There are more classes than that, actually, under different parts of the 501(c) setup -- for example, you can register a nonprofit cemetery as a 501(c)13. The hitch with doing that is that if you plan to pursue grant funding, most grant funding in the U.S. is only available to 501(c)3s.
To be a nonprofit, generally you have to provide some kind of public benefit. I don't know that a service which would mimic functions provided by for-profit services would qualify.
And you don't actually need a lawyer to register as a 501(c)3. I am not a lawyer and I've done it (I was assisted by a friend who's a teacher). There's a common perception that you need a lawyer, and most people do have one, but it can be done without.
(And this has been interesting to read through, thanks.)
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Date: 5 Nov 2011 04:48 am (UTC)To be a nonprofit, generally you have to provide some kind of public benefit. I don't know that a service which would mimic functions provided by for-profit services would qualify.
And you don't actually need a lawyer to register as a 501(c)3. I am not a lawyer and I've done it (I was assisted by a friend who's a teacher). There's a common perception that you need a lawyer, and most people do have one, but it can be done without.
(And this has been interesting to read through, thanks.)