I am thinking about a non-profit without getting 501(c)3 status. Is this an independent entitiy or what does that mean. How involved is the process and how long does it take.
202888
Here's what I did to start my own non profit in VA.\n\nbtw, VA is one of the most business friendly states to do business so, good choice!\n\nGo the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and follow their Business Launchpad.\nhttp://www.dba.virginia.gov/smdev/launchpad/\nStarting a Business in Virginia takes around 17 steps.\nMost of them deal with writing business plans, getting funding, organizing corporate structure, etc.\n\nIf you want to be non profit with out the 501(c)3 status, then start a nonstock corporation. The forms are avaliable at the Virginia State Clerk's office.\n\nFill out the Articles of Incorporation for Virginia Nonstock corporation.(SCC819)\nhttp://www.scc.virginia.gov/scripts/scc-clerkdl.pl?scc819&Articles_of_Incorporation_-_Virginia_Nonstock_Corporation\n\nThat officially sets up the corporation.\n\nestimated time: around 2 weeks.\ncost: $75 for filling articles of incorporation.\n\nIf you need any help, check out this book. It guided me through the processes and explained the terms and also what to expect once the organization is up and running. It also provides sample articles of incorporation and other documents to save you time.\nNonprofit Kit for Dummies\nhttp://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764599097.html
139189
I used to volunteer for a non-profit.  If they are a legit organization then you can ask them directly how much is spent per each dept. by percentages.  Ours did but many keep that private.  If I was going to make a donation of a large sum I would have that info first.
204495
Well, if you want to just be a non-profit you could just exist, or incorporate in your state. However, if you want to become a tax-exempt organization, you'll first need to get an employer identification number, which you can do online at irs.gov. Then you'll need to apply for federal tax exempt status (Form 1023). Read IRS Pub 557 for more information. After you get federal tax exempt status, getting state is usually pretty easy, but I believe that process varies from state to state.
290932
If I'm not mistaken, a 501(c)3 has to list its donors on its 990 form to the IRS. While that isn't necessarily a public document, you should have access to it as a member of the board.
141771
This page contains GREAT links on how to start a non profit business\n\nhttp://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm\n\nTo get you started on the road to fund raising, I suggest you check out Foundation Center. They have trainings on how to start a non profit and various databases containing information on funding institutions.\n\nhttp://fdncenter.org/\n\nFor detailed information on how to start a non profit, I suggest you read the following books:\n\n- Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization -- by Joan M. Hummel\n- Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs\n- Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo
197837
I don't know how to set up a non-profit organization. However, if you plan on using ANY of the money you get from advertising to pay yourself or someone else for writing articles, doing layout, taking pictures, etc., you should register your business. It's really not hard. You'll have to pay a fee, but it's worth it in the end.
595938
when changing your small business status to corp. or inc. you should always do it throough a business lawyer. It's a litle pricy but it'll insure that you make the right decisions at the right times. You are going to be better off in the long run. If you choose not to follow that route I'd suggest that you call the IRS locally and they can walk you through the whole process all over the phone. Most people aren't aware that these services exist at all. and they are free for the asking and the patience of being on hold a lot.
