I Need information on state or federal funding to open a halfway house for troubled youth in Arkansas?

Question

My husband works at a place that houses troubled youth, it is the last step before detention, some of these youth have no where else to go and when they get out have no where to go. We feel a longing to give these kids a sence of self and belonging. A halfway house would be a place for them to belong and give them a sence of hope for the future a place of stability and responsibility. We have no idea how to get started. Please help with any information and/or wisdom you have.

Thank you

Answer 1

try www.firstgov.gov

Go to your secretary of state first then

Go to www.irs.gov and fill out paperwork for a non profit

You can do all this by yourself or hire a lawyer to do it for you.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Wonderful!   Here are some folks you should talk with http://lampga.tripod.com   They have had a ministry that does this since about 1997.   They are not funding experts but they are "heart" experts with lots of hands on experience helping troubled youth.

The first thing you need is to organize as a nonprofit corporation in your state.  You may be able to do that on your own or perhaps find a lawyer who will help you on this and on getting your 501 C3 (federal nonprofit status).  In most states your nonprofit incorporation will cost you about $150 and your federal 501c3  is about $450.   For more info on that see http://www.irs.gov   If yours happens to be a Christian oriented organization there is a quicker and less expensive way.   Please feel free to email me about that.

The federal government and most private funders require 501c3 before they will give money.  You may also be able to find a local organization or church to act as your fiscal agent until you get things in order on your own.

The best and quickest funding sources are local businesses and organizations,  For info on others check out http://www.foundationcenter.org  Your state dept of children and youth services or your local juvenile court may have some funding.   There will be grant applications to fill out.   The Foundation Center also has courses on how to apply for grants.