Comment

Comment by Chrissy Stout on October 3, 2012 at 11:12am

For NPO's on Maui, the HandsOn Maui people are a great resource for free training sessions, networking and events.  They are hosting the Volunteer Expo on 10/27/12 at Queen Ka'ahumanu Center.  Definitely worth connecting with these folks if you're a non-profit leader.

Comment by Pat Wardell on July 9, 2012 at 1:39pm

Jerry,

If you've never setup a non profit or another corporation before, then I'd suggest you get a good lawyer to help you.  Particularly if you're talking about having a 500K grant right out of the gate. It's really not hard to get the corporation itself setup, but obtaining the 501(c)(3) status is a bit paperwork intensive and an mistakes will cause delays as the IRS will kick it back to you with questions. It also will take longer then you'd like to get your status approved due to a IRS back log. I would also highly suggest that you immediately submit your paperwork to get your status right after you form your corporation. You actually have 18 months but by submitting sooner you have less material for the IRS to review. Less to review means faster approval. I got the status approval for the Monk Seal Foundation in about 3 months but I've heard of it taking a year before.

Also though 501(c)(3) is the most common, there are other tax exempt statuses depending upon what exactly you're trying to do. For that matter, depending upon what you're trying to do you have to decide if you even want to incorporate in Hawaii or incorporate elsewhere and simply file to do business here.  There's really more of a thought process that goes into setting up your nonprofit then I could type out off the top of my head. But if you have specific questions, I'd be happy to try and answer them.

Thanks,

Pat

Comment by Ron Lunan on July 9, 2012 at 12:53pm

We need to get Pat, Steve, or Mark to offer their two cents.  All have experience here.  I wish I could help more.

Jerry - I can put out an APB in the next newsletter on Wednesday if you want.

Comment by Jerry Isdale on July 9, 2012 at 12:46pm

This would be a great event ... unfortunately I'll be off island that day.

I now have two non-profits I need to get setup and running asap. One for Maui Makers and a separate one to manage a $500k govt grant for an international organization of space enthusiasts. 

Comment by Ron Lunan on July 9, 2012 at 9:23am

Jerry - I don't know much about starting a non-profit, but as I was finding and entering events on MSB I came across this event called "Talk Story About Starting a Non-Profit" on the 24th held at the Maui County Business Resource Center.  I bet you could find out there.

http://www.mauispringboard.com/events/talk-story-about-starting-a-n...

Comment by Jerry Isdale on July 4, 2012 at 11:42am

Suggestions on help getting a non-profit corp established?

Anyone heard of a non-profit Trust here in Hawaii? I understand they are possible in some other states and can be 501(c)3 with IRS. 

Comment by Sandra Stuart on May 26, 2012 at 1:43pm

Agreed, count me in too.

Comment by Liza Pierce on May 26, 2012 at 11:42am

Great idea to form this group. Count me in :)

Comment by Pat Wardell on May 24, 2012 at 2:23pm

Great idea for a group!

Comment by Courtney Hutton on May 23, 2012 at 6:08am

Aloha! If your non-profit has important events, volunteer opportunities or wants to inform MSB members about their organization, this is the place to share.  Enlighten us, teach us, involve us!