January 4, 2008 - 5:48pm — ATW521
Non-Profit Organization?
My friend insists that the group that we currently started, A Thousand Wings, should register to become a non profit organization. But I am still feeling ambivalent on this issue. I don't know if we should register because the process is incredibly complicated and it takes too much effort. I was thinking whether we should register now, or try to find other groups out there and collaborate with them.
Ahh! I don't know what to do! Any help or suggestions?!?!
Re: Non-Profit Organization?
Well, in my opinion if you are a youth venture who's project is sustainable and expanded throughout your community then it's a good idea to register. This way it will be easier for businesses and corporations to make contributions to your organization and their donations will go straight towards your cause without havng to pay tax. However if you are a newly established organization and is still in the process of trying to sustain your venture then registering to become a nonprofit is not a good idea. Because like you said the process itself is very complicated and it definitely will take time to get everything settled. So if you are just getting started then it would be a good idea to wait until your venture is fully established and sustainable. Otherwise, you can try to find a fiscal sponsor- another registered organization who you can work with. Hope this helps :)
Linda Zhao, President
Chair Advocates
Re: Non-Profit Organization?
As you probably know there are quite a few factors that would influence your decision. If you are looking to integrate your venture with other organizations or the work that other organizations do, it might not be necessary to register as a 501(c)(3). Donations and what not could go directly through those organizations and earmarked for your program. It can be possible to advance your ideas in a more efficient manner working through an exisiting organization. However, with that said there are a lot of benefits to being your own 501(c)(3). If you want to explore things further feel free to message me!
-Jack
Re: Non-Profit Organization?
Do you know how I can find a pro bono lawyer for making our venture a non-profit?
Jenny Chen
Editor-in-Chief
JJ Express Magazine
"Life is the biggest bargain - you get it for free!"
Re: Non-Profit Organization?
You don't really need a lawyer to become 501(c)3, as long as you have a good reference book and are well organized. It's a little intimidating if you haven't set up a company before. I would be more than happy to help (or do the actual paperwork for a small fee) since I've started an LLC and have compiled most of the necessary forms (and all the research to start a 501(c)3.
Personally, though, my venture is not a 501(c)3 and it wont be until I go away to college (if at all). The main reasons behind this are that: my organization remains an organization in the most basic, pure sense of the word; it is run by students to the best of its ability, and does not need to be subjected to the government too; it gives me unlimited flexibility with the going-ons and structure of the organization.
-Matt