Sometimes individuals want to start a non-profit organization, but are afraid it takes too much work, or will cost too much money. Starting a non-profit doesn’t have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. The first step is hiring an attorney who can file the organization’s articles of incorporation with the state they are looking to create the non-profit in. After this step is accomplished, an EIN is obtained, a bank account is established, and a Form 1023 exemption application is filled out.