I want to set up a charity but am confused at the difference between a charity and a non-profit organization?!

Question

What i want to dobasically is reveive donations and do fund raising events to help with the education of children in a town in mexico i've visited and love i.e provide books, uniforms and anything else for the children or schools that will benefit them.

Answer 1

The difference between the two is if you don't have a nonprofit title you have to pay the taxes non the moneys you take in so get that first and the start your charity I do believe you can get the forms at the IRS but I am not sure on that one hope I help

Answer 2

charity is to non-profit organization as beagle is to dog.

Answer 3

You don't say where you are.

If you are in Canada, this web site will answer your question:

http://www.envision.ca/templates/resourc...

If you are in the USA and have a relationship with an already-established organization in Mexico, you might be able to set up a trust fund meant only to fund that organization. Otherwise, you will need to form a nonprofit, because otherwise, you will have to pay tax on any donations you get for this effort.

If you are in the USA:

Starting a Nonprofit Organization

http://www.managementhelp.org/strt_org/s... (one of my favorite resources)

Starting a Non-Profit

Checklist- The Things You Must Do to Start a Nonprofit Organization

http://www.ctnonprofits.org/pages/NonPro...

Starting a Nonprofit Organization - How to Start a Nonprofit http://nonprofit.about.com/od/nonprofitb...

How to Start a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization

http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-501c3-Non...

Answer 4

There is no such legal entity in the UK as a non profit organisation, although the term is bandied about to mean charities and other organisations where the profits are not distributed among the members.

You can collect for your Mexican school without registering as a charity provided you don't say that the caise is a charity or charitable.

If you want to set up a charity, you will need to draw up a governing document, recruit able trustees and be prepared to abide by Charity Law. You cannot register as a charity until the income for the org reaches £5k. Its a big legal undertaking to be avoided if possible and I always try and talk people out of it.

If you are determined to proceed, your local CVS (Google your town and CVS) will help you.

Or get a consultant...lol

Answer 5

A charity is one type of non-profit organization. In the US, the IRS and State statutes regulate the tax exempt status of non-profit programs. Charities can be exempt from federal and state taxes if they comply with Federal and State statutes regarding non-profits.

It is possible for a charity to not be classified as non-profit; but then it would not be tax exempt and donations would not be tax deductible. The charity would still need to be registered in some fashion with Federal and State agencies and would still need a Federal tax ID number.

Answer 6

also in a non profit org. wages can and are paid to staff.