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