# Starting a Small Nonprofit – Looking for Guidance and Tools

**URL:** <https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/starting-a-small-nonprofit-looking-for-guidance-and-tools/274>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [May 28, 2025, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/starting-a-small-nonprofit-looking-for-guidance-and-tools/274 "2025-05-28T20:17:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kitabid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@kitabid](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/u/kitabid)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2025, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/starting-a-small-nonprofit-looking-for-guidance-and-tools/274/1 "2025-05-28T20:17:58Z")

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Hello Everyone!  
I’m in the early phases of forming a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Montana centered on youth mental health support. I’m at the stage where I’ve done a lot of research and planning (months of it) and now I need to take steps that feel real–including setting a board, registering, establishing funding options.

INTEL: I recently came across the Montana Nonprofit Association and this forum seems like such an amazing resource. I would greatly appreciate any advice or tools others have used when they were just getting started, as I am. Does MNA have templates or checklists for a fledging nonprofit? Is there a timeline or practice best practices for starting in a way that would build long-term sustainability?

> [@Small Nonprofit Website Platform](https://community.mtnonprofit.org/t/small-nonprofit-website-platform/260):
>
> Hi, Everyone! My board & I want to switch our website platform; we are currently using Homestead but find it not very user friendly. We are a small nonprofit on a limited budget & are looking for a platform that is easy to use, decently priced, & professional looking. So… What platform does your nonprofit currently use? Would you recommend it to other nonprofits? What platforms would you urge us to stay away from? Any & all advice is welcome. Thank You! Brandi Lynn Laubach Wilkinson

I’m also wanting to learn deep learning models and I’m curious about learning opportunities in particular around grant writing, community partnerships, and budgeting. Does anybody know [what are deep learning models](https://www.igmguru.com/blog/what-are-deep-learning-models)? If anyone has recommendations or have taken pots of MNA"s courses, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you so much in advance. I’m excited to learn from you all, and hopefully give back as I gain experience!

kitabid