BellaOnline Forums Education Homeschooling turn a group into a non-profit org? need advice!

most of the hs group that i run is low-income. this year especially, the limiting factor for anything we do is cost. i am good at doing cool things in an inexpensive way, but am not a miracle worker! lol i still need a few dollars in supplies each time, which adds up quickly for the number of kids we get.

does anyone have any sage advice for INEXPENSIVELY converting to a non-profit (301c)? i want that status for the group to get grants, corporate donations, and be able to fundraise. every company that i have looked at needs us to have that status, or they can't/won't deal with us. here's the kicker - can't afford a few grand to pay a lawyer to draw up the paperwork.

anyone????
need advice on how to do it myself, or a way to find someone qualified to do it at little to no up-front cost...

The best advice I can give you is to do your research. There are websites online that you can get helpful information from, but you will have to use your judgement as to whether or not you trust the information you are being given. You can go to the library and look into their books about nonprofit organizations.

Check the US govt. or the IRS website, it should have the information about applying for non-profit status since you have to go there to do it. It doesn't cost anything to look it up.