Start a Non Profit | Ocean Grand » Types of Non Profits

Sexy New Form of NonProfit

oceangrand — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:52 +0000

Discovering and Exploring the Easiest Way to Start and Run a Nonprofit

I like to work smart, not hard. I currently run several nonprofits and have for many years but have never kept any bookkeeping, done any accounting, or ever been to the bank to make a deposit. I have been able to run these nonprofits from anywhere in the world and not one on my staff does any of these types of activities, but instead devotes 100% of their time to our projects, not office work. One hundred percent of everyone’s time that is involved in our nonprofits is spent on developing our programs, fundraising, and executing our programs. In fact, running our nonprofits is so easy that anyone could run a successful nonprofit. The difference is in how we run our nonprofits, by working smart not hard. Read on and I will explain the easy way to run a nonprofit 501c3 versus the hard ordinary way. You can then decide for yourself which you prefer.

The New (not so new) Way of Starting a Nonprofit

Many spend weeks, months or even years wading through the process to start, learn to fund and run a successful nonprofit. Many refer to starting their own nonprofit as a “dream” because it seems like getting a nonprofit formed is such a hard thing to accomplish. However, starting, learning to fund and running a successful nonprofit is something we help people do every day with just a few easy steps. Running an independent nonprofit, for many, has become outdated, cumbersome and not very agile to make quick effective changes when needed. Yet there is a sleek, sexy, and streamlined form of nonprofit coming on the scene.

Let’s explore a process of starting a nonprofit you may not have known even existed. There is an easy way to start and run a nonprofit and then there is the ordinary way which is a lot more difficult. After reading this post you may decide that anyone could run a nonprofit, and I believe they can. Many who I talk with do not know that a nonprofit can be started and efficiently ran with 501c3 status through an entity called a fiscal sponsorship. Simply put, a fiscal sponsorship allows a nonprofit project to be created inside of an already existing independent 501c3 nonprofit. This eliminates the creation hassle and IRS approval that takes many months including the absorbent fees to do so. By starting a nonprofit through fiscal sponsorship, an organization can have nonprofit status in a few weeks without much in the way of start up fees. This enables those that want to do nonprofit work an easy and inexpensive way to form and run a nonprofit while having it up and running within weeks, with many added benefits.

Fiscal Sponsorships are becoming a quite popular and a much sought way of starting and running a nonprofit. In this short post I will introduce you to the Fiscal Sponsorship way of setting up and running a nonprofit to help you explore this option as a viable and less expensive way to have your nonprofit organization up and running with less hassle than you ever thought possible.

What Every NonProfit Needs

The main reason an organization would want to have tax exempt nonprofit status is to appeal to its financial contributors by granting them tax deductions on their gifts. The second reason tax exempt status is appealing is to gain access to grants (free money that does not have to be repaid) that is available from any number of government and foundation organizations. Fiscally Sponsored nonprofits as well as independent nonprofits both enjoy these two sought after benefits. However, there are more things to consider when starting a nonprofit.

The Painful Part of a NonProfit Business

A main consideration in starting either a fiscally sponsored or independent nonprofit is in the amount of administration that can be associated with running either of them. A real factor in running any business is the time or ongoing expenses you will spend accomplishing the administration. Many times a fiscally-sponsored nonprofit frees up the majority of the employees’ time to do the actual projects instead of the administration and paperwork.

The administration for a nonprofit is a real consideration, and you are either going to do it yourself, hire staff to do it, or outsource it to professionals (bookkeepers, CPAs, etc.). Many find that doing the administration for a nonprofit is time consuming, tedious and labor intensive. Those that decide to hire staff or outsource the administration find that option expensive. What if there was a way to get all the administration done at a fraction of the cost while not having to do it yourself?

