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Hey Lyle,

This is a quick note from Mark with some advice on getting the non-profit side set up for Still Waters Ranch. Two paths below — one fast, one more robust. Both work. Pick whichever fits your timeline.

Option 1: Fiscal Sponsorship

Fastest — Start Accepting Donations in Days

Instead of forming your own 501(c)(3) right away (which takes 3-12 months and costs $600+ in IRS fees), you can partner with an existing non-profit as a "fiscal sponsor."

How It Works:

  1. You find an established 501(c)(3) that aligns with your mission (veteran support, military families)
  2. They agree to be your "fiscal sponsor" — donations go through their tax-exempt status
  3. Donors get an immediate tax deduction through the sponsor's EIN
  4. The sponsor typically takes 5-10% administrative fee
  5. You operate as a "project" under their umbrella while you build your own 501(c)(3)

Good Fiscal Sponsors for Veteran Projects:

  • National Heritage Foundation — specifically set up for fiscal sponsorship, very veteran-friendly, low fees. They handle the compliance and reporting.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation — if you can work through a local VFW post, they may sponsor community projects that benefit veteran families.
  • Community foundations in your area — Houston has several. The Greater Houston Community Foundation or similar organizations often sponsor mission-aligned projects.

Bottom line: Fiscal sponsorship lets you start accepting tax-deductible donations within days/weeks instead of months. You can always transition to your own 501(c)(3) later — many successful non-profits started this way.

Option 2: Your Own 501(c)(3)

More Robust — Full Control, 3-12 Months

This is the permanent solution. Your own tax-exempt organization with its own EIN, board of directors, and full independence. Here's the roadmap:

1

Choose a Name & State of Incorporation

File Articles of Incorporation in Texas. Cost: ~$25 filing fee. You can do this online through the TX Secretary of State. The name "Still Waters Ranch Foundation" or similar works.

2

Get an EIN

Free from the IRS. Apply online at irs.gov — takes 5 minutes. You get it immediately. This is your organization's "Social Security number."

3

Draft Bylaws & Appoint a Board

You need at least 3 board members (can be friends/family to start). Bylaws are your operating rules. Templates are free online. Keep it simple.

4

File IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ

Form 1023-EZ is the simplified version — if you expect under $250K/year in revenue (likely at first), you qualify. Cost: $275 filing fee. Approval: 2-4 weeks for EZ, 3-12 months for full 1023.

5

Register with Texas

File for state tax exemption (Comptroller's office) and register for charitable solicitation if required. Both are free/cheap.

6

Set Up Banking & Bookkeeping

Open a non-profit bank account (many banks offer free non-profit checking). Use simple bookkeeping software. Keep every receipt.

Total cost: ~$300 if you do it yourself. $1,000-3,000 if you hire a lawyer to handle it (recommended if you want it done right the first time). Many veteran-service lawyers do this pro bono.

My Recommendation

Start with fiscal sponsorship so you can accept donations and book cabins right away. Simultaneously, begin the 501(c)(3) process. By the time you've got 4 cabins up and running, you'll have your own tax-exempt status and can transition smoothly.

This way you're not waiting around for IRS approval before you can start helping families and honoring Jonathan's legacy. The mission doesn't wait for paperwork.

— Mark

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