The IRS is generous about what is considered a “charitable or educational organization” for 501(c)3 status, so most organizations not designed to generate profit for the founders or officers are eligible. To get non-profit status, an organization must follow a series of steps and file paperwork with both their state tax authority and the Internal Revenue Service, including articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Nonprofits must maintain a board of directors whose officers have the legal duties to: Uphold the mission, hire and provide oversight for the Executive Director/CEO, attend board meetings and keep minutes, oversee agency finances…

Non-profit employees are subject to all the same state and federal rights and responsibilities as other employees including regulations about: Wages and hours, workplace safety and health, collective organizing and bargaining…

Many SSPs operate on a shoestring budget; still, it is important to have several types of insurance. Insurance protects your organization, and some funding sources require proof of insurance.

Though most SSPs are exempt from paying taxes, they are still required to file. For federal taxes, SSPs with gross receipts under $50,000 must file a simple postcard. States also exempt nonprofit organizations from income tax, but still require nonprofits to file.