Can I start my non profit activities before receiving 501 c3 status?

its a charitable public benefit non profit in CA with endorsed sec of state articles. can i start my fundraising activities related to the non profit before receiving 501c3 from irs? I want to offer the non profit services for free in exchange for a recommended "donation" to cover materials/labor or in exchange for donated goods/items. the recommended donation is 65% less than what would be expected to pay at fair market value. i just need to fundraise for the irs application fee for the non profit and basic expenses needed for startup.