skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Are you thinking of applying for federal recognition of nonprofit status for your group?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released a review version of its interactive Form 1023. the standard used to apply for federal nonprofit recognition, which falls under Section 501 (c) (3) of the tax code. The review version is available through September 20, 2013.
When the full version is released, it will start the process of electronic submission. Anyone who has printed the small book required of the current paper submissions knows this is a nice step forward.
If you will be submitting a 501 (c) (3) application on Form 1023 soon, be aware for your planning purposes that the IRS is currently reviewing applications submitted over one year ago, so it will be some time before you hear on the status of your application.
The IRS also recently released a 37 minute video overview course about applying for Section 501 (c) (3). This video will help you prepare for the application steps and the ongoing requirements of federal nonprofit status.
A third tool offered by the IRS is of benefit to current and prospective 501 (c) (3) organizations. Titled Life Cycle of an Exempt Organization, this website section provides many links and details about the intersection points between your nonprofit and the IRS.
Nonprofit IRS setup and ongoing compliance is a critical first step towards effective fundraising efforts for your organization.
Photo credit above:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/afagen/
Recently, I heard a first hand account of a story that gave me pause to watch for an unintended risk in nonprofit work.
A friend was contacted by a political campaign who just opened up operations for a long-out campaign, consistent with the trend that running for office is starting earlier and earlier.
The new staff member who contacted her was polite and positive. This person asked for an easy entry and involvement point, which she declined, citing personal circumstances. Overall, the interaction was positive.
Despite these positives, she left with a sense of disappointing "auto pilot" mode. The assumption was made in the call that she must again be supportive of the candidate. There was no confirmation of her continued support or request for her input on the call. Her support was assumed as being on auto pilot, despite the years that have passed since the last campaign.
This approach is a good fit for a large volume of activity demanded by political campaigns. However,
Is the nonprofit community on auto pilot with established supporters?
Is your nonprofit on auto pilot when it comes to conversations with your established supporters?
When was the last time you communicated with an established supporter, just to check in and not ask for anything?
Photo credit above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/curveto/
Posts
