How to Start a 501(c) Georgia Drug & DUI Court Conference Peachtree City, Georgia Attorney Graham McKinnon IV, Friends of Recovery Board Member Kathy Norton, Hall County Family Treatment Court Coordinator
Goals of this Presentation ► Describe history of Friends of Recovery in Hall County ► Explain the reason to develop and implement a non-profit in support of your program ► Provide an outline on the development process ► Discuss which stakeholders you should involve in the process ► Describe assistance possibilities
History of Friends of Recovery ► Origin ► Friends of Recovery Board ► Fundraisers ► Incorporation into 501 (c) 3 ► Current direction and goals
History - Origin ► Sustainability Training of Trainers National Drug Court Institute Judge John Girardeau, Debra Nesbit, et.al. ► North Georgia Community Foundation Establishing account with non-profit entity
History – FOR Board ► Targeted local community leaders in variety of fields Faith-based Media Business Treatment Recovery Legal Law Enforcement Political Alumni
History – Fund-Raisers ► Talent Show Baked goods Auction Snack Sales ► Honors Banquet Silent Auction ► Walk a Mile in My Shoes Display ► Raffle ► Duathlon
History - Organization ► Board ► Non-profit corporation ► 501c3 Status
History – Current Direction ► Outreach ► Victim Impact Panel ► Housing ► “Loans” to participants in programs ► Expansion? ► Issues
Why? ► Community Involvement Developing rapport with stakeholders Reach out to those in community who have been impacted by substance abuse/mental health issues ► Funding Be creative Engage the community in the process ► Education ► Healthier Communities ► Enhances ability to apply for more grants ► Court staff cannot directly solicit support as extension of the Judge
Who? ► Stakeholders From community leaders to participants in the programs ► Staffing Issues Ethical issues with court staff being contact person Who do you choose?
How to Create a Non-Profit Organization ► Group of Organizers ► Bylaws ► Create a non-profit corporation with Secretary of State ► File for 501c3 status with the IRS
Incorporation ► O.C.G.A. Section to ► Online filing with Secretary of State: ► Name reservation ► Articles of Incorporation ► Notice
Bylaws ► General Structure 1. Officers 2. Board of Directors 3. Members/Friends ► Members of Friends (O.C.G.A ) ► Committees ► Housekeeping
501c3 – Charitable Organization ► Purpose: tax deduction for contributions ► ► Form 1023 (application and instruction)
Assistance Provided ► Any item that is an obstacle to treatment or recovery ► “Loan” versus “Gift” Decision made to seek repayment as part of the process ► Housing Support ► Transportation Support ► Recovery Residence Entry Support ► Vouchers for utilities, etc. ► Childcare Assistance
References ► Non-profit for Dummies – Hutton & Phillips ► Exposing the Elephant – Pamela Wilcox
Contact Information ► Graham McKinnon IV PO Box 2515 Gainesville, Ga (office) (office) (fax) ► Kathy Norton, Hall County Family Tx. Court Coordinator PO Box 311 Gainesville, Ga (office)