Any experience with starting and maintaining a service non-profit ORG?

[YukonCornelius]

I would like to start a city or county wide youth mentor type program (sort of like a group version of big bro, big sis).

This is a brand new, day old idea so it is far from being ready but I do plan to pursue it and start up within twelve months.

Here's some overview, still in the works and all 24 hours recent:

Mission: To promote an active, independent, leadership lifestyle among the committed youth of X County.

Vision: A future of X County citizens willing to improve their county and apply their values to achieve further local success.


In order to gain credibility and initial funds and promote the program I plan to ride my bicycle cross-country from CA to NC.

Activities with kids would include: games, sports, creative lessons, critical thinking, outdoors stuff, health and fitness, problem solving, socializing and team work. The idea would be to take a micro/macro approach to achieving the mission.

Any mentoring I could get to begin mentoring and making this successful would be greatly appreciated.



Some brief info about me:

Danny, 23 years old, Illinois, Accounting Student
Former athlete (football, soccer, wrestling, baseball)
Current fitness enthusiast (bike riding, bodybuilding)
Former trouble maker who sees the good in kids
Experienced in working with Special Ed. high school kids and "babysat" 3 autistic brother for a few summers

[YukonCornelius]

p.s. I want to subtly, subconsciously rub off a libertarian, self-responsibility lifestyle with morals without getting political or religious.

[chad]

p.s. I want to subtly, subconsciously rub off a libertarian, self-responsibility lifestyle with morals without getting political or religious.


every female 50 year old community foundation, chamber of commerce, ymca, boys & girls club, etc, washed up hottie "director" will be out to get you because you are going after competing funds. and they all have the same cranky attitude because they "used to be the hot chick in marketing, but now they run the ymca and deal with 75 year old guys walking on the track." good luck.

[YukonCornelius]

p.s. I want to subtly, subconsciously rub off a libertarian, self-responsibility lifestyle with morals without getting political or religious.


every female 50 year old community foundation, chamber of commerce, ymca, boys & girls club, etc, washed up hottie "director" will be out to get you because you are going after competing funds. and they all have the same cranky attitude because they "used to be the hot chick in marketing, but now they run the ymca and deal with 75 year old guys walking on the track." good luck.


I figured this as a threat already. I hope that the networking I currently have in the county with the special ed, etc combined with being the "hot [dude] in marketing" and the bike ride publicity/accomplishment will help me out.

[chad]

p.s. I want to subtly, subconsciously rub off a libertarian, self-responsibility lifestyle with morals without getting political or religious.


every female 50 year old community foundation, chamber of commerce, ymca, boys & girls club, etc, washed up hottie "director" will be out to get you because you are going after competing funds. and they all have the same cranky attitude because they "used to be the hot chick in marketing, but now they run the ymca and deal with 75 year old guys walking on the track." good luck.


I figured this as a threat already. I hope that the networking I currently have in the county with the special ed, etc combined with being the "hot [dude] in marketing" and the bike ride publicity/accomplishment will help me out.


good luck to you, i mean it. i tried this about 15 years ago and got owned.

[General of Darkness]

There is no such thing as a non-profit. Take Big Brothers Big Sisters as an example.

Chief Executive : Judy Vredenburgh, President and CEO
Compensation - $319,972

http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/children-and-youth/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-america-in-philadelphia-pa-567

[YukonCornelius]

There is no such thing as a non-profit. Take Big Brothers Big Sisters as an example.

Chief Executive : Judy Vredenburgh, President and CEO
Compensation - $319,972

http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/children-and-youth/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-america-in-philadelphia-pa-567




Well, technically that's not "profit" but it obviously is overcompensation for what is supposed to be a community service. I don't understand how some keep their tax-exempt status with pay like that. Certainly they work full-time but at $154/hr what a damn joke.

Especially for a mentor program like that where honesty and morals are meant to be taught.

[YukonCornelius]

good luck to you, i mean it. i tried this about 15 years ago and got owned.

If you don't mind elaborating and sharing a bit about the experience I would really appreciate it.

[BabushkaLady]

I would like to start a city or county wide youth mentor type program (sort of like a group version of big bro, big sis).

Mission: To promote an active, independent, leadership lifestyle among the committed youth of X County.

Vision: A future of X County citizens willing to improve their county and apply their values to achieve further local success.

This is all doable! What a nice idea!

Getting the 5013-C is just a matter of plopping down the monies wih the IRS (I think its up to 750-850 now) and following up with all the paperwork. You can actively fundraise to raise those funds after you get your Illinois State Non-Profit. It's all about paying fees.

The big challenge you'll have is background checks and keeping everything so that no one can ever accuse anyone of anything! That's what will sink a good intention and idea!

You may end up re-thinking your energies and becoming a Super Volunteer for an existing cause. Look around you and seek out the organization that needs your passion and talents!

If you decide to jump all the way in . . . PM me for fundraising ideas or even your cross-county ride . . .