Starting a non profit organization? For animals?

Question

Ok so me and a couple of other friends want to start a non profit organization to get some animals out of shelters and into homes, spread knoledge, help people who cannot afford spay/neuter and vet care get it. 3 of us are 16, I'm about to be 17. One's 17 and will be 18 in dec.

What can we do? How do we get started? Any websites? And what are some great names for the organization?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think a much better idea would be that you join an existing nonprofit organization that promotes animal adoption, educates people about spaying and neutering their pets, etc. You could get started *right away* with helping animals, instead of spending many months getting paperwork and fundraising and financial record keeping together. Later, after you understand how such programs work, you could still start your own nonprofit if you think you could do an even better job on your own.



If you absolutely are bent on starting a nonprofit right away:



Before you file any paperwork, you need to get a very impassioned group of people together who support your idea and will provide some start up funding and serve on the board of directors, you need to get letters of endorsement from existing organizations saying this program is needed, you need to have data that shows your target group is in need whatever service it is that you want to provide and that they are not served otherwise, you need to have profiles of your staff showing they have experience and expertise, and you need to have a draft of what your first year's budget would look like (what expenses you expect to incur, what you expect to pay staff, etc.)



Also see:



Starting a Nonprofit Organization

http://www.managementhelp.org/strt_org/strt_np/strt_np.htm (one of my favorite resources)



Starting a Non-Profit

Checklist- The Things You Must Do to Start a Nonprofit Organization

http://www.ctnonprofits.org/pages/NonProfitResources/StartNonProfit.asp



Starting a Nonprofit Organization - How to Start a Nonprofit http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitbasics/ht/startingsteps.htm



How to Start a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization

http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-501c3-Nonprofit-Organization

Answer 2

I would start a rescue/shelter. It would mainly deal with dogs and cats but would be open to special animals to. I don't think it would be an animal sanctuary, it would aim towards animals needs, coming to a shelter or rescue should be a better life, if the animals are saved and put into cages what good will it do. The shelter would have a no kill policy and hands on activities for the elder and children. I would let the rescue/shelter be a happy home for animals, perhaps later I would add an area for older dogs to stay because of their low chances of becoming adopted. I would do all this because I think every animal deserves a better life and second chance, by creating a loving, caring environment you are creating a new life.

Answer 3

The name of your non profit is the least of your worries at this point.



You need to register your non profit with the Secretary of State, and then get a 501c3 certification from the IRS. That means loads of paperwork and legal documents in setting up a non profit -- find a lawyer who can do the setup for you as it is quite complicated



I have found a website that compiles various resources on starting a non profit. I especially like the Minnesota Council of NonProfits because the site gives information on governance, developing strategic alliances, fund raising and other ingredients of successfully running a non profit.



http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm



As for funding your non profit, I suggest you check out Foundation Center to help you gain ideas on how to properly establish your organization and get support from private foundations. They have the most extensive database of private donors, and they publish a magazine that can be very helpful to your new non profit.



http://fdncenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/index.html

Answer 4

They already exist. SPCA, Humane Shelters and PETA