How to Start a Nonprofit in Texas (8/18/09)

Nonprofit organizations are different than businesses and government; not better or worse, but different. These differences should not be glossed over as you explore whether the creation of a nonprofit is the best way to achieve the goals or purposes you seek to achieve. You should understand what it means to be a nonprofit and how that differs from being a for-profit before you start the paperwork process.

You can complete the entire process yourself if you are prepared to go through the learning curve or engage the services of someone with expertise in forming, leading, managing and governing nonprofits. While it may be useful to engage the services of a lawyer for complicated situations, the average experience may not require a lawyer - just someone with solid experience in the nonprofit sector.

This session will be a 90 minute review and questions and answers on what you need to know and do to start a nonprofit corporation in the State of Texas and obtain a 501 (c) 3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service.  Topics will include, but not be limited to:

·         Advantages & Disadvantages of Nonprofit Incorporation

·         Key questions/ issues requiring attention before starting legal process

·         Incorporating as a Texas nonprofit

·         Other Texas related issues and processes

·         Obtaining your 501 (c) 3 status (i.e., charitable tax exemption status from IRS)

·         Key questions/ issues requiring attention within the IRS 1023 Application Form

·         Required Bylaws and policies

·         First organizational meeting(s)

·         Advantages & Disadvantages of a fiscal agent – how to find and what does it cost

·         TANO C3 Consulting Coaching Collaboration Services available to help you through this process

·         Other resources to assist you through these processes