My husband and I, who are both veterans, are starting a non profit in Chattanooga, Tennessee called Chattanooga Veterans Outreach. We have registered for a FEIN, and applied for a business license. We now have to hire a lawyer to get incorporated and file for our non profit status, but it is so expensive. We are currently selling t shirts at http://teespring.com/chattanooga-veterans-outreach but it is hard to get going. We need to raise almost $1700 just to get the n=money for a lawyer and to pay the IRS.
Anyone have tips on how we can raise the money ourselves?
Answers
Alisha,
It sounds like you have great plans going on. Congrats!
I am not a non-profit expert, but I would be willing to help in other areas if you needed. Have you looked into sites like http://www.bizfilings.com/ for your incorporation? I am not affiliated with them but seems like they could help for less than $1700. There are other benefits that a local attorney would have. You just need to weigh the pros and cons of each to see what would fit you best.
Have you put together a business plan? Marketing plan? Do you have resources to help fund your business. Even non-profits have to get money to operate.
If I can be of help, feel free to reach out thru the link below. Good luck
Brian Richardson
www.VetLaunched.com
Hi:
I am a mentor for SCORE (US SBA) and I would like to help you.
Send your e-mail address and phone # to my partner and fellow mentor harkinger@aol.com
He will make an arrangement where we meet on-line using Google Hangouts.
Look forward to helping you.
Milton Zlotnick Mentor
www.joinblogging.com
I have done most of this on my own, but recently hired an attorney to set my corporation up as a DBE. The entire bill was less than $1,000. I really love my attorney, and I'm sure he would give you great advice. He is in Florida, as we are too. If you want to connect to him, let me know.
As far as biz goes and getting exposure, I'm happy to help give some excellent tips that won't cost you any money. Www.iconnectu.info is our website, and our blog postings will give you a sneak peek at what we do. Good luck! Reach me anytime!-michelle
My suggestion would be to sponsor an event and also don't rule out filing for the non-profit yourself. In fact Google "non-profit legal support" as there are groups that provide free legal services to those forming non-profits.
In terms of sponsoring an event - start small - consider partnering with a chamber of commerce or local businesses to host a 5K, outdoor mini-concert or BBQ with the proceeds going to your non-profit and be used to help veterans. Consider reaching out to churches and others...also consider doing talks in your area on veteran challenges and ask for donations.
Hope that helps
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