All the Fun, None of the Paperwork

Many find, by setting up a fiscally sponsored nonprofit, they can have all the benefits of a nonprofit they desire and none of office work they don’t. Ocean Grand understands that office work can get in the way, while consuming large amounts of time, and instead has a virtual staff that takes care of all the nonprofit’s administration, accounting, bookkeeping, banking, and even the quarterly and end of the year filings. Imagine the ease of starting a nonprofit and not needing to worry about any of the office work and instead are free to spend all your time doing fundraising and programs, leaving the office work to a highly trained and efficient staff.

Through a fiscal sponsorship, Ocean Grand sets your fixed costs on administration at 8% which is much lower than outsourcing it would ever be. In addition, the virtual administration staff that will be working on your nonprofit paperwork is highly experienced in nonprofit administration so you know the work will be done right every time.

Work Smart Not Hard

For many years I have enjoyed the benefits and joys of running several fiscally-sponsored nonprofits and never once had to think about the time or expense of their administration. Instead, I have been able to concentrate 100% of my time and energy on the continued success of the programs and fundraising and leaving the administration and office work to a highly trained staff that only costs a fraction of what hiring professionals or even my own in house staff would cost. A fiscally-sponsored nonprofit affords me all of the pleasure and benefits of a nonprofit without all the hassle usually associated with running a business. Along with me, thousands around the world enjoy this simple and effective way of running a nonprofit. Through Ocean Grand, in just a couple weeks you could have your own nonprofit operational at just a fraction of the cost of setting up and running an ordinary much more difficult nonprofit.

NonProfits that are fiscally sponsored have been around for over 40 years and the reason you are not familiar with them is that they operate, do the same great nonprofit work, enjoy the same benefits and look just like any other nonprofit.

Click here to learn how you can Start and run a NonProfit the Easy Way

Actors Are People Too!

oceangrand — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:30:14 +0000

How Actors and Entertainers Can Jump On The Fast Track

If you are an actor, actress or know an actor or actress, you need to read this article on how you can better launch your career by focusing on what many actors do once they are successful. Read on and I will show you how you can begin to network like crazy in circles of successful actors like you never thought possible.

We have all seen the commercials and ads when a famous actor or celebrity jumps onboard with a charity or “save the world” cause. Suddenly that actor seems more “touchable” and real. It helps us consider what we could do to make a difference in the world and focus our attention on those that need our help. The fact is, lots of well known actors do all types of non profit charity work and not only does it bring awareness to the cause, but helps them network with others in their field. Many successful actors actually own non profits which promote their cause and accept donations. Why then, if successful celebrities and actors can own their own non profit, promote great causes, take advantage of the high-end networking, and accept loads of donations, don’t up-and-coming actors take advantage of these same opportunities? Most simply do not know how easily it is to jump-start their career and influence by doing so. In this short post I will explain the benefits that every actor or person in the entertainment industry can leverage by owning their own non profit and shift their entertainment career into high gear.

The Power of Networking

Everyone knows that networking is powerful in any career or endeavor. Sometimes the toughest decision is where and how to network the most effectively. In the world of entertainment, competition is fierce and “who you know” is many times critical to getting the gig, the audition, or being cast. Sure, once you get the part or gig then you must turn on your best social skills and network like crazy with those for the short time you are working with them. However, what if there was an easier and more effective way to network 24 hours a day with actors, directors, producers, and support staff even when you are not on the set or even employed? What if that networking tool could even financially support you while you were between gigs? How exciting would it be if you also learned that the same avenue of networking could be highly satisfying in itself, and help make the world a better place? The type of networking I am talking about can do all that plus include you in circles of influence and contacts that you never thought was possible until you were walking the red carpet. What is this amazing tool? Read on.

When the Director says “Cut”

Even if you were on a set or playing a gig there is work to be done and little time to network and when the director says “cut” everyone is in a hurry to get to their family, gala, fundraising dinner, etc. Wait, what if you could be involved in those people’s lives and interests after the final scene of the day? You can and its not hard. What if you were off to the same galas, fundraising dinners, and nonprofit volunteering that the other stars were off to? That is where the “real” mingling takes place. Even if you were between acting or music gigs you could still be off to the same events. There are two easy ways to do that and one that assures you more success than the other. Follow along.

