501c3 status

[thatguy2]

I am trying to push for a 501c3 arm for our fire department to allow access to grants we currently can not get. I reached out to local CPAs and they told us everybody is short staffed and they would not be interested in taking it on. I am trying to figure out how to proceed on our own.

 

[Admin]

 

[Remington]

I am trying to push for a 501c3 arm for our fire department to allow access to grants we currently can not get. I reached out to local CPAs and they told us everybody is short staffed and they would not be interested in taking it on. I am trying to figure out how to proceed on our own.

Can you elaborate to what 501c3 arm is for those in Reo Linda please? Might help you a bit more.

 

[906UP]

@KyGal83

 

[thatguy2]

Can you elaborate to what 501c3 arm is for those in Reo Linda please? Might help you a bit more.

Our fire department itself can not be a 501c3. However many will have a 501c3 to support them. A neighboring department has one that is Rural Fire District #1 Equipment account.

 

[CID]

Can you elaborate to what 501c3 arm is for those in Reo Linda please? Might help you a bit more.

google is my friend -

A 501 (c) (3) organization is a nonprofit that can accept tax-deductible donations and is exempt from federal income tax. Learn about the eligibility criteria, benefits, and drawbacks of this tax categ…

 

[Scoop]

Our fire department itself can not be a 501c3. However many will have a 501c3 to support them. A neighboring department has one that is Rural Fire District #1 Equipment account.

Might I be bold enough to encourage you to reach out to that neighboring department and ask them for any advice? Been there, done that is typically pretty solid advice.

 

[KyGal83]

I am trying to push for a 501c3 arm for our fire department to allow access to grants we currently can not get. I reached out to local CPAs and they told us everybody is short staffed and they would not be interested in taking it on. I am trying to figure out how to proceed on our own.

I am an accountant.. The next month is a very busy time for all accountants. It is the final push of returns. But Feel free to reach out. I might be able to help you, if not I can guide you in the right direction. I am out of the office today… but PM me and I can get you my number.

Please note once applied for a 501c3 status can take as long 3-9 months to be approved.

 

[Scoop]

I am an accountant.

Whoa, what a multi-tasker! You are an accountant AND a sammich maker?

(Yes, I know, I know. The fine will be paid in oatmeal and raisin cookies).

 

[thatguy2]

Might I be bold enough to encourage you to reach out to that neighboring department and ask them for any advice? Been there, done that is typically pretty solid advice.

I did. The current chief isn't sure how to set one up. He is willing to help once it is up and running to make sure we remain in compliance. The folks that started theirs are long gone.

 

[KyGal83]

I did. The current chief isn't sure how to set one up. He is willing to help once it is up and running to make sure we remain in compliance. The folks that started theirs are long gone.

There is a lot you can do to help yourself to get started.. a lot of it is fact finding. Download the application here:

About Form 1023-EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code | Internal Revenue Service

Information about Form 1023-EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including recent updates, related forms, and instructions on how to file. This form is used to apply for recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

www.irs.gov

Here is also some addition steps to follow:

https://www.nvfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Obtain_501c3.pdf

 

[KyGal83]

Whoa, what a multi-tasker! You are an accountant AND a sammich maker?

(Yes, I know, I know. The fine will be paid in oatmeal and raisin cookies).

Yep.. That is the appropriate fine.

 

[Remington]

google is my friend -

A 501 (c) (3) organization is a nonprofit that can accept tax-deductible donations and is exempt from federal income tax. Learn about the eligibility criteria, benefits, and drawbacks of this tax categ…

Thanks, usually I use DuckGo not Commieoogle lol. I was at work taking a quick brake. Was thinking about searching it but a customer was wondering around in the utility room I was in so I asked it cuz As you can see, I havent been on since and I would have most certainly would have forgot to check.

 

[thatguy2]

The fire board wants us to get this, so they are going to reach out to some people to try and get me help. They didn't know anybody off hand. It will be interesting.

 

[BBB]

Can your department's accountant help with this?
Our department has an association that consists of past and present firemen. They recently obtained the 501c3 designation. The association helps by purchasing items for the station and department.

 

[thatguy2]

Can your department's accountant help with this?
Our department has an association that consists of past and present firemen. They recently obtained the 501c3 designation. The association helps by purchasing items for the station and department.

We don't have an accountant. Our treasurer is a farmer using quick books pro.

 

[BBB]

We don't have an accountant. Our treasurer is a farmer using quick books pro.

Is there an accountant locally that might help for free or reduced fee

 

[thatguy2]

Is there an accountant locally that might help for free or reduced fee

Somehow every one I tried said "I doubt you find anyone local we are all short staffed. Good luck".

 

[thatguy2]

This fell on the backburner. They jumped the assistance to firefighters grant up on me. Last year it opened in late January. This time it was late November. I also applied for 2 other grants trying to get a cab/chassis so we can get some reliable brush trucks. I just need a domino to fall and I think we can start replacing trucks.

Back on topic. Late last week I asked for help on Facebook. A Fire Chief from a neighboring county reached out. Apparently there is a nonprofit in our county seat that offers help on these. I have a meeting this Friday with them to learn options.

 

[thatguy2]

We met with the non profit. They would basically be a pass thru and any grant I wanted to apply for would have to be approved by them. They also take a cut.

I did find a lawyer that is setting us up with the 501c3. We met with him last week. His wife is a member of the KS search and rescue task force 1. He said she would kill him if he didnt help us.