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How To Start a Nonprofit in Virginia
- Life Cycle of a Public Charity
- Community Tax Law Project
- Is a Not for Profit the Way to Go?
- More Resources
Life Cycle of a Public Charity
During its existence, a public charity has numerous interactions with the IRS – from filing an application for recognition of tax-exempt status, to filing the required annual information returns, to making changes in its mission and purpose. The IRS provides information, explanations, guides, forms and publications on all of these subjects – they are available through an excellent IRS Web site. There are links to all the documents most charities will need as they proceed though the phases of their “life cycle,” plus a graphical depiction of the life cycle that might be a very useful orientation tool for your Board members!
Community Tax Law Project
The Community Tax Law Project (CTLP) provides nonprofit start-up assistance to organizations located in the Richmond and Central Virginia area whose mission in some way assists low income individuals. CTLP counsels organizations in an effort to ensure that nonprofit services are not duplicated within the community. CTLP provides legal representation to qualifying organizations by assisting these groups with drafting articles of incorporation and bylaws, applying for recognition of tax-exempt status, and providing brief advice during the start-up phase. CTLP also conducts periodic workshops on nonprofit start-up issues. These workshops are publicized within the community and on the Connect Richmond listserv. For more information, please call The Community Tax Law Project at (804) 358-5855 or visit our website at www.ctlp.org.
Is a Not for Profit the Way to Go?
What are the significant differences between a not for profit organization and a for profit business? What are the legal steps to starting a not for profit organization versus a for profit company? With so many things to consider, you need to gather as much information as possible. Illinois Legal Aid provides these answser plus many more. For more information, visit www.illinoislegalaid.org
Resources
Free Manual on Starting a Nonprofit. Want to start a nonprofit organization, or operate your organization more effectively? Students in the Law of Nonprofit Organizations class at the University of Richmond recently created a manual on how to start a nonprofit organization which is now available as a free download. It is divided into five chapters, containing useful checklists and sample forms. There is also a very short version of the manual for those who need a quick overview of the significant issues. (http://law.richmond.edu/nonprofit)
Thinking of Forming a Nonprofit? What to Consider Before You Begin. Check out this 32 page booklet from the Center for Nonprofit Corporations (http://www.njnonprofits.org/ThinkingOfFormingDesc.html)
The Business Registration Guide published by the Virginia State Corporation Commission includes a flowchart of the seven steps to follow in registering a new business, followed by a brief explanation of each step. The guide also provides a list of registration requirements for several state agencies and a list of other agencies you may need to contact before opening a new business. (http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/clk/brg.htm)