# How do I found a charitable organization?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-a-charitable-organization/153290
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [February 6, 2003, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-a-charitable-organization/153290 "2003-02-06T19:57:32Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ready29003](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ready29003)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2003, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-a-charitable-organization/153290/1 "2003-02-06T19:57:32Z")
I want to form a charitable foundation that will:
Accept donations so that donations are considered tax deductible charitable contributions.
Give away money to people in need.
Have paid employees.
How do I establish such an organization? Is it as simple as registering a non-profit business?
Thanks.
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### Author:  [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2003, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-a-charitable-organization/153290/2 "2003-02-06T20:13:57Z")
Well first you must form a business plan. I do not have time to make you an outline but I will point you in the right direction.
You have to obtain what is called a 501 c-3 tax exempt status. To do this you must present to the IRS a whole list of items, one of those being a business plan and your c-3 forms. I’d do a google search for starting a 501 c-3 or charitable organization business plan or some other such configuration. It is a difficult thing to accomplish but certainly not insurmountable. good luck
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### Author:  [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2003, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-a-charitable-organization/153290/3 "2003-02-06T20:37:40Z")
[What are the chances?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161211)