Originally posted by Cincy'sMom

Does anyone know anything about applying for 501-3C status?

I’ve heard there are grants available to shelters and rescue groups.
Does anyone know where, or how to apply?
From personal experiences with three Volunteer Groups who "wished"
they could obtain Federal / IRS "501(C)3" Status I offer this:

It's a LONG, tough, bumpy road you will have to travel!

The place to start is with the Rescue FIRST registering with
the Ohio "Secretary of State" - several informative articles
are on their web site at >>>
Ohio Sec of State - Publications page

You can "Incorporate" in Ohio rather easily (well - SORT of easily) -
the publications tell you HOW to do it.

You need a NAME, physical address, Board of Directors,
Constitution & By-Laws; then you apply for the Corp Charter in Ohio.
Helps to have an ATTORNEY to guide you; but I've helped two groups
do it with only minimal Attorney Help - which we got for free.

Being an Ohio Not-for-Profit CORPORATION does NOT get you
FEDERAL "501(C)3" Status - the Feds are a Tough Bunch to deal with!

Here's an IRS Site that gives info on "501(C)3" procedures >>>
IRS "501(C)3" Publication - a .pdf file

Note the REQUIREMENT to obtain a Federal Employer Identification
Number (EIN)! I think you also need an EIN to get the Incorporation
documents from Ohio.

Here's an informative Dept of Agriculture web page that gives a good
slant on "501(C)3" status and some more "tips" on pulling it off >>>
Dept of Ag - 501(C)3 "Tips"

Being a "501(C)3" Corporation is IMPORTANT to Corporate Donors
and most "Foundations" that support Animal Rescues -
if you're not a "501(C)3" "exempt" organization -
the Big Guys won't talk (or donate) to you!

If you read through these sites, you'll probably agree that it
Looks like a Major Pain-in-the-Butt - which it IS!

The Rescue would be well advised to try to Sign Up a Local
ANIMAL-LOVING Attorney who could advise them.

GOOD LUCK!!

/s/ Phred
..