how do you start up a volunteer organization?

Question

i have a great idea for one but i just dont kno how to start it up you kno? how do i raise money for an organization that isnt even official yet? im soooooo confused. pleez help.

i rly need help guys

Answer 1

It depends on what your purpose is. If you plan to actually raise money with it, etc, then you need to set up a non-profit corporation.

The rules for this vary by state, but usually your secretary of state website will explain how to set one up. I just created one in Ohio, and it cost $125 to file the papers. You can find your secretary of state at the national association of secretaries of state website: http://www.nass.org/

You should also check on the secretary of state site for rules about charity solicitation, etc. Some states, such as New York, require special licensing if you want to be able to sell things on behalf of the charity.

Once you are recognized by your state, you need to start 2 processes with the IRS.
First, get an EIN. You can file right online for an EIN at: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
Next, you need to start the process to get recognized as a 501(c)3 organization. This is pretty complicated, but the IRS has a booklet full of instructions at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/index.html

Once you have the paperwork done, you need to figure out how you will publicize yourself, gain volunteers, and raise money.
When you are ready to do this, check out my site at http://www.myopenhands.com, and also check out places you can put up free classified ads and press releases:
http://www.craigslist.com
http://www.theopenpress.com
http://www.free-press-release.com

Best of luck. Let me know if I can help.

Answer 2

If your organization is for the public good, you seek a non profit status from the Internal Revenue. You get a business or EIN number from the state and that identifies you.

You gather like minded people, charge dues to get started. Good bookkeeping is a must. You do fundraisers, like selling pancakes at McD, carwashs, and best you approach people that can afford to help you with cash. If you become a non profit organization and, therefore, not taxable income, these people need to get a receipt for their donation be it thing or $. If you sell anything you need to register with the state and get a sales tax number and pay sales tax on what you sell.

Getting confusing? Go to the irs.gov and read about 501(c)3 rules and you should have a local office for the state. They are very very helpful and have pamphlet's.

The best way to start is to approach a CPA or bookkeeper to join, an attorney, and a benefactor. With those people behind you, it will work out easily. Don't hesitate to make an appointment with someone you don't know, and go plead your case for help. If you have a good idea and it is helpful to others, people will help you in many ways.

I'd be glad to listen and offer more specific advice. We've started a local chapter of a SPCA here and so have gone thru it all.

Answer 3

Myopenhandguy has got you started. From there you can go to USA.gov and start applying for grants. Don't expect to get grants fast and you will have to apply for lots of them.
Raising money is the constant part of any non profit work. You can continually have bake sales, food drives or raffles going on. The largest amount of funds comes from marketing.
To get volunteers, you need people to believe in your program and want to donate time. The best way to do this is to set your charter. The charter is like a business plan in the for profit world. This outlines your purpose and defines your program. This outline then becomes your reason for being and gives others the understanding of what your about.
Community service is an honorable choice, competition for the dollar is fierce and getting funding is no easy task.
Work with your state Health and human services departments. They can help more than anyone I've come across. The federal HHS is an unending supply of information but it is impersonal and for beginning charities it is untrusting.
Work with your community leaders. I can not stress this enough. They know where how and when to find what you need. With the community acknowledging you and your charter the right people seem to show up at the right time and it makes a world of difference.
Lastly, don't try to get rich doing charity work. Don't do it as an easy gain because the gain is not there. Work hard for others and stay the course. It is worth every moment you put into it and you can create change.
I wish you the best.

Answer 4

Organizing a Nonprofit Organization

"Being enthusiastic, imaginative, and creative about establishing a nonprofit organization is one thing," observed Hopkins. "Actually forming the entity and making it operational is another. For better or worse, the exercise is much like establishing one's own business. It is a big and important undertaking, and it should be done carefully and properly. The label 'nonprofit' does not mean 'no planning.' Forming a nonprofit organization is as serious as starting up a new company." He recommended that individuals interested in forming a nonprofit organization begin by determining the organization's main purpose and functions. The next step involves choosing a category of tax-exempt status to match its functions. From there, would-be founders need to study a wide range of issues, many of which are also basic considerations for small business owners and other individuals involved in for-profit endeavors. Often, the counsel of a good attorney and/or accountant can be valuable at this stage. Primary issues include the following:

-Decide what legal form the organization will take (public charity or private foundation, incorporated or unincorporated, etc.)
-If incorporating, take necessary legal steps to make that decision a reality (devise bylaws, submit articles of incorporation, etc.)
-Investigate options and decide on principal organization programs and emphases
-Determine the leadership of the organization (directors, officers, primary staff positions)
-Define compensation for such positions
-Find a physical location for the organization (factors here can range from variations in state law to availability of reasonable office space)
-Put together a strategic plan for achieving organization goals at both community and larger levels
-Decide how to go about funding those goals (gifts, grants, unrelated income, etc.?)
-Determine which media avenues will be best for publicizing the organization's goals and securing volunteers
-Devise an ongoing business plan that 1) serves as a blueprint for institution goals and development, and 2) can be periodically reviewed and adjusted as appropriate."

Answer 5

U need to be specificabout your passion. What are your priorities.Get in touch with like- minded people. Organize a workshop.

Register your Organization. You need to put in your own money for some time.

If your Org works well. you can raise funds by organizing charity run.. charity sale.. musical concert.. etc.. Then you can apply for Govt. grants...

Answer 6

I am a father of mentally handicapped son.
I only feel the pain what i am having.
I can not give good training my my son as the special schools are very costly.

if you can do please work for handicapped schoolings

Answer 7

get a group of personal friends and say o guys i have a great idea.....on and on........just tell some people about.......post some flyers.....ask for donations......etc did that help?

Answer 8

Well what's your idea??

DO IT!
And if others see that it is worthy they will join in or give aid.

Start small, grow slowly, grow strong.

Answer 9

I have the EXACT SAME PROBLEM! Tell me your great idea, and I'll try to help you.

Answer 10

Please share you idea.