Scenario One

Say there was a particular actor, director, producer or casting director you knew being associated with would give you much better exposure? With very little research you could find with which non profit causes and charities they were involved. If they are involved with a cause then most likely others are also involved that are in your industry. If those charities and causes are something that you are interested in then simply get involved with the cause. Here is where you need to check your heart and integrity because if you are not sincerely interested in those same causes there is no integrity in you being involved. Once involved, focus on helping and being involved with that non profit, they will appreciate your help. Stay involved to help the nonprofit and you never know, you might find yourself networking with those in your industry that will give you a leg up. See http://oceangrand.org/6-steps-to-making-a-bigger-splash/ on how to get seriously involved in helping a non profit in the right ways.

Scenario Two

Most people in non profit work associate with others in the non profit arena. Instead of waiting until you are famous to find a cause you could help to make the world a better place, start now. You could easily start, build stable funding, and run your own successful non profit. I am sure you are saying “Yeah, if I had that kind of time.” You eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, right? Then you have time to create and manage a well funded and world-changing non profit. Really. Once you are finished reading this article jump over to http://oceangrand.org/6-steps-to-non-profit-freedom/ for all the information you need to, step-by-step, get a non profit successful over breakfast, lunches and dinners.

By starting your own non profit or charity you get to decide what world-changing task you are going to focus on. You create the non profit around your passions and interests. Then you start networking with all the other non profits in your city attending their fundraisers, benefits, and likewise them attending yours. If you have a world-changing non profit cause and you begin to network, it does not have to be long before you are in the same room and at the same events that those you would like to network with about your career. However, this time you are the one with whom they are wanting to be involved. Now you have two levels in which to network with them. You would be amazed at who you might have involved in your non profit.

No More “Starving Artist”

One of the great advantages of the second scenario is that your non profit can employ you. Yes, say goodbye to the days of the starving artist. Once your non profit has steady donations coming in it can employ you with a salary for the work you do on its behalf. Not only are you building a successful non profit that can change the world, but it can provide you an income while you are between or in addition to gigs. Now you get paid on and off the “clock.” Meanwhile your non profit cause is networking for you 24 hours a day as those involved are telling others about the great charitable cause of yours that they are involved in.

Why Not “Arrive” Through the Back Door?

While many are trying to network, get auditions and gigs through the front door, by starting a non profit you may just find that you “arrived” through the back door. You can change the world even before you become famous, supplement your income, and be working on your career all at the same time. If nothing else, you can leave a legacy for your family and friends to carry on when you depart. You may have noticed that a lot of charities are focused around the arts and could be an easy passion for you to discover. We at Ocean Grand would enjoy helping you start, learn to fund, and run a successful nonprofit. You never know, you might be starring in your own movie one day that documents the success of the non profit you started.

Start a Nonprofit | Medical

oceangrand — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:08:49 +0000

Life Threatening Medical Situations

The 501c3 foundation is quick and easy to set up with minimal costs. Online donations are automatically set up which makes giving easy for anyone. With a 501c3 project set up through Ocean Grand, the project’s administration, paperwork, banking, and staying within the IRS guidelines are all taken care of leaving the individual or family free to focus on the crisis. Disbursements of funds from the 501c3 project are also easy so there is no challenge for those who have not operated a non-profit before.

Additional Endowment

In addition to the initial medical 501c3 project set up to focus on a medical situation, Ocean Grand sets up an endowment for others that have a similar medical condition. This endowment can also be directed by the family, and benefits other individuals who have similar medical conditions or diagnosis. The endowment is funded by donations and a small percentage on an ongoing basis from the original 501c3 project. This allows the family or individual a second way to make an impact on the medical situation they are facing. Some focus the endowment on research or treatment to benefit others that may face the same condition.

