Starting a Non Profit Organization

I been wanting to start a non profit for several years, and that is now my goal in 2010.

I spoke to a lawyer about it back in 2005; however, I didn't want to invest the money upfront necessary. I tried to do it myself, and got in a little bit of legal trouble, and had to stop. It wasn't anything serious, I just jumped the gun...

My question is: What do you know about starting a 501c 3?

I am not doing it to make money, I am doing it because I want to give back, it is something I know I will be good at.

I have some ideas to raise money AFTER the non profit is official. I have a couple of businesses that I know will work with me... I also would love to start poker charity touranments... I have a poker league that I am sure will work with me. I am excellent at marketing and networking.

Some Other Questions:
How much will it cost to get it started? I have heard about $1800 is that a fair estimate?

How much money immediately do I need to have available for my charity after it is started?

Am I allowed to raise anymoney BEFORE the paperwork is completed?
If so, is any of the money raised allowed to help pay for the cost, or does it have to be saved for the charitable cause?


I know it takes many months for it to go through, but I want to get the started as soon as I can, would love any information you can provide!:toast:

you probably need to start with your state's Secretary of State office.

Once they approve your application, registering with the IRS is easy.

You might be ablt to do it yourself, or find an attorney that likes your plan and is willing to help you with the process.

just follow THEERODFATHER..... thats a non-profit

I plan to start one in the next year or so also. Google "Business Plan Non-Profit".....

steak tartar said:

just follow THEERODFATHER..... thats a non-profit

Click to expand...

steak tartar said:

just follow THEERODFATHER..... thats a non-profit

Click to expand...

now that is funny:lol:

step one is ask people "not on a gambling forum"

this all depends on the State.

if you want to give back, why not give $1800 (or whatever $$$ you set aside to start this) to an existing poker charity and then give them your time and expertise to make it more successful.

talk to your tax advisor about what can and cannot be written off.

this way you have no legal/tax/money issues with starting up a non profit.

and you are "giving back"

if you can bring in a ton of money/ideas to an organization you could be a valuable asset to them without risking anything of your own.

Starting a non-profit to write off your gambling losses is not a good idea. Telling the IRS that your losses are a charitable donation won't fly.

@)