How to Start a Non Profit Organization in Dallas, Texas
Starting a non-profit can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is also a lot of work. Building a non-profit is no easier than starting a profit-driven business. In a lot of ways it is even harder. However, if you are passionate about a cause and wish to help, starting a non-profit in support of it can be a very effective way to do so.
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Instructions
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Formulate a mission statement. Unlike a profit-driven business, your non-profit is driven by a defined mission. As a charitable organization, the company exists to achieves its stated mission. To define the mission of the organization, write a one or two sentence explanation of the Dallas, Texas roots of the organization, what it does, for whom it does it and where it hopes to go. The mission statement will drive the company and appear on organizational materials for years to come, so take your time and write it out exactly as you want it.
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Write a business plan. Writing a business plan for a non-profit does not need to be all that different than composing one for a for-profit enterprise. Although you are not aiming to make a profit, your charitable enterprise will need to operate like business to survive. Take your time and formulate a broad and strategic plan for the successful implementation and survival of your charitable organization. A thorough business plan will include examinations of marketing, finances, fundraising and management. Be mindful of the financial needs of the organization and highlight fundraising opportunities in Dallas. The better your business plan, the better chance your non-profit has for success.
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File articles of incorporation with the Texas Secretary of State. A non-profit business does not have to incorporate, but it will help protect board members and employees from organizational legal liabilities. There are multiple non-profit forms available, so confer with your attorney to determine which is the right fit for the organization.
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Contact the Internal Revenue Service and apply for Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Like all other businesses, non-profits must register with the IRS for federal tax purposes. To obtain your tax ID number, visit: irs.gov.
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Obtain any needed local licenses and permits. Many cities and counties will not require special permits, but depending on the focus of your non-profit, Dallas County and the city may. Contact the Dallas County Commission or Dallas City Clerk offices to find out.
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Network locally. Networking and fundraising are important to keep a non-profit corporation solvent. Your options will be varied, as Dallas is a wealthy community. Though your aim is not profit-driven, running a non-profit requires that the organization take in a certain amount of money. Get out in the Dallas community and try to build contacts within business and charitable networks. The larger the networking base you have, the larger the pool of people you will be able to focus your fundraising efforts on.
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