Continuance

Both the initial 501c3 project and the endowment continue as long as the family or individual would like for them to operate. The 501c3 medical project and endowment can span many generations of a family and continue to make a difference in the ongoing medical condition or the similar condition or research for others. Many who survive a serious medical condition find they have a continuing passion to help others with the same diagnosis or situation. Many large medical nonprofits have been established by first helping one person and then continue to focus on others.

Start a Medical Non Profit

501c3 projects set up through Ocean Grand transcend time and can be family heirlooms and legacies. All 501c3 projects and foundations can be included in a family or individual’s will and be handed down for generations. A great grandchild or relative may one day be running a project set up by their grandparents for a cause and focus that was dear to them and has continued through the generations.

Setting up a medical nonprofit is simple and easy. Just go to the “Start a 501c3″ tab above and fill out the online application.

Non Profit Adoption

oceangrand — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:02:09 +0000

Adoptions can be accomplished all with nonprofit funds.Â People love helping little kids find a home!Â Lots of couples desire to adopt children, but the financial requirement can be daunting.Â However, with a nonprofit set up for the adoption funds and a team of people behind you contributing tax deductible funds, adoption may be well within your grasp. Before many know it, with a few nights of fund raising dinners and projects, many have all the funds they need to adopt.

At Ocean Grand, if you desire to adopt, we want to help you set up a nonprofit adoption project. You may just be the future grandparents or aunt and uncle and we can work with you to empower those that you love that wish to adopt. Either way, a nonprofit adoption project is one of the easiest ways to let others be involved in giving a child a safe and comfortable home, while being able to deduct the contribution on their taxes.

Here is how it works

You fill out a simple 2 page application that can be found here on the website.Â It takes us and the CDP admin staff about 3 weeks to get all the paperwork done and program set up.Â While we are doing that you get your image, brochures, website, etc. set up (one of our sponsors will give you up to a 60% discount onÂ all that).Â Â Set up a few fundraising events, you can find information on how to do that here on the site so that once your project is set up you are ready to roll.

You are going to use all the money you raise directly for the adoption, home study, travel to see children, etc.Â This way youâ€™re getting to use all the money instead of having taxes taken out of money first and then using the money.Â Depending on what tax bracket youâ€™re in, that could mean 30%+ more money.Â If it goes into the nonprofit then paid straight out for the adoption expenses, no taxes have to be paid on the money and your donors still get to write their donations off on their taxes.

So first off you set up a CDP program just for the adoption.Â Then you let people (everybody) know that youâ€™re hot on the adoption trail.Â Come up with a total figure of what the whole adoption is going to cost.Â Then you can break it down into segments like the home study, etc.Â We at Ocean Grand can help you work through all the details and look forward to seeing your little one.

Non Profit Memorials and Tributes

oceangrand — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:43:34 +0000

The majority of people that have lived life upon this earth have left without anything to show for their life, other than a few memories they have left their children- some good, some bad. One of the reasons more is not left, is that life is busy and many do not get around to thinking about the impact a memorial, scholarship, or grant could make to others once they are gone. Â That is where family members can make sure that person is never forgotten.

At Ocean Grand, we mourn the loss of tragedies and deaths that have taken place and we want to be a catalyst of healing and resolve. We want to extend an invitation to people who are legacy builders to leave a story of the their family members who have passed on andÂ what they lived their life for, to those that will come after them.Â A memorial nonprofit project can begin a legacy so that others will have no doubt that their life counted and the legacy they left continues counting everyday.

Creating a memorial is simple, easy and uncomplicated to maintain.Â We can help you create a nonprofit memorial around the person’s favorite interests or charities.Â We can even help you create the memorial fund in time to present others with a way to honor and remember those who have passed on instead of gifts or flowers. We at Ocean Grand want to help you create a memorable and positive way to remember a loved family member, a fallen soldier, or just a special friend you will miss.Â By creating a memorial it is a way that person’s life and memory can continue living and impacting others in a positive way.

