 |
|
ab |
|
|
|
|
Starting a
Chocolate Society/Club
| |
 |
|
Q.
I am a chocolate
enthusiast, lover, supporter, and addicted. I am curious to know how to start
a chocolate society for myself and other like-minded fanatics. I have not
found one based in the U.S.A. My hope is that I could mail a newsletter and
special offers to the society members. Is this possible? If so, how do I go
about starting it, promoting it, sustaining it, financing it, and doing
whatever it is that I need to do to support its growth. -- Margaret
Advice
by Leigh Nixon
| |
 |
|
|
Dear Aaron:
I read your request and this sounds like a great thing to do! Here's what I
know about starting a non-profit society:
1) Obtain forms from your CPA: a) California Form 3500 b) Federal Form 1023
2) You will need Articles of Association to submit to the Secretary of
State along with a set of bylaws
3) Once you have all of this paperwork filled out, you will recieve a non
profit status from all three entities and can begin to solicit business or
members etc.
The cost is approximately $900, which you will receive back upon receiving
approved status. Once you have your State and IRS numbers that make you
credible, you can use those in your letters of solicitation. Your CPA or
attorney can help you fill them out, or if you need help once you receive the
forms, I will assist you as well by phone or e-mail. Good luck! Leigh
About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Leigh Nixon,
President/CEO, The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce (Business Plans and
Marketing) Leigh has been in the Chamber profession for 17 years. She began
her career with the Irvine Chamber as Membership Director and then served the
Temecula Chamber as Special Events Manager, managing a 100,000 person Balloon
& Wine Festival event, before becoming their CEO in 1989. She was with
the Santa Clarita and Palmdale Chambers before taking the helm of the Simi
Valley Chamber in April 1999. Prior to her Chamber career, she was in the
banking industry for 16 years, most of which was as a bank official in
corporate banking and branch management.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the
author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com. Users should not treat the Guide's response as
legal, accounting, or professional advice as all answers are intended to be
general in nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified
professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or
circumstances, such as an attorney or accountant.
|
| ab |
|
|
