Below are some notes for those wishing to start a foundation, charity, or non-profit organization. We put these ideas together and wanted to share it with others. This is not an exhaustive or complete list, but covers many issues that you might want to think about when starting your non-profit - and planning your events.
Type of Non-Profit
Some of the most frequently asked questions from those interested in non-profit organizations, foundations, and charities are:
"What is the difference between a Public Charity and a (Public) Foundation?" "Is there a difference between a Public Foundation and a Private Foundation?"
Here are some answers.
Public Charities and Foundations
For the most part, there is no real difference between a public charity and a public foundation. Both types of organizations work for the public good, created to support good causes and other unrelated non-profits. If the non-profit is a 501(c)(3) exempt organization, they will have a "determination letter" from the IRS. This means that the entity is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 501(c)(3) and donations to the charity or foundation are tax deductible.
Public charities and foundations must receive at least one-third of their support from the general public, including gifts, grants, and fees. In addition, not more than one-third of their support can come from investment income. In essence, it must be publicly supported with a diverse supply of gifts and grants and should not rely on its asset size or investment income.
Private Foundations
On the other hand, a private foundation normally has one main source of support or revenue. For example, a private foundation might be started with a large endowment from a family and never solicit support again. For the most part, you will know if you are a private foundation because you will be setting up the foundation as the main donor. In general, private foundations have less tax benefits than public charities.
Create Entity
Now that you have a clearer picture of the type of non-profit you want to create, your first step is to create a legal entity to give your founders, directors, and trustees protection. The type of legal entity for a not-for-profit varies by state, so don't jump the gun. You may have heard about corporations, S-corporations, or limited liability companies (LLC).
However, some states have specific legal entities for non-profit organizations such as a "Non-Profit Corporation." Check with your local and state authorities. Many of them have very helpful websites. You may want to check with legal counsel or people knowledgeable about non-profit and legal issues. There is normally some nominal fee involved with creating the entity and filing with the Secretary of the State or other appropriate offices.
501(c)(3) Status
After you organize the non-profit corporation as dictated by your state, you may want to apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. As mentioned above, this gives your organization tax-exempt status and ensures donors that contributions to your non-profit will be tax deductible. The 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS adds much-needed credibility to your organization.
The application form may seem daunting, but the filing and number of pages look worse than they actually are. In general, the forms are designed to ensure that the non-profit is truly set up for the public good and that there are checks and balances for goodness and righteousness. In addition, the rules and regulations focus on proper disbursement of charitable contributions - and the types of causes that are appropriate. For instance, non-profits should not be established for lobbying or political purposes.
Again, there are certain professionals who can help complete this task, which involves completing an IRS Form 1023 - Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. The application fee for the Form 1023 is currently 0 or 0, depending on the non-profit's gross receipts over a four-year period.
The IRS is expected to release a Cyber Assistant to help complete Form 1023 sometime in 2010. Once completed, the Cyber Assistant fee will be 0, or 0 for those filing the regular form by mail.
Liability
In addition to liability for the principals, directors, and trustees - you should consider liability for the organization as it conducts business. Many states have good "liability laws" for non-profits that offer solid "Good Samaritan" protection. Please check with legal counsel or other professionals in your area for more information.
You will want to study and understand the non-profit liability laws in your state. As your organization grows, you may want to look into various options and / or additional protection.
Annual Filings
Non-profit organizations are required to complete annual filings with the IRS to maintain their tax-exempt status. This typically means the IRS Form 990 series. Private foundations file a Form 990-PF and have more stringent requirements, on average.
Public charities file a Form 990 or variations of this form such as a Form 990-EZ, depending on gross proceeds and assets. Small tax-exempt organizations with gross proceeds of less than ,000, may file an electronic postcard, called Form 990-N.
Public charities are also required to file a Schedule A, which ensures that the non-profit receives most of its support from the general public. This is done because public charities or public foundations enjoy certain tax-related benefits over private foundations.
Fundraiser Logistics and Costs
The purpose of a non-profit is typically to raise funds to serve the public good. As you plan various fundraisers and events to raise money, here is a quick list of items to think about. You want to minimize costs - and maximize exposure and effectiveness.
In many cases, local organizations such as businesses or schools may be willing to donate items ranging from the venue, to printing costs, entertainment, gifts / prizes, etc. Please scan the list below to help you in your planning process:
Vision and planning. Have a vision and use good judgment for what you expect of the event. Plan ahead and think of ticket pricing, possible attendees, attendance, and other logistics. Theme of event: participatory or entertainment. Venue. Based on your vision and theme, what kind of venue can you obtain? Will the venue be made available at a discounted rate or donated? Printing and other costs (posters, flyers, tickets, programs). Try to obtain sponsors. Marketing. Think of all the methods available: poster, flyers, cards, and more. Direct mail and advertising. And people! People. Get others involved. Community members may be helpful, as well as the local press. Think of schools (parents, PTAs, principals, superintendents), churches, and businesses. This is for a good cause so hopefully people will be helpful. Helping hands. You will need actual hands to help at the event (collect tickets, money, ushers and guides). Get help early so that everyone can feel a part of the effort that much sooner. This will help with "word of mouth" and "getting the word out." Depending on the fundraising event, a photographer can help to publicize the event and at the least, ensure lasting and good memories for all involved.
We hope you found this information helpful. Please contact us with other useful thoughts.
Checklist For Starting a 501(c)(3) Foundation Or Non-Profit
Rose W. Chin is the founder of "Play It For Good," a 501(c)(3) non-profit which combines Rose's business skills with her interests in character development, education, and volunteerism. Rose is a finance professional with more than 15 years of corporate finance and business planning experience. Rose held various positions of leadership within Fortune 100 Companies: Head of Beverage Finance at Campbell Soup, Executive Director of Business Planning at Avon Products, and VP of Strategic Development at Avery Dennison Corporation.
She is currently a Board Member, advisor and consultant to non-profits, small businesses, and corporations. Rose holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, and serves as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Secondary School Committee which interviews applicants.
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