Are you considering forming a nonprofit organization? Here are a few pros and cons you should be aware of:

Pros -

•  Tax exemption. This is the primary reason for becoming a nonprofit organization. Nonprofit organizations under IRS code 501(c)(3) are not required to pay corporate income taxes, and normally are also exempt from state and local taxes as well.
• Tax benefits for donors. Nonprofit organizations are allowed to solicit and receive funding and donations from the public. Those funds offer tax benefits to individuals and most foundations and government agencies restrict their grants to public charities.
• Incorporation. In order to qualify as a non-profit organization, the organization must be incorporated. This formal structure ensures that the mission, goals, and structure of the nonprofit come before the personal interests of individuals associated with it. Under the law, creditors and courts are limited to the assets of the nonprofit organization. The founders, directors, members, and employees are not personally liable for the nonprofit’s debts, with some exceptions.

Cons -

• Costs. Creating a nonprofit organization takes time, effort, and money. Because a nonprofit is a legal entity, the use of an attorney, accountant, and other professionals is strongly encouraged. Aside from legal or other consultant fees, incorporation in most states, including the application for federal tax exemption, costs around $200-$400 with recurring annual fees.
• Paperwork. As a corporation, you will be required to establish and maintain a list of necessary documents and records. Most of these documents must be prepared in a specific manner and filed with specified agencies by certain deadlines.
• Control. Unlike a sole proprietor who controls every aspect of their business, a nonprofit organization is subject to many more laws and regulations, including its own articles of incorporation and bylaws. These bylaws may dictate that the nonprofit is required to have several directors and board members, who in turn are the only people allowed to elect or appoint the officers who determine policy.
• Lack of privacy. A nonprofit is dedicated to the public interest; therefore, its finances are open to public inspection and scrutiny. The public may obtain copies of a nonprofit organization’s state and federal filings and learn about salaries and other expenditures.

  Source: The Foundation Center (foundationcenter.org) 

Yes, money for non-profits is getting tight, and the worst may be yet to come. So now is the time to get your grant requests completed and submitted to foundations for funding! Don’t wait until your organization is drowning before you look for the life ring. The money is out there, you just have to make an effort to get your share.

My mission is to provide superior grant and related development consultation services in an ethical and effective manner. I adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines of the American Association of Grant Professionals (AAGP).

I produce professionally prepared, thoroughly researched, and highly-targeted proposals, proposal letters, budgets, and letters of intent.

I research foundations, prioritize opportunities, develop and monitor submission calendars, and maintain a database of foundation communications and grant histories.

When requested, I guide clients through a strategic planning and program development process to generate a comprehensive grant plan.

I communicate with a clear purpose and write in a compelling style to build enduring relationships.

Contact me today for your free consultation. By email: todd(dot)eastman(at)comcast(dot)net or by phone: (707) 696-6754.

While I have really enjoyed having a forum for my own personal thoughts and ideas, I have decided that I need to make this website more oriented towards the services I offer - primarily business writing and grant writing for non-profits. So from now on, my blog posts will focus on non-profit fundraising, business writing concepts, and other topics that may be of interest to businesses and non-profit organizations. I hope those of you who have been following my musings have enjoyed what I have shared with you in the past.

A while back I made fun of the Pulse Smartpen and my post apparently got the manufacturer’s attention. So they offered to share some video demos of their product, along with a discount. I figure giving them some free press is the least I could do. Though, I still think I could write a better review if I had one of these of my own to try out. <grin>

Author : Ryan 

Comment: 
I’ve read your blog post of the Pulse smartpen and wanted to share some new commercial and demo videos that we just uploaded to the Livescribe YouTube channel: “http://www.youtube.com/user/nevermissaword“  

From now until 12/31/08, you can get 5% off a Pulse smartpen at www.livescribe.com by using SCRIBE5A50 at checkout. Thanks, and enjoy the videos!

You can see all comments on this post here: 
http://eastman-writing.com/2008/05/200-pen-that-doesnt-write/#comments

I’ve been really busy this week, so this goes out belatedly, but congratulations President-elect Barack Obama!  Yay!