Group of professionals want to start their own professional association. It's probably the simplest type of nonprofit to form.

QUESTION.
A group of us are trying to start up an nonprofit organization to benefit the profession that we are in. We would charge yearly dues, offer a certificate, newsletter, educational opportunities, and a pin for members. We would like to know how to go about getting a business structure put into place. We have established an interim board, and have had several meetings. Any help that you could give would be greatly appreciated. One board member has a CPA that we are consulting as far as trying to establish a non-profit status.

ANSWER.
The type of nonprofit you are seeking to form is one of the easiest to create. Your members will be your donor base. Therefore, fundraising is very simple. It is similar to a trade association or bar association group. You will need to incorporate in order to qualify for IRC Section 503(c) status. Consider taking a look at the material in the following link. See BECOME A FOUNDER OF A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

After reviewing the above link I suspect you will have some follow-on questions. Feel free to send them to me via email. I hope my comments are helpful. Good luck! Regards, -Jeff

Jeff Lippincott
SCORE.org Counselor
Princeton, NJ
scoreprinceton @ aol.com
www.scoreprinceton.org
www.jlippin.com