I think it's a great idea, but I'm wondering from an efficiency stand point if it makes sense to start your own nonprofit or look for other established NPs you could partner with. For instance I know my girlfriend used to do programs like this through the girl scouts, they had funding, just needed someone to lead the programming. Maybe start that way to build up some case studies/key learnings before totally branching out on your own?
Post by formerlyak on Dec 16, 2013 20:00:11 GMT -5
I don't think it's crazy, but you may have issues raising start up funds without non-profit status. There is a lot more involved in starting a non-profit than a lot of people think. You can get some initial information on CA's tax website for state-realted regulations and on the IRS website for national guidelines.
Also, you should talk to a lawyer about your liability if you are going to go into schools and work with minors. You will need insurance and the like to protect yourself.
PM me if you want more information. I did a lot of research on this as part of my MBA capstone since our final project was to start a non-profit. I have also been working in non-profit management for almost 20 years. I'd be happy to share what I have learned.
I think it's a great idea, but I'm wondering from an efficiency stand point if it makes sense to start your own nonprofit or look for other established NPs you could partner with. For instance I know my girlfriend used to do programs like this through the girl scouts, they had funding, just needed someone to lead the programming. Maybe start that way to build up some case studies/key learnings before totally branching out on your own?
This. Look at local community centers and city programs. I have taught dance through several of these and it is nice to not have to deal with the business side of it sometimes.
I think it's a great idea, but I'm wondering from an efficiency stand point if it makes sense to start your own nonprofit or look for other established NPs you could partner with. For instance I know my girlfriend used to do programs like this through the girl scouts, they had funding, just needed someone to lead the programming. Maybe start that way to build up some case studies/key learnings before totally branching out on your own?
Not crazy at all. I think it's very important. Involvement in the arts helps academic performance, etc., etc..
I agree with PDX and formerlyak. So much goes towards managing the 'business' size of anything. Is there another artist run NP that you could partner with?
Post by redredwine on Dec 16, 2013 20:06:39 GMT -5
NOT crazy at all. Though I do think @pdx18 has a great suggestion. My best friend did it a few years ago, it's now a national non-profit! She amazes me and if she can do it, I know you can, too!
I did learn it's NOT easy to get a 5013c (or b or whatever non-profit IRS status is!) so she did have to seek legal advice quite a bit.
NOT crazy at all. Though I do think @pdx18 has a great suggestion. My best friend did it a few years ago, it's now a national non-profit! She amazes me and if she can do it, I know you can, too!
I did learn it's NOT easy to get a 5013c (or b or whatever non-profit IRS status is!) so she did have to seek legal advice quite a bit.
Yay! Keep us posted!
This. In CA you will need to incorporate as a nonprofit LLC. If you've never done all the paperwork, definitely hire a lawyer. It will run you about $1000 for filing fees if you can find a lawyer to donate his time. You will also need to register as a solicitor in the states where you plan to ask people for money or gifts in kind. A lawyer can give you more specifics, but it's worth finding one to CYA - especially if you mission centers around serving minors.
There are some programs but nothing that fits this anywhere that I've seen. There is a group in Nicaragua that runs something similar but nothing local.
I think any program dealing with disadvantaged youth would be interested in the idea. They don't have to be specific to photography programming, that's what you'd bring to the table! I can think of about five programs off the top of my head in PDX who would be interested in bringing this program on board so I'm sure there are plenty in your area.
One thing we're seeing PDX is nonprofit over-saturation.So many have similar missions (even if they aren't doing the exact same thing) that the funding gets divided and neither is able to reach full potential. Just something to keep in mind.
Post by pantsoffdanceoff on Dec 17, 2013 8:03:04 GMT -5
This sounds like an awesome idea!! It seems like a lot of the previous posters have some good advice (and I don't really have any advice per se) so I will just be a cheering section over here!
Is there a local arts program geared toward disdavantaged youth?
Here, we have artswave and artworks--artworks is a summer program that puts kids to work beautifying neighborhoods and downtown with art (they paint murals, creat mosaics, etc) and they get paid for it. Maybe you could tie into something like that?
Is there a local arts program geared toward disdavantaged youth?
Here, we have artswave and artworks--artworks is a summer program that puts kids to work beautifying neighborhoods and downtown with art (they paint murals, creat mosaics, etc) and they get paid for it. Maybe you could tie into something like that?
It's a wonderful idea!
Look at Inner City Arts, Ryman Arts, Venice Arts. Those are the ones I know off the top of my head in our city mp. Maybe you could start by working with one if those groups.
i know nothing about non-profits or what it takes to start it up but I wanted to say that I think you are pretty damn awesome for doing it. You are such a kind, caring person.
I think your desire to do this is an awesome thing! My dearest friend has talked about starting a non-profit and I really admire those people with enough drive and determination to do just that. Good luck to you in this journey!