Most Helpful Customer Reviews
90 of 92 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Comprehensive Look at Starting a Non-Profit, August 29, 2004
I wanted to start a small not-for-profit to raise money for cancer research. But where to start? May I suggest this book?
First of all, this isn't a book for the already established, huge foundation. It's for someone (like me) who not only knows nothing about the subject, but doesn't even know where to begin.
The book covers the subject from getting started, incorporating the non-profit, writing a mission statement, applying to the IRS for tax-exempt status (hugely important!), and finding the right people to help you make your dream come true.
The second part of the book is devoted to running the non-profit. This includes setting up a board of directors, hiring staff (or working with volunteers), planning for the future, and managing money.
The third part of the book is perhaps the heart of the matter - raising money.
Understand this is a first step. It isn't the only book you'll buy if you get your non-profit up and running, but it is an excellent place to start.
Read the book and take notes. Every state has different requirements, and you'll need to contact the state agency that regulates non-profits to get the forms, filing requirements, etc. There is a lot to learn, but the book is well organized, and packed with information.
You might also research a few other books to help you with the filing process. And I think it will be important to look for as many fund-raising ideas as you can, anywhere you can find them.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
204 of 220 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Be careful!!!, March 21, 2004
OK this book makes you feel like incorporating is as easy as bying the book ... But it is way too vague, and omits to tell you what you get yourself into ! After reading this book, I incorporated and for additional info I bought Nolo's How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California by Anthony Mancuso (or How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation if you don't live in california) and I got really scared.
This nonprofit kit is really for dummies, it doesn't even talk about applying for state tax exemption which is as important as federal tax exemption, or your responsibilities and duties as a director or officer. I would really advise you to buy Nolo's book (nolo.com). The author is much more responsible, he clearly tells you that you should prepare your bylaws, your federal and state tax exemption application BEFORE submitting you articles of incorporation ... Plus, this nonprofit kit for dummies is making some huge mistakes! It tells you that the Board of Directors is composed of the president, vice president, secretary and CFO ... which is totally untrue, they are officers
The board of directors is composed of guess what ... directors.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
172 of 187 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not helpful at all, March 24, 2004
By A Customer
As an attorney, I read a lot of publications about creating nonprofits -- here's what you need to know about this book: 1) No clear instructions on how to incorporate or how to fill out (very complicated) IRS forms necessary to obtain tax exempt status. 2) Covers a lot of topics only lightly, skipping important details. 3) No detailed info on state laws, which is extremely important to every nonprofit corporation. If you really don't want to visit an attorney, Nolo's book "How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation" is the best one available, and addresses everything this Dummies book doesn't.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
