• How to Start and Grow a Think Tank
• Grassroots Leadership Guide to K-12 Education Reform
  • Prologue
  • Decide What Type of Organization You Want to Become
    • Overview
    • What is an Unincorporated Association?
    • Incorporating Your Think Tank and Filing for Tax-Exempt Status
    • Choices When Direct Action is Necessary
    • Think Tanks, Lobbying, and Section H: Which Way to Turn?
    • Lessons Learned From Left Field
    • Do's and Don'ts for Lobbying Group: Charity Activity in an Election Year
    • Sample Business Plan
  • Building and Maintaining an Effective Board
  • Get Things Up and Running
  • Legal Reference Material
  • Organize Your Staff and Volunteers
  • Examples of Programs and Operational Materials
  • Building Coalitions
  • Getting Your Message Out/Media Relations
  • Talking with Legislators
  • Raising Money
  • History of School Choice
  • Education Reform Research and Resources
  • Resources
• Taking Donors Seriously
• Fundraising Fundamentals

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Overview

The kind of organization one forms depends on many factors. Is it a short-term, single issue group? Is it an all volunteer effort? Will it undertake political activity, or merely be educational in nature?

Sometimes it is not necessary to form a legally incorporated organization to accomplish your goals. Historically, activists have gotten together in the U.S. to work toward a goal with simply a spokesperson and volunteers.

That said, incorporated groups and informal groups enjoy benefits and challenges associated with their status. Choosing the status that best compliments your group's mission and purpose is best done early in the organizing / planning process.

This chapter includes articles written by free-market movement leaders explaining their experiences with different types of incorporation definitions: 501(c)3, 501(c)4, and adding an H Election. The articles are provided for reference and educational purposes and are not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing organizations vary from state-to-state; thus, it is wise to seek counsel from a legal authority in the beginning. Seeking counsel about federal laws and regulations is also advisable.