Started Non-Profit Need Advice

[mcantrell1]

We have recently started a non-profit domestic violence organization. We have a small budget and low wages. We have taken the steps of writing our articles and getting our registered agent. We have an EIN and are now getting the DUNS number and registering for grants. One question however, we have been offered small donations. We have not filed for 501(c)3 status yet and do not have a solicitor's license. Do we need either to receive donations? We have started a new program and will need money for this program, but we are waiting until the fiscal year begins Jan. 1, 2009. What are the steps we need to be taking?Please help!! We have not hired anyone to control these steps as we are trying to keep our budget as low as possible. The website for our organization can be seen by searching Watasha Clark on google for anyone who would like to get a better feel for where we are coming from.

 

[David_Staub]

Your organization can accept donations without obtaining 501(c)(3) status, but the donors will not be able to get a tax deduction for their contributions.

A charitable organization that solicits on its own behalf does not have to register with the Indiana attorney general's office. Only professional solicitors need to register. If all of the proceeds go to the charitable organization, you should be OK.