Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Non Profit Organization 501(c)

I want to turn my business into a Non_Profit organization. I send out care packages every year and I maintain a Nationwide Adopt a Soldier Program. I also am the recipient of the Patritic American Of the Year Award in 2004 from the Orange County Veterans Coalition. I do not raise enough funds to pay for the non-profit tax id exemption. I am trying to obtain this id because I want corporations, such as airlines and other businesses to donate prizes to our troops on a monthly basis. On my website, which is ranked #1 in google if you type up ''Honoring Troops'' or ''American Troops'' out of millions of sites, I will begin holding a soldier of the month competition. I was told some lawyers will volunteer their time and write it off at the end of the year. I am looking for someone to volunteer their time for my business Honoring American Troops. I hate to be looking for a hand out, but i really do need one. I have sent out over 2,000 care packages in the past 3 years and if anyone could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it, and I will put a hard link or a small banner to your firm or website. Thanks in advance for your time,


Asked on 3/15/08, 8:27 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Nancy Delain Delain Law Office, PLLC

Re: Non Profit Organization 501(c)

This is a really nice thing for you to do.

However, you are going about looking for volunteer lawyers incorrectly. Lawyers need to get paid somehow for services, and we get pro bono kudos for working through specific organizations.

I see you are in Orange County, so this suggestion is a bit far away from you geographically, but it's the one I know about. Call up the Capital District Women's Bar Association (run a GOOGLE� search and you'll find them) and ask to speak with Gina Marie. She'll hook you up with their small business legal clinic and THERE you can find a lawyer who will gladly donate the time (not the filing fees) to get your 501(c)(3) set up. YOU will have to cough up the filing fees that are due to the government to set up a 501(c)(3).

There may well be an organization similar to the Cap. Dist. Women's Bar Assn. that is closer to you; Gina Marie may know who they are and how to contact them.

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Answered on 3/17/08, 9:53 am
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Re: Non Profit Organization 501(c)

I don't believe there has to be a mimimum amount of money for an IRS 501c3 tax exemption. I think you may have received the wrong advice.

I would contact the USO. They may have resources that could help you.

Finally, I would contact your local bar association. Many bar associations are involved with charitable endeavors and could provide free legal help for your organization.

Mike.

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Answered on 3/16/08, 12:18 pm


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