<p>I'm a sophomore incoming. And I have a cause (Funding therapeutic lessons for needy children) which is cooler then it sounds
I have events in mind and a whole bunch of ideas to play with for fundraising.
Now I'm not doing this solely for colleges but it is a small factor.
So starting a non profit organization vs an informal one any huge benefits on the college application front?
I know about how to get it started and I'm able to find adults to help me but what do you guys think? Worth it</p>
<p>College-wise a non profit organization isn’t more impressive than an informal one. Adcoms sort of see it as a way to just “look good” instead of caring for the cause. I think you could actually help out more by joining up with an already existing organization.</p>
<p>Actually I can’t find an organization for this particular objective and am already part of several.
This is something I want to do regardless but I wasnt sure I needed it registered. Reading now I do so that’s a project. 
Thanks though</p>
<p>If it’s for a good cause, has great public outreach/response, NOT far-fetched, streamlined and focused (you have no idea of how irritating it is seeing campaigns for “world peace” and “stopping global hunger” when you’ve alreay realized the implausibility and low rates of success of such causes),good turnout, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY the leaders behind the cause (meaning you) TRULY CARE (they’re not doing it for recs)
Then yeah…its worth it</p>
<p>Just FYI, it can cost up to $1000 to get your 501C3 exemption from the IRS, and that is if you do it yourself and don’t hire a lawyer or accountant to do it. So you need some start up cash to fund a non-profit.</p>
<p>I would just go ahead with your independent projects, unless you think it would be more effective to create a nonprofit</p>
<p>It’s 300 in pa as far as I can tell for tax exemption.
But yes I’m going to start fundraising now to get something solid to start on (being able to fund 2-3 kids a month would be amazing)
Then file to make it an actual organization.
I’m thinking I can have a 5k as the kick off event. (I’m going to talk to some 5k runners and some running stores)
Sorry I don’t really mean college applications I was kinda thinking out loud. I came across some legal issues if I don’t file it as nonprofit that an organization like mine would run into.
For now though I need money to use so! Thanks guys!!</p>
<p>It’s $300 or less to incorporate in PA. The 501c3 is a federal filing that will cost $1000 unless you have very very few dollars of revenue (like under $1k) for the first four years. (don’t quote me I don’t have my files with me). </p>
<p>If you are planning a 5 k you will need insurance and therefore will need to be incorporated.</p>