How can I start a legal charity or fundraiser?

Question

A family in my town who owned a small take- out food business has hit it hard. The father was assaulted on a delivery and is in the hospital in a coma. They worked so hard all day everyday! You would always see their children playing in the lobby and greeting the guests. Now their store is closed and fell horrible for them, They are not wealthy and are just hardworking people. I want to help them, but most places I've went to ask if i could collect nonperishable goods and winter childrens clothing and money refer me to their corporate office who wants me to have credentials (...which i understand, i wouldnt want to risk someone asking for money for who knows what either). I dont know how to start something like this, but i have many people who are interested in helping. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You do not want to start a legal charity or fund raiser, you want to partner with a 501 c3 (that is a not for profit organization).  The process of actually starting this type of organization and the law behind running it is a back braking process.  The advantages are you do not pay taxes and being able to accept donations that people can right off on their taxes.  Much easier to partner with someone.

Depending on your town depends on the amount of organizations that are availiable to partner with.  If you live in a larger town say 100,000+ you will  have several partnership opportunities.  If you live in a smaller town less than 100,000 in population you will have fewer partnership opportunities.

You should look at the school system that the children attend, Red Cross, Salvation Army, any Community Access Center, Food Bank, Churches and Social Clubs.  Do not ask them for money or non-perishable items for you tell them the story and how to get a hold of the family in need.  Ask them to join your movement.  If you live in a small town I would solicit this as a team effort that everyone is getting behind in the entire town.  Once you have a few organizations on board with a clear mission and purpose you should try to get local news to pick the story up.  Go to local papers tell a reporter what is going on and how your team is trying to help and how other people if interested can help.

Things to remember when aproaching these buisnesses.

Have a clear message

Speak with confidence

Have a stratigic plan that includes how much money you need and how you will spend it.

Present this idea as something that a team is going to do not just you.

All you need is one big organization to back you.

Answer 2

Your best bet is to find a church or the Red Cross to sponsor this. Their credentials and your energy will make things go a lot faster than trying to on your own. You can always ask to put out collection cans on your own at other businesses of the same sort--they should be sympathetic.

Getting a bank to serve as the contribution holder should keep folks from worrying that you'll take the money.