I am wanting to start a non-profit organization but I do not know where to start. Does anyone know the age you have to be? Do I need a lawyer for this? Thanks
If you are in the U.S. you need to be 18 to have it solely in your name. Yes you should get a Lawyer to set it up properly. You can Google search and find plenty of resources to get you started, and then you need to also check your state and local government for rules and stipulations, as well as the IRS. To be classified as a charity, you will need to insure that a percentage of the money is going to a recognized cause, and keep accurate records of all financial transactions. You will be called upon to prove it.
Why do you care if your name is associated with the setting up of the non-profit? Your dad can do it just fine and you can be involved in the running. Anyway, see a lawyer and you can easily get this all worked out. What state are you in?
It was my idea. I am in Indiana. Also I have tried contacting lawyers. None of them will respond to me.
You could easily be idenitied as a founder although someone else's name (your father's) is on the legal paperwork. The company's founding documents can also explain your role as having come up with the idea if you are worried about getting credit for it. As for finding an attorney to help, I would contact your local bar association and ask to be directed to an attorney who is skilled at setting up non-profit companies. You can contact them here: http://www.indybar.org/referral.cfm http://www.inbar.org/content/localbar/localbarpres.asp
in most cases if you are wishing to start a bussiness in general it is good to have a lawyer check over your work so you dont get scammed
How are you contacting them?? http://www.legalzoom.com/nonprofits-faq/tax-exempt-organizations.html Give the guys at legal zoom a quick call.. A 501c3 isn't too hard to set up (I'm involved with several) but will cost you a few hundred dollars and has some basic paperwork requirements that need to be met annually to maintain your status..
It's all good to start one, but you should consider setting up with a Lawyer to make it legal. Concerning about your age its good that should also be on a legal age or you can put another person as your proxy meanwhile if you are not.
First go online and read IRS Form 1023, including the instructions. I have incorporated and been the president of two nonprofits. To get 501(c)(3) approval as a nonprofit is a daunting task, and you will have to file Form 1023 to get it. If you read Form 1023 and still feel to go ahead, then the services of an attorney would be advisable.