Need Help to Set up a Non-profit

Start with the Small Business Administration andn talk to someone who has done this. Go to some business classes and get going on a business plan. Get online and find others who have done this and look also at their business plans online. Good Luck to you G. W

Are you planning to use your personal funds for this non-profit? Or were you planning to solicit donations or hold fundraisers? In order for a donation from a third party to be tax deductible, you need to have a non profit established with a 501c3 status. You probably need an attorney and a CPA to help you set it up and make sure you meet IRS guidelines and state rules. If you have lots of personal funds, you could check into setting up a family foundation and give money to established non-profits that you choose to support. The trust dept at a large bank would be able to help with that.

You'll probably need both an attorney and an accountant. I would contact the Texas Secretary of State's office and the Texas Dept of Revenue for more information.

First, do serious research to see if there is another non-profit like your idea. You may be surprised to find out there is.

Then, read about your state's rules for incorporating a non-profit. First, you file with the state to become one, there is a filing fee. In state, the fee is $75. You can also register as a charity, in my state the fee is $15. You must provide your mission statement, make it general, in case your non-profit morphs into something else over time.

Eventually, you may want to file forms with the IRS to be tax-exempt. This process is lengthy & quite involved. You will need to seek the help of a professional.

As far as website design, check out godaddy.com for purchasing domain names. A website designer can help you with the basic set up so it is easy for all people to navigate.

If you know someone who already runs a non-profit, talk with them about it. One of my dearest friends runs a successful non-profit & set me straight about a lot of my ideas.

There are many steps involved and it takes a lot of time, planning and money to start-up and maintain. With dedication, your non-profit can be successful.

what's the purpose of your non-profit organization? Is there already one that fulfills this need.

Find an existing organization and donate your time, money and talents there- save yourself the headache. Learn from the existing organization for a year or so and then decide whether or not you really want to take on this large endevor.

I have worked in fundraising for nonprofits since I graduated from college. Center for Nonprofit Management is a GREAT organization to turn to for advice and resources. On their web site alone, you'll find a lot of answers to your questions. http://www.cnmdallas.org/resources.aspx They also occassionally host a "To Be or Not Be a 501c3" seminar (thought I don't see it on the schedule right now). Best of luck, whatever you decide!

An accountant, full CPA, will be the first place you need to make an appointment. Then you'll need an attorney to do the filing and things.

Plus you'll need personal liability insurance in case you are sued. That way only the company is at risk not your home and property. In my business it was LLC, Limited Liability Company, I don't know too much more about the different types of incorporation laws.

I hope your business takes off, many people start out small and end up with something wonderful. Good luck!

The cost for a nonprofit corporation is not all that expensive in Texas. You may want to do an association or club etc that is not for profit. You can find out most of the information on Texas Businesses at the state level. Texas is very good at having all that stuff out there. You can also get an attorney or accountant - at the very least set up a meeting and talk with them.

Wishe I knew what your nonprofit was so you can see if it has already been done. Good luck!