Greetings,
I am the Founder and President of a newly-formed non-profit called The Enduring Charity Foundation (www.enduringcharity.org).
We are currently operating from Tyrone, Georgia (near Atlanta).
We have obtained 501c3 approval from the IRS, and have successfully commenced operations.
To ensure that we are doing everything legally and correctly, we sure could use a bit of help, from: 1) an Attorney, 2) an Accountant, and 3) and Investment Advisor. Since we are on a shoestring budget, pro-bono or deeply reduced cost help would be greatly appreciated.
Specific details:
1. Legal help. I would just like to sit down with an Attorney who has non-profit experience, briefly review our operations and activities, and get some general advice (see if we are missing anything).
2. Accounting help. I would like to sit down with an Accountant who has non-profit experience, and briefly review our activities and financial statements (Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Functional Expenses, and draft IRS Form 990-PF).
3. Investing Advisement help. I would like to show our planned portfolio of income-producing investments to a licensed Investment Advisor, to get feedback and recommendations, and ultimately ensure that we are responsibly investing and managing our Benefactors' endowed funds.
Additionally, we expect to offer one seat for each of these professionals on our Board of Directors, once a solid relationship is established.
I would be grateful to speak by phone or (if geographically feasible) travel to your location for an in-person meeting. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Please feel free to contact me through this forum, or through our website.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Very Respectfully,
Josh Brooks
Founder, Director, and President
The Enduring Charity Foundation
www.enduringcharity.org
Answers
Lt. Colonel Brooks - I am not sure of your exact location in Georgia. If you have a college or a university nearby I would reach out to a business school faculty member. They could pull together the expertise that you need at virtually no cost to you. Alternatively, reach out to the closest Small Business Development Center. The SBDC will find the consulting/professional expertise for you and pay them to consult with you. You can also contact a well-regarded accounting-auditing firm in your area. They do take social responsibility mission very seriously. Like lawyers they can offer you some pro bono expertise. Best wishes! Kumar Chittipeddi
Josh,
I would suggest you network with the local/regional nonprofit community, especially those not in your "space". Also find foundations who fund your type of nonprofit and ask for referrals to professionals.
If want further discussion, please contact me offline.
Jim
Kumar,
Thank you for your response. I had not thought of these two resources.
I actually work at Georgia State University, and there is a SBDC on campus. I will reach out to both the school and the SBDC.
Thank you again for your help.
Very Respectfully, Josh Brooks
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