Community Education program brochures Game plan for booster clubs | Page 13

New Booster Clubs
When establishing a new 501c3 status or organization, seek a credible and current source
of information, rather than replicating old organizational models used by other boosters.
View nonprofit resources at www.mncn.org (Minnesota Council of Nonprofits).
Here is a checklist to get your booster club started:
• Define your mission: Your mission statement should define who the booster
is, why you exist, who will benefit from your work, and what your core
priorities and activities are.
• Choose a name: Check for name availability and reserve your booster club
name with the Minnesota Secretary of State office. More information can be
found at www.sos.state.mn.us.
• Enlist and elect a board of directors: At minimum you will need to have a
President, Treasurer, and Secretary. It is also recommended to have a Vice
President and chairs for your various activity committees.
• Notify the school/administration: Please provide the Activities Director at
your school with your new booster club information.
• Complete your Articles of Incorporation: The articles establish the
existence of your new nonprofit organization. The Minnesota Council of
Nonprofits website has templates for creating your Articles of Incorporation
at www.minnesotanonprofits.org.
• Develop your Bylaws: Bylaws should outline the rules for how the
organization operates and defines the rules and responsibilities of the board
members. How your organization will run on a day to day basis is defined in
the bylaws. The roles of the board members are explained and the rules of
how the organization will operate. For more information on bylaws visit
www.minnesotanonprofits.org/nonprofit-resources/steps/planning.
• Incorporate as a Non-Profit Organization: File your Articles of Incorporation
with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This can be done online at
www.sos.state.mn.us. There is a fee of $70.
• Obtain a Federal Tax ID: Organizations must be incorporated before
applying for a Federal ID #(EIN). When opening bank accounts you may be
asked to provide your EIN. Apply for a federal ID # at www.irs.gov.
To become a 501c3 - Income Tax Exempt:
A 501c3 is a specific type of public charity that has gained permission from the IRS to raise
money from the public for an approved purpose and is exempted from paying federal
income tax. Applications and annual filings are required.
•
Obtain Income Tax Exemption from the IRS: File form 1023ez to be an
exempt organization at www.irs.gove/uac/about-form-1023ez.
www.ahschools.us/parentinvolvement
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