[Debbie Buford]

Hi Leorah, I am on the board of an animal rescue. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me about filling out the 501(3)c? Feel free to send me a message at [email]debbbuford@gmail.com[/email], as I will never find this board again...lol.

Originally Posted by leorah

I am on the board of a breed rescue and we have been a 501(c)(3) for a number of years.

It wasn't that difficult to set up. We pay an accountant to do our tax filings and 990. Everything else is done by volunteers, including the website. We file annual reports with the state, which we are required by law to do. That's about it.

You will probably need articles of incorporation, and you can find many examples online to use as templates. You will need bylaws, and you can find examples of those online, too. Record keeping and organization are important. The rest is common sense.

It really is worth it. Being a registered non-profit lends credibility to what you do and donations are tax deductible, so that helps. There are more avenues available for publicizing what you do, and as a 501 (c)(3) you are eligible to apply for grants from organizations like American Humane and the Petco Foundation.

There are many resources available online for non-profit charities which can provide you with low-cost computers, software and advice on setting up your organization and website.

Nonprofit Resource Center ([url]http://www.not-for-profit.org/[/url] - broken link)
[url=http://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html]Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits[/url]
How to Form a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation ([url=http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/objectID/EA3D3043-9A88-43F5-8DC869639F0F6E77/111/262/ART/]How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation | Nolo.com[/url] - broken link)
[url=http://www.charityadvantage.com/]Nonprofit Website Design - Church Web Design and Hosting - Non Profits – Fundraising Websites[/url]

Feel free to DM me if I can help in any way.