Comments on: Non-Profit or Not? http://info.bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/ Get There by Cycle! Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:31:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Chris Holmes http://info.bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/comment-page-1/#comment-1025 Chris Holmes Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:22:27 +0000 http://bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/#comment-1025 I'd say take the plunge and be a non-profit if you're thinking about it. If being a non-profit hampers your ability to grow the software at a later date, then do what Mozilla did. They spun out a corporation that is 100% owned by the Mozilla Foundation. The non-profit ownership ensures it will always 'do good', while being a corporation gives one all the flexibility of 'the best law money can buy'. As for your questions, IANAL, but a non-profit is just a special kind of corporation, so the same thing happens to the code if you later dissolve. Limitations - you have to stick to your mission, and there's a cap to the percentage of income you can make from things that aren't specifically related to your mission. You're probably eligible for non-profit status. If you want a good lawyer a friend is big in to bike stuff in NYC and sets up lots of non-profits. Feel free to contact me with any questions. I’d say take the plunge and be a non-profit if you’re thinking about it. If being a non-profit hampers your ability to grow the software at a later date, then do what Mozilla did. They spun out a corporation that is 100% owned by the Mozilla Foundation. The non-profit ownership ensures it will always ‘do good’, while being a corporation gives one all the flexibility of ‘the best law money can buy’.

As for your questions, IANAL, but a non-profit is just a special kind of corporation, so the same thing happens to the code if you later dissolve.

Limitations – you have to stick to your mission, and there’s a cap to the percentage of income you can make from things that aren’t specifically related to your mission.

You’re probably eligible for non-profit status. If you want a good lawyer a friend is big in to bike stuff in NYC and sets up lots of non-profits. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

]]> By: trevor http://info.bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/comment-page-1/#comment-981 trevor Sun, 25 Mar 2007 22:06:31 +0000 http://bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/#comment-981 Tricky subject. Being a FOR profit means that you can re-invest back into the program in any way that you see fit, without restrictions. Also, I think that there are less restrictions when dealing with government municipalities as a FOR profit ( a.k.a. contractor ). Being a NON profit allows you to offer tax deductions for those who contribute money to the organization and it can also can plug you into the grant scene. Hmmm....tricky. Tricky subject. Being a FOR profit means that you can re-invest back into the program in any way that you see fit, without restrictions. Also, I think that there are less restrictions when dealing with government municipalities as a FOR profit ( a.k.a. contractor ). Being a NON profit allows you to offer tax deductions for those who contribute money to the organization and it can also can plug you into the grant scene. Hmmm….tricky.

]]> By: Michelle W. http://info.bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/comment-page-1/#comment-885 Michelle W. Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:54:17 +0000 http://bycycle.org/2007/03/16/non-profit-or-not/#comment-885 Non-profit status sounds perfect for what you are doing. Talking to an attorney would probably be the quickest way to answer your questions and get to the point where you feel you can make an informed decision. Someone out there would probably give you at least a free initial consultation. There is a attorney listed in the Redirect Guide who specializes in bicycle law--maybe not the person you need ultimately but he might be a good place to start since it sounds like he may be an advocate. Feel free to email me if you want his name. Take care and good luck! Non-profit status sounds perfect for what you are doing. Talking to an attorney would probably be the quickest way to answer your questions and get to the point where you feel you can make an informed decision. Someone out there would probably give you at least a free initial consultation. There is a attorney listed in the Redirect Guide who specializes in bicycle law–maybe not the person you need ultimately but he might be a good place to start since it sounds like he may be an advocate. Feel free to email me if you want his name. Take care and good luck!

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