Where to start a nonprofit to help veterans and their families?

Education Law Forum
1

My husband, a retired veteran, and I want to start a nonprofit to help veterans. We already have accommodations in Arizona and want to provide a space where they can relax, rope, and spend time with friends. We also want to include something for their wives. We’re not sure where to start with setting up the nonprofit or how to make it all official. Any advice would be appreciated!

2

That sounds like an amazing idea! First step is to decide on your nonprofit’s mission and draft a clear statement for it.

3

Eli said:
That sounds like an amazing idea! First step is to decide on your nonprofit’s mission and draft a clear statement for it.

Thanks! We’re thinking about focusing on recreation and community building for veterans and their families.

4

Eli said:
That sounds like an amazing idea! First step is to decide on your nonprofit’s mission and draft a clear statement for it.

That’s a great focus. It’ll help when you’re applying for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.

5

You’ll need to register your nonprofit with the state of Arizona first. They have forms online for incorporation.

6

Cairo said:
You’ll need to register your nonprofit with the state of Arizona first. They have forms online for incorporation.

Good to know. Do you happen to know where I can find those forms?

7

Cairo said:
You’ll need to register your nonprofit with the state of Arizona first. They have forms online for incorporation.

Check the Arizona Corporation Commission website—they have a section for nonprofits.

8

For something like this, you might also need to write bylaws for your organization. They’re required for nonprofits.

9

Reese said:
For something like this, you might also need to write bylaws for your organization. They’re required for nonprofits.

Bylaws? I’ve heard of those but not sure what to include in them.

10

Reese said:
For something like this, you might also need to write bylaws for your organization. They’re required for nonprofits.

They’re basically rules for how your nonprofit will operate. Things like board member roles, meetings, and decision-making.

11

Make sure to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status once you’re set up. It’ll help with fundraising and donations.

12

Wendell said:
Make sure to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status once you’re set up. It’ll help with fundraising and donations.

Yeah, we definitely want to do that. Is the application process hard?

13

Wendell said:
Make sure to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status once you’re set up. It’ll help with fundraising and donations.

It can be a bit complicated, but there are resources online to guide you, or you can hire someone to help.

14

You might also want to reach out to local veteran organizations—they could help spread the word or collaborate.

15

Tristan said:
You might also want to reach out to local veteran organizations—they could help spread the word or collaborate.

That’s a great idea. We’ll definitely look into connecting with local groups.

16

Tristan said:
You might also want to reach out to local veteran organizations—they could help spread the word or collaborate.

For sure! They might even have advice or grants available to support your work.