Since my nephew's death, and realizing how much headstones cost, my sister and I have really prayed about how we can help others in need. We have decided to try and start a christian ministry/charity that provides money to help mothers pay to put headstones on their graves. I'd love if you have any tips as to how to start something like this? I'm going to be asking our pastor advice as well. Thank you ladies!
This is a beautiful idea.
Talk to an accountant about starting a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit.
You can find more information online and even go to the secretary of state website for Texas.
I have dealt with many of these types of organizations in California.
I really wish you the best and hope that you can have a successful charity endeavor.
First place to start is with the IRS and your State's Secretary of State.
Through the IRS you apply for a 501(C)3 designation. Through the Secretary of State you apply for a charitable organization designation which allows you to do business as a charity in your state.
Both of these things are uber important if you are going to be fundrising, collecting donations, and disbursing funds to others. Aslo, ensure that all organizational monies are kept separate from your private funds - never co-mingle and keep excellent financial records.
Some helpful links for you....
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96109,00.html
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/nonprofit_org.shtml
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/
http://www.snpo.org/resources/startup.php
Good Luck and God Bless!!!
There is a FUNDING INFORMATION CENTER in Ft. Worth that has lots of resources for non-profit groups and they may have some information that can help you. Funding Information Center • 2701 W. Berry, Ste. 128 • Fort Worth, TX 76109 . They recently moved so I don't know if they have changed phone numbers. You can google them. They have a lot of services they offer (for a fee) but they also have a lot of resources they share. I visited their old location (on Henderson) and got some help with a non-profit group I was working with. I agree with the information about setting up an IRS 501c3 and registering with the state. Putting grief to work in a positive manner is a good way to honor your nephew and will help in the healing process.
I am SO sorry for your family's loss. No parent ever wants to lose a child.
What a great idea. I've never started a charity but I'd like to think just getting the word out would be a good start. Write up a letter or mission statement and sent it out via mail or email to everyone you know. Try calling some local banks and see what they offer for people who will get money for charities or fundraisers.
I hope your sister will be okay. It sounds like your nephew was greatly loved.
I don't have any advice, but I wanted to tell you how much I love this idea. Taking your own pain and turning it into someone else's blessing is beautiful.
Great idea for a charity. Lesley's advice is good. I know you may say, it sounds like a hassle, but do go the legal route and get the appropriate incorporation, tax ID, bank account(s), and state designation as a charity. If you intend to operate via the Internet, you may have to get charity designations from any state in which you intend to do "business," which could be very time-consuming; I don't know; that's why you should consult an attorney who knows these things or the appropriate state officer. Your idea is a lovely one, but you don't want to end up with anyone claiming they donated money to the organization and then found the organization wasn't properly and legally set up. You also will need someone (could be you) who tracks the money very carefully. Charities can be audited by states or the IRS just like anyone else. Again, do not let this all put you off doing it, just be prepared for it to take some time and effort (and some of your own money for setup fees, perhaps) to get going, before you can ever actually provide that first headstone.
Talk to an accountant and an attorney about starting a "non-profit" organization.
Blessings......
I have this book: http://www.amazon.com/Nonprofit-Corporation-Anthony-Mancu... and it is an EXCELLENT resource for organization and legal aspects. It also includes most of the forms you would need, as well as a cd-rom with additional information and forms.
I have contributed to a headstone in lieu of flowers so you may be able to facilitate contributions from the friends/family of the bereaved, which is actually quite meaningful. Maybe offer yourselves as a contact through funeral homes (in both cases of my contribution the headstones didn't come for 6 mos to a year later.) Blessings!
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