Once you have discovered your passion for a cause, there is much to do in order to channel that passion into a non-profit charitable organization. Being currently in the throws of establishing Blessings In The Mire, Inc. (a corporation dedicated to preventing adolescent suicide), I am too aware of the mangle of mandated forms to be filed (along with fees) with the State, Federal, and local entities, and of the conglomerate of ordanances to be observed. Then there are the agencies that protect consumers, all with their open pockets, awaiting my business check for their stamp of approval.

When I researched the Internet to dig up the procedures for starting a non-profit, I was led directly to the IRS for instruction. There, I read the various designations in hopes of determining which type of corporation to opt for. This is sticky business. More than a dozen times I was advised (warned?) to "seek professional legal advice." Apparently, this is stated to scare off the bulk of would-be entreprenuerial sorts. Undaunted, I dug out the necessary forms, and went on to create my by-laws, and my articles of incorporation. Simultaneously, I contacted the State for a business license (conveniently ordered and paid for on-line), and contacted the Consumer Protection Agency to pay the fee that allows me to ask for donations. I've now been inundated with corporate credit card offers. Still, I await the decision from the IRS giving me the okay and the "501 c3" status I need to run my business. In the meanwhile, I have ordered tee shirts, bumper stickers, flyers, and coffee mugs with my logo and motto blazing boldly in anticipation of the day the letter will arrive. My fingers are crossed. Check back in a couple of weeks and see if I'm having a fire sale.... It's all for a great cause.