Shot in the dark question...starting a non-profit, anyone had experience?

[Brackis]

I was thinking of taking some time off from school and possibly founding a local non-profit idea that I had that would involve setting up computers for those who don't have them in low-income areas. Being young, grant-less, and having no business management background it will likely begin as very very small enterprise that would be run without the luxury if legal professionals, accountants and other employees, thus keeping the organization simply in its day to day workings to allow for management by a simpleton such as myself.
Had some legal/red-tape questions:
1. Can a residential address be the incorporated groups HQ
2. Can board members be involved with day to day operations, or must they remain seperate overseers.
3. Can/How can volunteers and members of the group be compensated (minimally) without having fixed salaries or meeting minimum wage or emplyee standards? (Since I would like to keep the spending budget to at least 80% of all donations and resources going directly to the beneficiaries that the group targets).

I doubt i'll get a serious answer, but worth a shot.

 

[Malak]

Originally posted by: Brackis
I doubt i'll get a serious answer, but worth a shot.

If you can't get a serious answer, that'd be just plain rude. You are doing something cool and people should respect that.

Unfortunately, I have no answers. I have never been a part of the administration of the orgs I've worked with.

 

[shopbruin]

Originally posted by: Brackis

1. Can a residential address be the incorporated groups HQ
2. Can board members be involved with day to day operations, or must they remain seperate overseers.
3. Can/How can volunteers and members of the group be compensated (minimally) without having fixed salaries or meeting minimum wage or emplyee standards? (Since I would like to keep the spending budget to at least 80% of all donations and resources going directly to the beneficiaries that the group targets).

I doubt i'll get a serious answer, but worth a shot.

1. it can be to start but ideally you'd like to move away from it, as the address will become public information.

2. depends on your state. some states will let board members also be pres/sec/treas/etc, but some have distinct limitations on which offices they can and cannot hold. i know for sure they don't want a director to also be a treasurer (IRS)

3. hrm. i don't know if you can avoid the min wage laws. i've seen some say that the directors will not be compensated.

i'm not an attorney, but i work for a company that incorporates corps and LLC's. i do a lot of nonprofits specifically.

there are a lot of people i've come across that go "i'm just going to be small, have a few people" etc etc.

if you want, there's also a nolo book called "how to form your non profit corporation." it is really helpful in incorporating and also filling out your IRS exemption form, and some assistance in the state tax exemption.

 

[Brackis]

Originally posted by: freesia39

Originally posted by: Brackis

1. Can a residential address be the incorporated groups HQ
2. Can board members be involved with day to day operations, or must they remain seperate overseers.
3. Can/How can volunteers and members of the group be compensated (minimally) without having fixed salaries or meeting minimum wage or emplyee standards? (Since I would like to keep the spending budget to at least 80% of all donations and resources going directly to the beneficiaries that the group targets).

I doubt i'll get a serious answer, but worth a shot.

1. it can be to start but ideally you'd like to move away from it, as the address will become public information.

2. depends on your state. some states will let board members also be pres/sec/treas/etc, but some have distinct limitations on which offices they can and cannot hold. i know for sure they don't want a director to also be a treasurer (IRS)

3. hrm. i don't know if you can avoid the min wage laws. i've seen some say that the directors will not be compensated.

i'm not an attorney, but i work for a company that incorporates corps and LLC's. i do a lot of nonprofits specifically.

there are a lot of people i've come across that go "i'm just going to be small, have a few people" etc etc.

if you want, there's also a nolo book called "how to form your non profit corporation." it is really helpful in incorporating and also filling out your IRS exemption form, and some assistance in the state tax exemption.

I am shocked and thrilled to have a quick and informed response... thank you very much!

 

[nineball9]

Check with your local Small Business Association for some help.

 

[shopbruin]

you're welcome. if you have any other questions, let me know. but the nolo book is a huge help.

my company will do the paperwork for you and we charge a lot less than an attorney, and no, it's not we the people. i don't think we the people have even added on non profits yet. i'd be your contact person anyways.