Started A Charitable Organization?

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>I am not filling out college applications this year, but will be in the future and am wondering how I would classify my community service. I have really been interested in starting a non-profit but know that it's a lot of work and I need a lot of experience before doing so, so I've been starting small projects with a local non-profit. I donated over 75 wrapped Christmas gifts for poor children they help, am in the process of creating Valentine's day hygeine bags for senior citizens in their nursing home, will be creating Easter Baskets for the children and donate 10 birthday gifts to children they work with each month. </p>

<p>I have done additional volunteering at other places and I did play a high school sport for one year, on top of being involved in a few different school and town clubs, but I am unsure whether I could label the work listed above as starting my own charitable organization, or if that would be considered a non-profit. I have 'named' my projects as "Helping LI Neighbors" but am not licensed or anything as a non-profit.</p>

2

<p>On the Common App, there’s a space to fill out ECs - you’ll have space to explain that you founded it. There’s no need to be licensed or anything.</p>

3

<p>You haven’t really “started” a charitable organization if you work under the auspices of another group. But, what you’ve done is admirable.<br>
You could come up with a title for yourself. Small projects coordinator. Small projects outreach leader. If you are directing others’ efforts as well, even occasionally, get that into the description. My experience is that the local non-profits will generally accept this title, for your own casual purposes, if it’s not outrageous.</p>

4

<p>Okay, great.</p>

<p>Lookingforward, I see what you are saying about not being a charitable organization, since it isn’t actually an organized thing. I guess it’s more of a charitable project, since I work with various non-profits and help people in various situations.</p>

<p>Thanks guys!</p>