AboutRob Taylor Expertise During the past 25 years I have helped scores of non-profit organizations experience dramatic fund-raising growth by improving the manner in which they identify, cultivate and solicit individual and institutional prospects. I am willing to provide fund-raising advice to colleges, social service agencies, hospitals, and cultural organizations.
Question If someone wants to give me a non-profit organizationa, how do I get it from them and have it put into my name? This organization hasn't done anything in years, so there probably isn't an active "Board of Directors". Does there need to be a vote from the Board of Directors, or can the individual who wants to give it to me simply hand it over? Also, what type of paperwork needs to be filled out and who do I talk to for the paperwork?
Thanks
Answer Dear Mr. Walker:
This is a new question for this old-timer, but let's see if I can help.
To start a non-profit, the organization had to file by-laws with the IRS to get their letter. The bylaws would have had the names of the board members as well as a section about dissolution. This document explains how people legally operate a non-profit.
Remember, the non-profit had a mission or purpose that the IRS recognized as being charitable (in the public interest) in nature.
The "non-profit" isn't owned by anybody, its a public entity controlled by the Board of Directors. Thus, nobody can give it to you.
If this organization has accounting issues (bank accounts or debts) you must legally deal with those issues.
I hope I've given you a sense of what you are dealing with but suggest you contact an attorney before proceeding.
Please feel free to write with follow-up questions.
