501(c)3 setup

[Jwill]

Anybody here set up a non-profit company before? Looking into one as I’m working on getting American Legion baseball restarted in my area. An attorney quoted me $8k, but thats probably more than we would raise in a couple years… So, contemplating doing it myself. Any good resources, words of wisdom, or warnings appreciated!

 

[npaden]

It’s not terribly hard. Not sure what state you are in, but you may need an attorney to file your articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State.

Most labor intensive thing is the 1023 application to get your tax exempt status with the IRS. I bet it took me 4 or 5 hours to get it filled out. You will need bylaws as well.

I filed mine about 10 years ago before AI. I bet AI could really help get it done for you.

 

[Gellar]

Not much help. I do sit on the board of two 501(c)3. Which are basically fundraising arms for our nature center and parks. We do have to meet at least once for an annual meeting although we meet more. You want the bylaws to be comprehensive so if anyone bitches about something you can fall back on the bylaws. Surely there’s an attorney in town who has a kid of playing age and ability who would do it cheaper or even free gratis.