what steps do i need to take to start a non-profit organization for a music and arts program for young girls?

Question

Grrl Fair has been a collective for 6 years
every year we organize a celebration for international womyns day and now we want to branch out at get more involved with the community year long
providng music art film and craft supplies to young girls that other wise would never have a guitar,drum sticks or a silk screening kit in their hands

Answer 1

It sounds like you have a good start - you should apply for 501(c)(3) status - I do not know how difficult the process is, I am involved in a new non-profit (we received out tax-exempt status about 6 months ago) - we contacted a law firm who took on our filing pro bono - you could consider contacting law firms after taking a look at the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/ to see if this is a filing you can do on your own or if you would prefer help.

By law there are certain requirements of a tax-exempt organization (such as a board of directors, maintaining bylaws, and special filing requirements for tax records) but this is nothing when compared to the benefits you can reap for your organization as a non-profit.

Good luck! It sounds like a great program!

Answer 2

This answer won't be much help, but I wanted to tell you that what you're doing is awesome. Very admirable.

Thank you.