How I am supposed to register a non-profit organization?

Parent Cafe
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<p>I am not 18 yet, but six months ago I created a cultural organization for teens where did a lot of community work locally and helped out community events. However, recently, my group has become interested in raising money to help build a school in India for primary age students (we know of another organization that can actually help us. It is reliable, we’ve contacted several individuals and my family back in India has also confirmed their status.) In order to help them, of course, we need to raise money.</p>

<p>I am sure there is a legal component involved before raising money for a big cause like this. We want support from businesses as well. How am I supposed to register? A lot of the documentation available online is pretty confusing. My parents are helping me get in touch with someone who can better help me, but I was wondering if you guys had an suggestions?</p>

<p>I think I am supposed to register as 501(c)(3).</p>

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<p>From what I’ve heard from people who have started nonprofits, it takes about a year to go through the process.</p>

<p>[How</a> to Start a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization - wikiHow](<a href=“http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-501c3-Nonprofit-Organization]How”>How to Start a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization (with Pictures))</p>

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<p>Off topic, but as you finalize your college request list, you might want to look at the University of Texas; I think you would enjoy being part of the Bridging Disciplines program in Social Entrepeneurship program at the University of Texas - this is the sort of topic that is covered in the program’s Foundation Seminar.
<a href=“http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/sites/default/files/bdp/docs/SEN_curr_11.13.08.pdf[/url]”>http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/sites/default/files/bdp/docs/SEN_curr_11.13.08.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>So does that mean I must not collect donations either? Is that illegal? I came across a similar organization that has been active very recently but they are still awaiting approval.</p>

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<p>I registered a 501(c)3 org in about a month in California using a book “How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California” along with having paperwork from a similar organization. You do need someone over 18 to file the paperwork.</p>

<p>Grassroots groups often can fall under the umbrella of an already established like-minded organization. At our HS, the Rotary & the Kiwanis both served as umbrella organizations to students’ efforts.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the link Midwestmom! I will be sure to check it out!</p>

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<p>Okay, that makes sense. I have been in several organizations that are like mine. Only difference is ours is completely powered by the youth while the other ones are not.</p>

<p>Thanks for your advice!</p>

<p>I am from IL btw. So I am sure we have some different regulations.</p>

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<p>hardworker, you’re correct – it does vary by state. In CA the paperwork was mostly duplicate with state and fed, but both required a pretty intensive packet. If I were you, I’d look for a youth-mentoring group (like Rotary or Kiwanis) so you can concentrate on your org. and not the paperwork.</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for help SoCalGal09!</p>

<p>Just curious, what was your Non profit for? I truly admire people, especially those in High School, who are able to create such groups!</p>

<p>I will definitely contact those other groups asap! Thanks for the advice!</p>