388131
Congratulations on starting your own C corp. - now come the fun!\n\nI currently run four companies with one being a full C Corp and the others being LLC - I wanted to set up partnerships, however, my accountant/lawyer showed me where the state that I am in does not allow partnerships.\n\nOK - the very next thing you should do (even before transferring the vehicle) is to find a really good accountant for C Corps - this will be a LOT HARDER than it sounds.  As I have already noted, I found one that is both an accountant and a tax lawyer (even more rare)!  You want to find someone who really understands small C Corps and is willing to push to get all the tax benefits for you that are legal in today’s tax code.  Many accountants do not really understand the tax codes for small C Corps.  This one item can save you tens of thousands of dollars in very short order!\n\nMy advice here is to read the book Rich Dad Poor Dad (if you have not already) and use that as a basis to question accountants to see if they know how the tax codes work for small C corps.\n\nThe next thing to do is start setting up your advertising to be as much word of mouth as you can possible stand (good way to use that vehicle to mentioned to get around to network and meetings).  You want to plan as best as you can to ensure that you have as much cash flow as your company will need.  Depending on the type of business you are in, there could be any number of natural ups and downs that you will need to plan for.\n\nAs for the vehicle – again the accountant should be able to advise you best.  I have been told that the safest way to have the company own a vehicle is for the company to lease one.  This then become a full write off.  Yes, you will still need to keep track of mileage and/or other information as directed by your accountant.  The C Corp can also put money in a 401K or other retirement plan for you and your employees.  \n\nYou should set things up so that medical expenses are paid by the C Corp.  My wife retired with a good pension and medical benefits (although the company is cutting back on retiree benefits now), so the C Corp picks up all unpaid medical that is not covered by the insurance company.  Also under medical can be health club dues for medical reasons – thus one of my LLC’s has a fitness complex that is on it’s property that the C Corp then pays dues for the use of it.\n\nYou might also want to check you local area to find out if there are other small C Corp owners.  If so, you might want to ask them to join you in developing a master mind group where you can all share ideas on everything from building your organization to benefits from sharing resources (like accounting, purchasing office supplies, payroll services, etc.).\n\nThus you are right – there are a lot of tricks to the trade of learning how to run a small C Corp to benefit you and the company and also pay your legal (albeit small) amount to Uncle Sam – play like a big boy using their tools in a small company.\n\nGood Luck.\n\n\nAlso, you probably already know the following, but just in case, here is what I typically recommend to those thinking about starting out in business:\n\n\nAnytime you want to start any kind of business, there are several basics that you will need:\n\n* You should first sit down and think about what it is you want to do and then write out the scenario in detail!  This may sound tedious, but it will help you clarify what it is you are thinking about.  Also, when you talk to anyone about the business (mentor, bank, clients, prospective investor), you will have a clear vision to share with him or her.  You can check any number of books at your local library or the Internet for ideas on creating a business plan or goals list.\n\n* Is there anyone out there doing something like what you want to do already?  Can you research what it is that they do and maybe even talk with them about what they do?\n\n* Are there businesses out there that are doing some a
464126
Sounds like a great organization.\n\nYou may need a lawyer to help your group become a nonprofit.
523324
You have a good proposition.  Now do the planning.  You will need capital and since you are a non-profit you can approach community businesses and ask for support in the way of money, materials, property and the like.  \n\nYou can also do grant research on the web to apply for monies available for your endeavor.  And be prepared for hard work and road blocks.  There is often very vocal opposition in community organizing.\n\nIt helps to find others of like minds and enlist their aid.  Such as teachers, professors, political organizers and local and state politicians.\n\nGood luck.\n\nPeace.
74121
Aside from tax shelter, starting your own charity gives a business control over where their charitable donations go and how they are used. It also "humanizes" the company - projecting the image that this business has a strong social responsibility. Great for building credibility and helping other people
277551
You should read the IRC about 501 c 3 non-profit corps. If you qualify as one of those non-profits you can find your exemption
28034
That depends on the function of your organization.  You seem to have everything underway, so I would suggest you petition for a 501-C3 tax form so you can be tax excempt after you incorporate and be on your way.
255501
I'm sure they do not because "non-profit" is, at its root, simply a federal tax status which would have no relation to Singapore's tax code.  All other laws and regulations related to organizations that have this tax status are state and local. (They vary greatly and deal with things such as state and local tax exemptions, audit requirements, donor solicitation rules, etc. which would also have little relation to Singapore).  As for what Singapore's laws and regulations are, I'm sorry I can't help you there.
207421
First off what I would do is do a community center and find out the diffrences between not for profilt and non profit because on one you are allowed to make money but on the other you are not i cannot remember the diffrence however if you do it that way you are looking at a liot of goverment assistance and tax breaks
612598
You need to start with your states Secretary of State and apply for a Non-Profit Foundation.  Once they have issued you the incorporation papers, then, you can send a copy of that to the IRS to get your status as a 501 (c) (3) Not for profit LETTER OF DETERMINATION.   You need that (a copy) in your application for grants and you should be just fine.
159705
Heres a couple websites for you\nhttp://www.firstgov.gov/Business/Nonprofit.shtml\nhttp://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html\n\nI agree with the other poster, check with your bank and see what they can do, but verify with a CPA or ideally a tax accountant (hopefully an alumni!). It can be a major headache, but you don't want to make a mistake in this area either.