Fundraiser help!!!!!?

Hello..im trying to start a fundraiser to send money to another country that needs aid after a devasting hurricane disaster..... what are the laws concerning money being collected? money being used to pay off people who participated in the fund raising?....sending money to other country for aid?...or any useful information about fundraising

Generally speaking, there are no particular laws about money being collected, as long as you are open and honest about what the money will be used for. As far as solicitation, if you are soliciting donations by mail or over the telephone, your state will likely require you to register as a charity.

If you hire people to assist you in this effort, you will be considered an employer, and you will have to file the usual tax forms. It will help if you are incorporated as a non-profit corporation.

As far as wiring the money overseas, you will have to be familiar with both the laws of this country and the one to which you are sending the money. If you are trying to start a large fundraiser, you should retain the services of a lawyer.

If this is a smaller fundraising effort, your best bet is to find a reputable charity for that country which also has offices in the U.S., then you can simply turn the money over to them. They will be able to handle the cash transfer, and will also be in a position to properly oversee the dispursement of the funds once they reach the hurricane area.

"It is not enough to become an IRS registered nonprofit in order to raise funds. Most states require registration so you can solicit those funds.

Most states now have laws governing charitable solicitations. These laws usually require registration prior to the solicitation of contributions. Many counties and cities also have laws governing fundraising.

If you fail to register, you can be subject to fines, civil suits or even to having your rights to solicit contributions revoked.

Registration requirements and fees vary from state to state. Your State Attorney General's office should be able to tell you what you need to do. "

The article goes on: http://nonprofit.about.com/od/qathebasic...

You might accomplish more by identifying existing agencies that are providing that aid and working with them.

For more fundraising information go to:

http://www.fundraiserhelp.com

You'll find fundraising ideas, and there is also some legal info there that may help you find your answer.

Good luck!