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What kind of entity is your organization?
You may just be starting out, and doing important work for your community, or you may have decided to take part in a small group that is working for a cause, and the group needs to define what it is. Is it a “club” that is informal and does not receive any official benefits, or do you want to take it to the next level?
A Non-profit is a legal entity, and the IRS can help you figure out what you are,
“Life Cycle of an Exempt Organization“ http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169727,00.html
It is important, that a non profit must comply with federal, state, city, and county legal code, and if your plans include growth, you must plan for the time where the organization goes on without you.
Setting up a proper board, having by-laws, a strategic plan, getting the proper tax status goes a long way to insuring that your non-profit will be credible. Credibility leads itself to being able to find good board members, and the ability to solicit donations of any size.
Has your organization been keeping up with tax regulations? Does your board provide you with the necessary skills for your nonprofit to succeed? Do your bylaws , mission statement, clearly differentiate you from similar nonprofits? Do your board members have nonprofit management, fundraising, legal, or other important relevant skills?
Great blog as a resource: Get Grant Money Today

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