Replies

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Jan 26, 2006 04:33am | #1

   Find a lawyer in New York that specializes in this sort of thing. If there is anything New York has an abundance of it's lawyers. Be careful and do it right.

   Lee

2. 
   Floss | Jan 26, 2006 03:52pm | #2

   Check out the IRS website. The address is http://www.irs.gov/. You will probably need an accountant as well as an attourney to help get this done.

   Also look into getting accredited. It will help folks who may not have the funds or are in neeed of some extra vocational training get some education.

   J.P.

   http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com

   
   

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   Edited 1/26/2006 7:55 am ET by JP

1. 
   jerry | Jan 26, 2006 06:11pm | #3

   i don't know how complicated it might be in new york - but in california it's just a matter of submitting an application, some bylaws, and a small fee to get the designation - no need for lawyers or accountants. then you also have to file with the franchise tax board - with a bigger fee. might check the state's secretary of state web site - they might have the right forms.
   jerry

3. 
   MarkRoderick | Jan 27, 2006 08:36pm | #4

   Lee is right about asking a lawyer, but it doesn't have to be a New York lawyer, and if you don't have to pay New York rates you'd be crazy to do so voluntarily! I'll bet even Montana has plenty of lawyers who deal with non-profit organizations on a regular basis.

   It's just a matter of filling in all kinds of forms with the IRS.

   Note also that there are different kinds of non-profit entities. Your school should be applying as the "best" kind of non-profit, which is a section 501(c)(3) organization, meaning one for charitable, religious, or educational purposes.

1. 
   woodenhead | Jan 28, 2006 04:44am | #5

   Thanks for the information,I will continue to explore the process and see if it is the wright option for me. My school is located on Long Island N.Y.and although we specialize in teaching classical woodcarving, I would like to expand into all aspects of woodworking. There are no other schools on L.I. dedicated to teaching woodworking pop. approx.2.3 million and we are only 45 minutes from the big apple pop. approx.6.2 million. Semper Fi

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Jan 28, 2006 05:27am | #6

   Although there could be exceptions, I believe you will find you have to have a board of directors for your non profit corporation who will be legally liable for the fiduciary and governance responsibilities of the nonprofit corporation.  A for profit can share the profits with the stockholders.  A nonprofit can not do that.  I don't think you could simply fill out some papers, declare yourself a nonprofit, and gather the benefits --  i.e., no private enurement. 

   You could donate your property and school to a nonprofit and the board would be responsible for it and run it.   As I understand it, the IRS does not allow someone to simply declare their business nonprofit. 

   Chances are you could talk to a local community foundation who would have someone who could give you details on the legal aspects over a cup of coffee.  If you wanted to pursue it, then it would probably cost some money.

   You might google on your county name and community foundation.  If you can't find anything, email me your zip code and I'll find the nearest one to you.

   Alan - planesaw

    

   Edited 1/27/2006 9:50 pm ET by Planesaw