If your Meetup Group remains bipartisan and doesn't endorse candidates or ballot measures, you may consider raising some funds to expand your local efforts and better serve your community at large. Face it, the folks we might consider "the opposition" have it down to a science.

The following information comes from T. S. Wrobel & Associates - Attorneys and Nonprofit Consultants and can be useful if you follow the law.

If you're anything like the rest of us, you know how quickly a simple idea can turn complex. That's especially true when it involves money. Fund-raising and grant-writing are key elements to a successful nonprofit venture. Below, you will find information that will help you sort through many of the messy financial questions raised when starting a nonprofit.

So, you're looking to raise some funds for your community project?

Whether your organization is educational, cultural, environmental, charitable, scientific or religious, it is possible to raise funds when you don't have your 501c3 status, but, there are some major drawbacks to fund-raising without 501c3 status.

First, without your 501c3 tax-exempt status, it is impossible for anyone to "write off" their donation from their personal income taxes, which is a major incentive for people to give to your nonprofit.

Second, it's rare to be able to obtain grants without 501c3 status, whether they are from the federal government, corporations, corporate foundations and private foundations.

While you may be able to operate your project with limited funds from donors or interested parties, in order to secure your project's financial future, it is imperative that you take steps towards getting your 501c3 status.

There is some good news. If your annual revenue is below $7,500, you can raise funds and receive donations without formally organizing and applying for nonprofit tax exempt status. Once you reach $7,500 annually, you are required to apply to the IRS for tax exempt status. Foremost, 501c3 status gives your organization legitimacy and it opens the door to applying for grants and soliciting tax deductible donations.

Fundraising can take many forms. Many organizations choose to simply solicit donations from interested individuals. This can take place through small means, such as a music event or art auction, or a large event, such as a formal dance, a silent auction or television or radio appeal targeted at the donor population. On-line donations have become an important way for non-profits to fundraise and also makes it easy for supporters to give to your organization.

Here is a great link to more information about on-line fund-raising:
http://nonprofit.abou...

Once your 1023 application is submitted to the IRS, you can tell anyone interested in donating to your cause, that your status is pending and that you can issue them a tax deductible receipt just as soon as you receive the letter from the IRS, granting your organization's 501c3 status. NEVER represent to people that you are a 501c3 without status being granted within an IRS determination letter. Your organization's 501c3 status is pending until the IRS determination letter is sent to you.

Working with an Attorney's office is the best and quickest way to receive your status quickly and seamlessly.

Host's Note: If you would like to contact Attorney Tom Wrobel directly, email us through the Organizer email option.