USAPlans educational notice: This article provides general information, not individualized legal, tax, investment or insurance advice.
Keep verification current
Maintain governing documents, IRS correspondence, state registrations, responsible-party information and required filings. Different programs may use different verification vendors and eligibility definitions.
Build a public profile that uses the same legal name, mission and contact information across the website, filings and external directories.
Show what the organization accomplishes
Describe the people served, activities delivered, outputs measured and changes the organization is trying to create. A realistic program budget and recent financial information make requests easier to evaluate.
Protect the organization while pursuing resources
Board decisions, volunteers, events, vehicles, cyber activity, employment and work with vulnerable people can create risk. Discounts and grants do not replace governance, insurance or professional advice.
Authoritative sources and further reading
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Use this guide to organize your facts, then contact the appropriate qualified professional when a decision depends on your specific circumstances.
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