Getting Involved: Starting a Nonprofit

 So! You've visited the park, talked to the friends group, and now you want to get involved with a volunteer group of your own. Maybe you want to focus on education rather than stewardship - or something entirely different. Whatever it may be, when starting your conservation focused group, you'll need to start a non-profit!

Here are the steps you can take to start a non-profit. Disclaimer: this is not intended to be legal advice, please consult with legal counsel before taking official action. 

Step 1: Needs Assessment

Do research and determine a need for what your group is going to offer. Who would use the group's services? Does this kind of group already exist? What makes your group different?

Step 2: Develop a Mission Statement

What is the purpose of this group? Describe it in 1-2 impactful sentences!

Step 3: Articles of Incorporation

By incorporating, an organization can limit liability. The Articles of Incorporation is the defining document that lists the purpose and the main aspects of the organization and its governance. Most states require the Articles of Incorporation to include the name, the director(s) of the organization, the registered agent and office address, an incorporator, and whether the organization will be member based. For Virginia, the specific requirements can be found here.

These Articles need to be filed with the State Corporation Commission. 

Step 4: By-Laws

By-Laws create a framework for the organization and it should aid in resolving internal disputes. This also outlines the structure of the Board of Directors. The By-Laws should also have provisions for keeping the copies of the Articles of Incorporation, financial statements, and By-Laws. 

These By-Laws also need to be filed with the State Corporation Commission to ensure tax-exempt status.

Step 5: Determine a Board Structure

The Board should carry out the mission of the organization. They make decisions on policies and the operations of the group. They also have the responsibility to tend to the legal, financial, and operational functions of the organization. 

Step 6: Make a Budget and Fundraising Plans

How are you going to afford your activities? How will you raise funds? Where will you bank?

Step 7: Apply for a 503(c)(3) Status

This will allow you to be recognized as a tax-exempt, public charity status. Use this form to apply. 

Step 8: Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number

This is like a social security number, but for a business / organization. It allows you to open a bank account, and it's a requirement for non-profits.

Step 9: Apply for State & Local Tax Exemption

This will allow you to have state and local taxes waived for the Commonwealth of Virginia. There's a handy guide here!

Step 10: Determine Next Steps!

Do you want to apply for Grants? If so, you need to get a D.U.N.S number

How about other actions? Check out this handy guide from the University of Richmond School of Law - which dives deeper into starting your own nonprofit organization!

Sources:

School of Law - University of Richmond. Starting a Nonprofit in Virginia: What You Need to Know. (n.d.). https://law.richmond.edu/faculty/initiatives/nonprofit.html 


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