants is a wish list, not a plan.