Our Founder's Story

MEET SEAN O'KEEFE

From Frustration to Innovation

In 2009, the founder volunteered with a group of friends to start a nonprofit. At first glance, it seemed simple—how hard could it be to launch something meaningful? But after submitting the applications, a stark reality set in: the process was maddeningly complex and dragged on for over 12 months before receiving approval. This wasn’t just frustrating; it was a wake-up call to the inefficiencies plaguing the system.

A Problem-Solving Mindset

Rather than accept the delays and endless red tape, the founder embarked on a mission to decode the approval process. Dozens of phone calls to different IRS extensions, countless hours of research, and endless questions resulted in the root solution—a methodical approach to crafting what could only be described as the perfect application. A template was born—a guide designed specifically to cut through bureaucracy and streamline the path to approval.

The Birth of a Trusted System

The new process proved to be a game-changer. Instead of waiting over a year, nonprofits began receiving approvals within 30 to 60 days. Word spread, and requests for help started pouring in. What began as a simple blog sharing tips turned into a business built for impact. Today, a tech-driven system and a 100% IRS approval guarantee have positioned this service as the highest-rated nonprofit formation resource in its niche.

Empowering Changemakers

With over 4,000 nonprofits successfully formed, the founder’s belief is unwavering: social enterprise leaders are the superheroes of our era. As traditional norms give way to a future shaped by personal values, these innovators hold the potential to merge cause with commerce—and change the world in the process. It's a movement fueled by purpose, possibility, and a deep commitment to building systems that enable visionaries to thrive.

And now, it’s your turn. Welcome to a community dedicated to turning ideas into reality. Together, we can create something that makes a lasting impact

Just the FAQs...

How long does IRS approval of tax-exempt status take?

For the past decade, the average IRS approval time ranged from 10 to 18+ months - but even with the Full 1023 Application for 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Status, Instant Nonprofit files average 4 - 6 months, eliminating 1/2 to 2/3 of the delay for our family of founders. At this time, the average approval time for Instant Nonprofit Streamlined customer applications is 4 to 8 weeks.

How can you offer faster-than-normal tax-exempt approval?

Over the course of filing thousands of 501(c)3's, we've built up a body of expertise when it comes to using the right formula for fast approval. Just as we promise to be as human as possible with our customers, we do the same with the good folks at the IRS.

Does O'Keefe & Co. help with grant writing or fundraising as well as filing my 501(c)3?

O'Keefe & Co. offers basic fundraising training & resources, 100% free upon purchase of one of our 501(c)3 Formation packages.

We also offer professional fundraising training through a long-time partner, who raises tens of millions for a broad array of causes.

Finally, we have a growing list of vetted grant writers who are available for introductions.

What if I already formed an LLC (or other entity), or obtained an EIN, prior to engaging O'Keefe & Co.

Some customers approach InstantNonprofit for our services, hoping that they can utilize an LLC or other entity formed independently prior to engaging us.

It’s important to note that the LLC entity type is not compatible with a 501(c)3 nonprofit; if you mistakenly started an LLC for the purpose of taking a step toward starting a nonprofit, it will need to be dissolved (we can help with this).

The correct type of entity is the Nonprofit Corporation (called a Non-Stock corporation in Virginia).

It's also important to note that even in cases where the correct entity type was filed, there is also required addenda (Purpose and Dissolution Clause), without which the IRS will reject your application.

If you filed a Nonprofit Corporation but failed to add the required language prior to starting with us, don't worry! We'll carefully examine your documents and file the proper amendment at no charge (not including government fees).

Also any EIN that is or was assigned to another entity at any time is NOT able to be applied to your new nonprofit - a new one must be obtained.

The BEST thing to do is NOTHING - it's usually better to start fresh with O'Keefe & Co. - because we do it all FOR you!

Can I be reimbursed, or receive a write-off against my personal income taxes, for my nonprofit startup costs?

Yes, you may choose to be reimbursed (your nonprofit can pay you back after it raises funds or receives a grant), or you can choose to write it off as a charitable donation on your personal or business income taxes.

Keep receipts for such expenditures, and it's wise to create a paper trail, such as an invoice or acknowledgement of the expense provided by the nonprofit to the source of funds.

How much does it cost, and how long does it take?

The IRS has created two paths to 501(c)3 tax-exempt status based on expected donations:

Organizations confident that they will raise more than $50,000 in the current tax year, or any of the following two tax years (these qualify for our Enterprise Plan)

One for organizations with expected donations below $50,000/year (or do not have a clear path to exceed that amount (these qualify for our Express Plan)

About 88% of our customers qualify for Express, while the other 12% choose Enterprise. The IRS 501(c)3 designation is the same.

If you choose the Express Plan and then exceed your wildest fundraising dreams, there is no penalty, and you do not have to re-file a thing! You will simply report your donations to the IRS in the following year as normal.

Your investment in service fees and government filing fees is visible on the following page when you click "get started".

Can my for-profit and nonprofit work together?

Yes. You can build a strategic partnership with your for-profit and nonprofit, however, your nonprofit will be set up as it’s own entity and operate separately from your for-profit.

If I start a nonprofit under the Express plan and exceed $50,000 in donations, what happens?

Nothing.

While the Enterprise package is designed for larger organizations that anticipate donations exceeding $50,000 in years 1, 2 or 3, and the Express is for organizations expeting to fall below $50,000, there are no penalties for Express customers who exceed those numbers.

The IRS does not come back and make you file another application. You simply must report your revenues on the appropriate 990 tax form.