Starting a non profit

Since I got my Master's in Non Profit Management (MNM) I am getting requests from friends and family members who want help on starting a non profit. So I decided to write this blog to give some tips on how to start one. 

The IRS has a lot of information on this especially starting with this video: Starting Out

But if you don't have a lot of spare time here are some quick tips to get you started.

First, create a non-profit organization under state law for the state you live in. Do some research and find out the necessary requirements your state suggest. 

Second, acquire an Employer Identification Number by clicking here.

Third, you need to prepare your organizing documents. This for most organizations will be your Articles for Incorporation. Here is a sample form to use as a guide. 

The next step is Applying for Exemption 501(c)(3) with the IRS by completing Form 1023.

After you receive your exemption certificate from the IRS you need to be sure to comply with the necessary filing requirements. These requirements are the annual exempt organization returns (return info), unrelated business tax returns, and other returns and reports that an organization may have to file. In addition to the required filings, a charity may have other ongoing compliance obligations.

Significant Events  include but are not limited to audits by the IRS, private letter rulings, and termination proceedings.

I hope I have provided you with some quick tips to starting a non-profit organization. Be sure to visit  this website in order to Stay Exempt.

MNM, B*B*J*B

Viola Marie Events

This past month I was able to have my friends and family travel the world with me at my graduation celebration planned by Viola Marie Events. The event planners, Berdene Viola and Raquel Marie, captured my vision and created an over the top event for my guest to enjoy.

50 guest were invited to the celebration and were amazed at the travel themed decor. The centerpieces  were outlined with pictures of my travels to Trinidad, Barbados, Paris, Toronto, and London over the past 4 years. There  were also special features of places I have lived in of New York, Virginia, & Florida. The centerpieces outlined the representation of the grass of Wimbledon Tennis Center in London, England. The party favors represented the clay from the tennis courts of the French Open in Paris, France.

The menu included:

Appetizers-Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Eggrolls, Bruschetta, and Sweet Potato Fries

Dinner-Spanish Rice, Stew Chicken, Vegetable Medley, Curry Goat, Roti & Buss Upshot

Beverages-Tropical Fruit Punch, Mauby, and Limed Water

Desert-French Crepe, Fruit Platter, Banana Bread,  European Wafer, and Cake Pops

All the guests received a stamped visa documenting their experience. Have a wedding, birthday or special event coming up? You can hire Viola Marie Events at violamarieevents@gmail.com. You will surely enjoy yourself!!!! 

I would like to acknowledge my family and close friends, Mt. Calvary Treasury & Finance Departments, State of Florida Management Services and the Florida Department of Revenue for the impact they have had in helping me to reach my goals. Special thanks to the staff of Viola Marie Events, Carlton Arms North Lakeland, the catering services of my parents; Dalton & Esther Beckles, Marcelena Adonis, Sabriena Scott, Wendy Griffith-Reece, Donna Fowler, and Nancy Joseph. The assistance of Kandace, Jenny, Vanessa, Julia, Theresa, Amber, Candice, Allan, Eddie, Kwesi, and Ron were especially appreciated. The tributes by Kandace Reece, Bro. & Sis. Theo Neives, Rhonda Harris, Kay Lawrence, and Gwen Davis-Webb were heartfelt and will forever be cherished.

Thank you,

Advertising B*B*J*B

Graduating B*B*J*B

It is that time of year again. People of all ages are receiving a piece of paper showing their accomplishments and I am lucky enough to be one of them. You may say, it is no big deal  but to me it is the biggest deal!!!

Here's my story.......

In New York, if a child is going to be turning 5 within the calendar year then can start going to school at age 4. So here I am with a december birthday mixed with seemingly older kids in pre-kindergarten. Little did I know this was the beginning of an uphill battle with my graduating. The school I attended had kindergarten and 1st grade (weird right?) So guess who didn't have a graduation after completing kindergarten?!?? ME!!

My parents placed me in PS 30 to begin first grade. At this point I didnt even know I missed out on anything. Until the end of 5th grade the biggest change I could face happened. My family moved to Virginia........ Where did this come from?!? I am a New Yorker.....what will I do there?? It didn't help that PS 30 graduates their elementary students after they finish the 6th grade not 5th. Wait a minute, another graduation passed me by.

All the while your siblings and friends are graduating. Something isn't right!!! But there was nothing I could do. Until the 8th grade. I'm thinking for sure I will finally get to walk across the stage in front of all my friends and family. What do you mean No Commencement Ceremony from Sterling Middle School???? Yes, that was me in the main office asking anyone who would listen. How is that possible?!?!? Do I just walk into high school? ?? The answer is yes. No graduation, no ceremony, just commence into high school. Literally!!

So here I am, doing all I can to not only graduate from High School but with all types of awards and recognition to go along with it. I was ready for them this time. But where do I end up?!?!? With a graduatation ceremony on the Sabbath...... first was shock, then reality hit. I made the decision to worship my Saviour on the Sabbath instead of glorifying myself and my accomplishments. Most people questioned me on my decision others probably laughed but I chose to keep my Sabbath reverent.

At this point most people have had 4 to 5 graduations and I have had 0, not one!! Can't even express how I felt, what I thought this meant, how this was going to define me. Until finally, after another four years of hard work and focus I obtained my bachelors degree from Andrews University at age 21. This time there were no exceptions I was going to get to walk across a stage, shake some peoples hands and receive my degree in front of my family & friends. What could possibly go wrong?!? Aside from my best friend not coming, sharing my big day with my brother, and my family not finding the seats on time.  The worst thing in waiting so long to graduate is no one seeing you finally so it!!!

So, graduating to some is no big deal but to me it is. On Thursday May 2, 2013 I will be graduating from University of Central Florida with a Masters degree is Non Profit Management and I welcome you all to view the commencement ceremony live at http://webcast.oir.ucf.edu beginning 2:00 pm.

Thank you all for your prayers, love and support. They are greatly appreciated. 

The Graduating B*B*J*B