Our group (Tracy Area Animal Rescue, MN) is working on applying for non profit status. Is there a website or any advice you could give us for doing the IRS paperwork? As I understand it, you get ONE shot to apply with the IRS and it needs to be exactly right. We are it for Lyon county. There are a few people who independently do foster in Marshall, MN.

We have been very successful so far. We have reunited or rehomed every dog that has come through our doors. We currently have two dog in foster care. We need non profit status in order to qualify for grants and for a discount with our local vet. We have gathered enough donations to have dogs that come in get their shots and worming. Spay and neuter has been done in some cases and not others because of lack of funds. Any advice or help you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Our group (Tracy Area Animal Rescue, MN) is working on applying for non profit status. Is there a website or any advice you could give us for doing the IRS paperwork? As I understand it, you get ONE shot to apply with the IRS and it needs to be exactly right. We are it for Lyon county. There are a few people who independently do foster in Marshall, MN.

We have been very successful so far. We have reunited or rehomed every dog that has come through our doors. We currently have two dog in foster care. We need non profit status in order to qualify for grants and for a discount with our local vet. We have gathered enough donations to have dogs that come in get their shots and worming. Spay and neuter has been done in some cases and not others because of lack of funds. Any advice or help you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

There is info out there. If you have a friend who is a CPA, they can do it all for you. It is paperwork and time basically. Good luck!

We were told by a cat rescue 50 miles or so away that if our bylaws are not written right they would deny our request. I've looked at the info on IRS.gov and I'm not seeing anything about it. We've tried to have their director up to help us a couple of times now and she's blown us off.

We do have a lawyer who's willing to help us pro bono, but he also suggested we find a CPA to do the IRS forms.

I've thought about starting my own rescue and here is a great link I've found that has a lot of information. I have help from the two rescues I volunteer for now though so if I ever decide to start another rescue, they will be able to advise but the link is a great help and gives an idea of what you need, what to expect and how to file properly.
http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/pg/2/objectId/EA3D3043-9A88-43F5-8DC869639F0F6E77/catId/CE94A6B3-EFB6-4036-8498D5414328FD73/111/262/ART/

I would recommend getting a CPA. Good luck!

I work for the DOR and I will volunteer my time to help you complete the process! Please PM me!

Thank you! I'll show the president of our organization the step through website and find out what's happening with the lawyer and the incorporation paperwork. If things are as confused as I think they are, we may need to go ahead and buy the book that the article links to. Last time we met, I talked to her about setting up a file for each animal we have dealt with since we have been getting donations. We have a bank account so at least we have record of money coming in and going out to the vet's office. Everyone is distracted at the moment because we have had a small building donated and now we need to negotiate with the city for a place to put it.

Double K, I will be getting in touch with you as soon and I know where exactly we are in the process.