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Re: non-profit status



The only difference between an NFP and any other corporation is that the NFP's
"profits" are put back into the business.  True of my farm, plus whatever else
I can earn!  <G>

NFPs enjoy some extra access to grant programs, can give tax-deductible
receipts for donations, might gain some extra credibility with official NFP
status even though the folks doing the work are paid a salary -- which I never
got as a "for profit" farmer.  <GG>

On the down side, since the state grants the NFP license/status, the state
gets to require an annual audit of the books and in some cases the books also
have to be open to public scrutiny.  Not a problem for me since I'm Green not
only in name but in politics and adhere to the guiding principles of the Green
Party which include "all agendas out on the table, no secrets".  Be prepared
for extra record keeping if going for NFP status.  Which is actually a snap to
those of us who've learned to jump through the organic certification hoops
already!

Some very good books are available at amazon.com on this topic.  One of them
even comes with software for incorporating.

I'm told incorporation costs between $500 and $1000 in New York State.  Not
sure about elsewhere.  I would NOT do it without the advice and assistance of
an attorney.

Dori Green
Ash Grove Community Farm & Center for Sustainable Living
NFP Incorporation Pending

http://www.agrove.com