| Want to start a non-profit organization and not sure | | | | classification you will use. Not all will have tax-exempt |
| where to start? This is and can be a long, involved | | | | status. |
| process and takes some time and consideration, least | | | | 5. If you have any questions, make sure you consult an |
| of which is to decide whether to go non-profit or | | | | attorney or solicitor (you will need to do this anyway) |
| for-profit, as (as ludicrous as it may seem) there are | | | | to ensure you understand things clearly. |
| less regulations behind a for-profit than a non-profit. | | | | 6. Depending on organization requirements, you may |
| There are a few requirements that you will need to | | | | need to develop a set of bylaws to guide the |
| consider and these are as follows: | | | | operations of your organization, and a set of articles of |
| 1. Determine that you really need to start a non-profit. | | | | incorporation. The bylaws are important and must be |
| There is more regulation and administration work | | | | set up correctly. They should provide instructions as to |
| involved in a non-profit organization than a for-profit. | | | | the selection, responsibilities, and continuance of board |
| 2. You will be asked to define your charitable purpose | | | | members, membership requirements, officers, deposits, |
| and will have regulations that will govern the amount of | | | | committee structures, notices, and other personal and |
| compensation to your board of directors and/or | | | | insurance questions as they relate to the operations of |
| officers. So you need to have a clear outline of your | | | | the specific non-profit business. Phew, there is a lot to |
| strategic plan and case statement to ensure this | | | | digest, but it can be very rewarding running a non-profit |
| meets standards. | | | | organization... you only have to look around the world |
| 3. Check with your local state or country to specific | | | | to see that there are thousands already in place to |
| requirements within your area. | | | | know that it is a worth while procedure. You just need |
| 4. Check with your local tax department (IRS for the | | | | to make sure that you have the right information, |
| States)with regards to the necessary forms that you | | | | structure and attonery when setting things up. |
| will need to complete. Determine what type of entity | | | | |