You have been keeping track of a community need on our island and you are ready to begin making a positive difference! Mahalo for your passion and empathy for your fellow Maui residents. The Valley Isle is home to dozens and dozens of helpful nonprofit agencies and your new organization will soon join their ranks. The task of beginning a nonprofit agency can be daunting. There are forms, signatures, fees and more - all needed to be completed in a specific order. That is why we have summarized the process here in order to hopefully aid in understanding the process and making it more simple!
Getting Organized
Before submitting all of the paperwork and paying non refundable fees, make sure you have your business plan and company framework in order. Even though this organization will not be for profit, it is necessary to set it up like a regular business ahead of time. Your mission, goals, and milestones need to be written out. Specify how management will be laid out and who will answer to who. Start planning how many volunteers and employees you will need to achieve your goals. It is also important to research fundraising and grant opportunities so you know where money will start coming in immediately. You will also need to go ahead and find a space that will be headquarters if that is not your home. Once your organization is official, the work will be full steam ahead and it will be much easier to be as prepared as possible.
Nonprofit Registration Filings
The first order of business is to fill out the Articles of Incorporation (Form DNP-1). This form is surprisingly quick and easy to complete! It only asks the name of the agency, mailing address, street address, and registered agent in the state of Hawai'i. You will sign for these assurances and mail the form or you can complete the registration online. It's simple to do both ways. It costs only $25 to file the articles of incorporation.There are possible additional fees depending on your needs, you can see the short list of them here.
The Charitable Policies & Procedures
Second, you would be wise to familiarize yourself with the state of Hawai'i's charitable organization bylaws and policies. Some highlights to know ahead of time would be that it is imperative to keep minutes of all meetings and a record of all board of directors, or anyone having the authority of a board. You also must always have an agent representing your nonprofit that resides in the state. Finally, if your organization intends to dissolve, the attorney general must be notified.
Nonprofit Tax Filing Is Important
The last step would be acquiring an informed bookkeeper or accountant to maintain tax records. It is highly important to keep impeccable tax filings while running a nonprofit. A small misstep can result in major public backlash or government interference. Maui County has certain tax forms to file in addition to state and federal forms. It is possible to keep track of these records on your own, but a professional is recommended as you will have plenty to do getting your organization off the ground and functional.
The Community Of Hawai'i Organizations
Lucky for you, there are several helpful resources to contact and get involved with that will help you start a nonprofit as well as keep it thriving and successful. Get in touch with Maui Non Profit Directors Association for professional development resources. There is also the Hawai'i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations that assists with training and keeping folks up to date on changing public policy. Of course as always, the HandsOn Maui - County Of Maui Volunteer Center will help in any way we can to further the missions of all Maui County nonprofit organizations. You can find our resources and training opportunities online.
