Has anyone formed a 501(c)(3)?

What is the process like?

I would like to form a non-profit organisation for my feral cat catching so people can give donations, and I can have some money set aside for kitty related expenses.

Apparently the steps are:

1. Choose an available business name that meets the requirements of state law.
2. File formal paperwork, usually called articles of incorporation, and pay a small filing fee (typically under $100).
3. Apply for your federal and state tax exemptions.
4. Create corporate bylaws, which set out the operating rules for your nonprofit corporation.
5. Appoint the initial directors. (In some states you must choose your initial directors before you file your articles, because you must list their names in the document.)
6. Hold the first meeting of the board of directors.
7. Obtain licenses and permits that may be required for your corporation.


If anyone has any info on any of these steps, or if you think it is worth doing all this, it would be much appreciated!

I don't have any experience, but here is the California Secretary of State's business link:
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/bpd_forms.htm
I think that it is a wonderful idea
I've been thinking that I'd like to try and form a cat club (maybe call it CAT for Cat Assistance Team) that could be a resource for cats in need. during these rough economic times, I think that people would be willing to do small one-time donations that could really help out - after all, drops of water combined will eventually add up to a gallon
My husband might be able to give me more info - he actually likes corporate law altho I want his focus to be on criminal because time-wise it is more profitable (IMHO anyway)

It seems like it is is a similar process to here, just having our bylaws changed to reflect our new business name & address is expensive - a way of getting money from charities.

Don't you have a purchasing card from them for handling the ferals or are you looking into looking after more?

About a year ago I looked into starting a non-profit Serval rescue and rehabilitation center. I didn't wind up going through with it because the costs were pretty high to start up that massive of an undertaking and at the time and I just had too many other things going on (swamped with work, wedding, moving to a new house.) It just wasn't the right timing for me then....I still haven't entirely ruled it out for down the road though. I would love to have my own rescue one day when timing is better . There is a lot of paperwork and inspections that go into it- read up and study as much as you can. It can be a very costly undertaking. It helps to have a lawyer who can guide you though some of the legalities as well. That, and you can never have too much money saved! Always plan to be the sole provider because you never know from one month to a next how much people will donate, if the help will always be there, etc...and if you're talking about rescuing- be willing to make a life long committment to these animals should things fall though the cracks and make sure you have air-tight contracts to protect yourself and them as well. Also- talk to pet food companies and let them know what you're trying to do to help these animals....you'd be suprised how much help you might get! Hills Science Diet gave donations of their cat foods to one of the shelters I used to foster for- that shelter will continue to recieve free food for those cats for as long as it remains open- Hill's is amazing! Also - look into vets in your area as well - many will offer discounted spay/neuter's on set days of the week for rescues/etc....they might also be generous enoough to donate their services and vaccinations/etc. Have a game plan before you take this own- you won't be able to do it alone, and it definitely helps to have a strong group of people to help you make this dream a reality

You should be able to look into your state's rules/guidelines if they have a website available. You will have to be very careful about taxes and incomming money as everything has to be accounted for properly in order for you to maintain your lisence. For my state, there was a limit on how long you had to live in the area before you could start one (5 yrs for mine). Depending on the type of rescue it is you also have to have special permits. I wanted to do a Serval rescue- so that would have ment special wildlife permits so that I could be legal. I would have also had to have special enclosures built up to standard to pass inspection. For every special event (like a carnival or arts & crafts fair that you might want to have a booth set up for donations- you have to meet special requirements as well and document every penny you get).Also, you would have to file and application and the organization must qualify in order to recieve those charitable donations at an event like that. (each state has different rules though, those are just the ones for my area so you have an example.) 501 (c's) are typically tax exempt in my state if they make less than $30,000 a year and meet a few other requirements. (One cool thing about some qualifying tax-exempt places is that if you meet the requirements, you might be able to purchase some items like at the grocery store/etc at cost instead of having to pay sales tax too. (not every place qualifies, it depends on the indivdual situation though so you'd have to do your research for your area.)

For our area, you will have to also submit a 10 yr. employee history for the primary owner. (other people like volunteers/etc don't need one, just the primary account holder for the organization.) You also have to renew your lisence to operate the charitable business ever so often.

Also, Only the IRS grants federal tax exempt status- so you will have lots of paperwork to fill out through them as well to see if you qualify.

This is my state's definiation of a charitable organization http://state.tn.us/sos/charity/faqs.htm#co

I can't keep using the P Card, it's not mine and it's not REALLY meant for e-vets, and it would be easier to have funds available to easily use for purchasing things like meds, food, equipment etc. as well as vet visits.

At the moment, for this kitten I have, I'm waiting until I get an adoption fee before I get him fixed, as those fees will go straight toward surgery and vaccination. I'd like to be able to do it more proactively.

Edit to add: thanks Nikki, that's really helpful! It's just a feral cat rescue type thing, so what I am doing now, but trying to get some financial help for it.

I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering if anyone had gone through the process in recent years? And, if so, is it worth the effort? I'm wading into unfamiliar water here so would appreciate any insight. I've read through the 501(c)3 info on the IRS site and it seems to be something I could possibly slog through. Are there negative aspects, financial or otherwise, that I need to consider? I live on rural acreage, so no zoning issues, but I'll have to inquire about permits or such.

My objective would be to be able to accept donations if offered, and to make my contributions tax exempt. I currently provide 100% support (food, housing, medical care) for the 28 cats residing on my property, all of whom I rescued from neglectful and/or hazardous environments, plus an off-site feral colony. Stating the obvious..... vet bills eat me alive.