User Comments

1. 

   9/21/08

   mycutepetpics

   Not really sure on what's the best route to ask for money to start a non profit but there might be some ways to get it done for less.
   
   If you don't mind me asking, what are the costs involved for filing a 501(c)3? Is it just the lawyer fees for filing?
   
   I only ask because for our eBay business we had to file a Sole Proprietorship and we were able to go to our local state small business administration office and get free help. I also remember seeing some papers there on the subject of non profit and I bet they can help you file it for free. Saves the lawyer fees if that's an obstacle for you.
   You can probably just Google SBA and check what your state has to offer.
   
   Also I might try to get involved with a non profit in your area so you can learn more from the inside until you can branch out on your own.
   
   Hope this helps in some way. God Bless you and your family, including pets of course.

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2. 

   9/21/08

   Chihuatude0273

   Don't have the first idea how to start. Do you have a legal resource center near you. Many of them give free advice. You might also check with a CPA, they could probably steer you in the right direction. Other that that I agree with Cutepetpics, check the SBA.
   
   You could post a donation widget from widget box to help raise funds for the legal process. But I guess that puts you back to raising money with out the 501(c) 3 status yet.

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3. 

   9/21/08

   dogman2

   He is a link that will explain the process.. smallbusiness.findlaw.com/business-structures/non-profit/incorporate-non-pr...

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4. 

   9/21/08

   dogman2

   You might want to setup a paypal account:

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5. 

   9/21/08

   VEFM

   Thanks, dogman2. That is a great link. To answer mycutepetpics' question, it looks as if it will cost approximately $500. It looks as if Massachusetts restricts the amount of fund raising we are allowed to do before we incorporate as a non-profit organization. Chihuatude--How do you set up a donation widget? I do belong to Widget Box, but I am very green as far as how to use it.

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6. 

   9/22/08

   mycutepetpics

   If you have decent traffic and some great members then I think Chihuatude's idea about the widget will do great.
   Just go to Widgetbox and type in PayPal Donations button and it will bring you right to the page where you can customize it and get the code. it's pretty east but you can always e-mail me if you have a question.
   I also found a widget while searching for you from a site called Fundraisingip.com which is supposedly a step by step guide to starting a fundraiser and doing so efficiently.
   
   Sorry to hear that your state isn't so helpful unless you are already a non profit. That doesn't make much sense to me and these state and legal fees involved in creating a non profit are insane. The only reasoning I can come up with for the fees is to keep as many scammers at bay as possible. Too many thieves out there would take full advantage (as they already do) if making a non profit was free.
   
   Best of luck and God Bless.

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7. 

   9/22/08

   VEFM

   Thanks for the widget information and the fundraising site. We are officially one step closer to being "official." We have an EIN number. Our official name is "Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission LTD."

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