Re. Patrick:  Yes, and that's one of the favored paths to obtain independent tax-exempt nonprofit status. 

If the sponsoring organization is doing its job properly, it will help train members of the new entity, so they are better equipped to manage things when they achieve independent tax-exempt status.

Seems to me that's a good path forward if SR decides to become a nonprofit.

-G.


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On 13-10-06-Sun 12:05 AM, Patrik D'haeseleer wrote:
On Sat, Oct 5, 2013 at 11:05 PM, GtwoG PublicOhOne <g2g-public01@att.net> wrote:
Then when you make the filing with IRS, IRS will typically assign someone to work with you on it, to help get it approved.  This can still take well over a year to become finalized.  But during that time, you can still solicit donations and suchlike, provided that you inform donors that their donations may not be tax-deductible, and that an IRS decision on tax-exempt status is still pending. 

Alternatively, you can get fiscal sponsorship for 501(c)3 status through an organization such as School Factory. That way you can start acting as a full 501(c)3 from the start, and they'll help you out with all the paperwork, assume some financial liability, provide nonprofit advice, etc. In exchange, they keep 10% of any donations (*not* including membership fees, since those are not tax deductable).

Patrik