Man, do I feel like I've bitten off more than I can chew!!!

[6_Time_Momma]

I and a coworker made a decision a couple of months ago to start a Down Syndrome organization as there is none within an hour of where we live. Little did I know how much was involved!! I got papers back from the state yesterday, so we are officially a non-profit organization, but believe it or not that's only step one!!

I still have to file for tax exempt status, file for an employee identification number, and file with the State Attorney General. Oooo boy!

We have interviewed with two newspapers and had our story published in one so far with the other one scheduled to publish the first part of July. We are having our first fundraiser and next week will hold our first parent meeting with a cookout.

Plus, I am trying to organize the "Buddy Walk" that we are sponsoring in October and there's a lot of planning with that!!

So, while I know in the end, it will all be worth it.......right now my head is swimming!!



Oh, and tomorrow Bradley Scott leaves on a school district sponsored trip to Wyoming to go hiking in the Grand Teton mountains. I am such a nervous wreck!!! Say some prayers that he has a safe and FUN trip!!!

 

[Pop Daddy]

hang in there you will get it all done

 

[Cindy B]

That is a huge undertaking but so worthwhile.. The press you are receiving is great. Keep it up!

 

[froglady]

I've been on the board of a couple of small, non-profits, and my advice to you (for the sake of those who come later) is to decide on a safe storage place for your incorporation papers, IRS tax-exempt letters (you'll be filing an annual renewal when you are granted one) State exempt papers, and any other "original" paperwork. It would be best if you placed them with a third person. You also need to keep meticulous financial records to maintain your tax-free status.

My current non-profit had a former member (I just joined the board) who apparently (it's an artistic group) stormed off in a huff, and took the corporation seal and papers with her.

You also might want to look into insurance for the board so that they would not be held individually liable for any action of the group as a whole, any other board members, or any employees. This is a must if you have (or hope to recruit) high profile/high income members.

It does get easier once the groundwork is carefully laid, and it sounds like a worthy goal. Consider this your labor and delivery; lots of work and pain, but so worth it in the long run.

 

[4nana]

I have a feeling anyone who has 6 kids must know all about juggling . Remember, if God leads you to it, he will lead you through it. This is a wonderful opportunity and by taking things one day at a time you will accomplish everything you hope . Here's some PD for good luck!

Good luck to Bradley, sounds like a great trip.

 

[roseprincess]

To the OP, we have a Gigi's Playhouse (Down's syndrome organization) in our immediate area. I am not part of it nor do I have a child with Downs. I only know about it because one of the moms I co-chaired with on a school PTA committee with has a dd with Downs and the mom is real involved with Gigi's Playhouse, she volunteers there once or twice a week. I think Gigi's Playouse has been in our area almost 2 yrs? I don't know much about it, but it is a nice organization for the parents and the kids with Downs. There are quite a few kids in our school with Downs. We also have the Ups For Downs organization in our area, about 15 miles from where I live.

I have a friend who has an autistic child, severely autistic child, non-verbal.
My dfriend's husband and a friend of theirs started their own autism foundation about a yr and a half ago. I don't know how they went ahead and started the foundation. It was very slow to start. Most of their foundation is thru their website. They do small fundraisers at the local Jewel, asking for money in a can-type of thing. They go to some of the Autism conferences, her dh goes 2 or 3 times a yr to hte autism conferences. Now they got some sponsorship recently from a couple of doctors.
Here's my friend's autism website if anyone is interested.
www.autismmedia.org

To the OP, best wishes on the Downs organization! Take one step at a time and take it slow!


Rosemarie

 

[6_Time_Momma]

You also need to keep meticulous financial records to maintain your tax-free status.

I know.....that scares the heck out of me too!!! You don't even want to see my personal finance recordkeeping!!

I have a feeling anyone who has 6 kids must know all about juggling . Remember, if God leads you to it, he will lead you through it. This is a wonderful opportunity and by taking things one day at a time you will accomplish everything you hope . Here's some PD for good luck!

I do indeed do a lot of juggling, but I think if I add too many more things, I'll be dropping!!!

Good luck to Bradley, sounds like a great trip.

Aggghhhh!!! 8 more hours and he's gone! My nerve level just shot up 20 points!!

To the OP, we have a Gigi's Playhouse (Down's syndrome organization) in our immediate area. I am not part of it nor do I have a child with Downs. I only know about it because one of the moms I co-chaired with on a school PTA committee with has a dd with Downs and the mom is real involved with Gigi's Playhouse, she volunteers there once or twice a week. I think Gigi's Playouse has been in our area almost 2 yrs? I don't know much about it, but it is a nice organization for the parents and the kids with Downs. There are quite a few kids in our school with Downs. We also have the Ups For Downs organization in our area, about 15 miles from where I live.

I've heard about Gigi's Playhouse. I wondered what it was like. Sounds like a neat place for the kids!