AÂ nonprofit Memorial can:

Enable others to give financial gifts in lieu of flowers
Use assets the person left to benefit others in a positive way
Employ you or others to help others in an ongoing way
Be willed to other family members
Be a family foundation that lives on through generations

Get in touch with us at Ocean Grand to create a nonprofit memorial for a loved one or even for yourself that will live on once you are gone.

How it works:

Most people who are interested in setting up a nonprofit memorial need an organizational structure within which to do their work, accept donations, and manage activities.Â Many set up a nonprofit 501c3 which costs thousands of dollars to start and maintain (which we can also do.) However, this can be accomplished much easierÂ and less expensive by setting up aÂ 501c3 project through Ocean Grand and the CDP program. With aÂ 501c3Â nonprofitÂ set up through CDP, all of your administration, paperwork, banking, and staying within the IRS guidelines areÂ taken care of, leaving you free to spend more time doing the nonprofit work you like. Ocean Grand can set up an individual or organizationÂ with full nonprofit status in just a few weeks. Ongoing costs are minimal at most, saving you time and making the most of your efforts.

Many families, individualsÂ and organizations actually doing nonprofit workÂ funnel their funding through an already existing organization that charges them 10-15% for administration fees. Ocean Grand greatly reduces those fees by administering everything your organization does, including all your banking and filings for 6.5%. Ocean Grand also eliminates the need for forwarding agents or others to get you your donations once it comes in. All donations go to one address and you can wire money, or disburse one or multiple checks to anywhere you or others are in the world. For nonprofit work outside ofÂ the United States, this is especially beneficial because the individual or organization has instant access to funds whenever and however they need them.

Why The CDP Program is Different

oceangrand — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:11:22 +0000

Most people who are doing non-profit work need an organizational structure within which to do their work, accept donations, and find ongoing funding. Many set up a non-profit 501c3 which costs thousands of dollars to start and maintain (which we can also do). However, this can be accomplished much easier and less expensively by setting up their own 501c3 through Ocean Grand and the CDP program. With a 501c3 nonprofit set up through CDP, all of your administration, paperwork, banking, and staying within the IRS guidelines are taken care of, leaving you free to spend more time doing the nonprofit work you like. Ocean Grand can set up an individual or organization with full nonprofit status in a few weeks for just $385. Ongoing costs are minimal, saving you time and making the most of your fund raising efforts.

Many families, individuals and organizations actually doing nonprofit work funnel their funding through an already existing organization that charges them 6-15% for administration fees. Ocean Grand greatly reduces those fees by administering everything your organization does, including all your banking and filings for 6%. Ocean Grand also eliminates the need for forwarding agents or others to get you your funding once it comes in. All donations go to one address and you can wire money, or disburse one or multiple checks to anywhere you or others are in the world. For nonprofit work outside the United States, this is especially beneficial because the individual or organization has instant access to funds whenever and however they need them.

Unless you absolutely know that your organization and nonprofit has to be set up with a 501c3 through the IRS, the CDP Program will most likely give you more freedom, greater support, and we know it will cost you less money to run.

Family Foundations

oceangrand — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:03:37 +0000

Whether a family is wealthy or not, throughout the year they give (or would like to give) charitably to something.Â Many give to their church, orphan network, missionaries, humane society, American Red Cross, or other charitable organizations.Â To give to a charity you need to know of the charity you want to give to.

Instead, a family should have their own foundation or family project with 501c3 status that they can give to on a monthly or yearly basis.Â The funds given to the foundation are instantly tax deductible, and are maintained, like a savings account, in their account.Â Then when they give charitably, they can give out of the funds in their foundation when the time arises with more effectiveness and ability.

You have checking accounts, saving accounts, and investment accounts for all your income and spending. You should also have an account for your family charitable givingâ€¦ Ocean Grand can help you get started.

Once you start a family foundation it is yours forever.Â You might find that others want to give to your causes and eventually you may want to will your family’s foundation to your children to continue running once you are gone.