Has anyone here ever set up their own nonprofit?

[Flaxbee]

Or do you work for one?

If you've started one, any experiences/thoughts/suggestions you'd be willing to share?

If you work for one, do you have any suggestions/thoughts/etc. about it?

I'm thinking of starting one based loosely on affordable technologies/ technology services. The idea is still in its infancy & I've never worked for/with another nonprofit so I'd love some input from those who have experience.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

[Th1onein]

1. I do biochem (cystic fibrosis) research for a non-profit

I might be able to put you in touch with someone who could help you out in the legal area. She's a doctor at a University in Washington state.

[htuttle]

2. A little of this, a little of that -- never set one up by myself, however

First, ask yourself what you want to do, concretely.

Do you want to educate the public about affordable technologies/services, or do you want to provide them in some way?

For eductional non-profits, look at the 501(c)(3) status. One limitation of this (IIRC) is that you aren't supposed to directly engage in politics -- only public education.

If you want to actually provide affordable technologies and such, look at setting up a worker cooperative. These are actually 'for-profiit corporations' under tax law, but are probably more suitable for an entity that would actually produce things or provide services.

[Flaxbee]

3. kick...

in case there are any other comments out there... I appreciate the info already posted.

[OneBlueSky]

4. actually, it's a two-step process . . .

first, you have to incorporate in you state . . . this is usually done through a division of the Secretary of State's office and involves filing by-laws and a list of officers . . . probably some kind of fee involved as well . . . the second, and more difficult, step is getting your tax exemption from the IRS under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code . . . this is a long, complex process that will generally take a year or more . . . in both cases, legal help from someone who's done this before would be highly beneficial . . .