Steps necessary to start a Non-profit org. ??

Factual Questions
1

Short background: I have a niece and nephew with cerebral palsy, niece has decent motor skills, but my nephew will probably never walk without a walker.

I recently have been researching The Miracle League, which is a “little league” type organization for children who have such profound disabilities that normal leagues for challenged children are unavailable for them. The field is an artificial one, surfaced so that children in wheelchairs and walkers can move about on it. I have spoken with a few individuals about opening such a leage here(my nephew is 12 hours away, but his condition is the impetus for my desire to do this), and I don’t foresee a problem raising the needed money.

What are the beginning steps we would need to take to start a foundation to get a Miracle League running…estimates BEGIN at $500,000 to build the field and facilities.

Do you have to “incorporate” in some way, filling out forms, registering with the IRS, etc?

2

I think the easiest way is to work through a local non-profit that has 501©(3) (non-profit) status. If you do the work and the fundraising, they’d probably be happy to help.

If you decide you need to incorporate, you’ll need a lawyer. Many lawyers are willing to do this kind of work pro bono. Try contacting your county bar association. I used to work at a program where we connected people like you to lawyers who were willing to work for free.

Good luck!