This guidebook was prepared by students from the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership Program at Carleton University. It outlines how to start a nonprofit organization in Canada, with specifications for each province and territory and at the federal level. Additionally, this report provides newly formed organizations with the steps required during the first year of their existence. The nonprofit sector relies heavily on the work of volunteers and the ideas of good people, and this guidebook aims to help those good ideas come to fruition. Notably, there are many paths forward from an initially good idea. So this guidebook provides considerations and options for individuals to find the best way forward for their specific needs.