Forming a non-profit versus being under a school's jurisdiction

[Rosiebotboss]

I am not going to repeat anything that has already been said other than to say, I started the Agawam Robotics Education Assn. Inc in 2009 with the help of an attorney that was a Rosie Mom and a CPA that was a Rosie Mom. Ask your kids who's parent is an attorney/accountant. Make sure you keep good records in case of an IRS audit!

That being said, you do not need to jump in with both feet into a 501 right away. AREA started out as noth8ing more than a checking account, opened by a couple (non related) parents that the bank will set up to require 2 signatures on each check. The 2nd signer MUST be non related to the other signer, either by marriage or blood. The 2nd signer adds a level of security to misuse of funds.

A 501 c 3 is a Corporation and it adds its own level of security other than financial. If an angry parent files a suit against the team, they can only attach the assets of the team, not the mentor, for example.

Do your homework! Talk to a professional. You'll be better off in the long run. I'll try to find the presentation I have given over the years in my Senior Mentor duties and post it on www.firstnemo.org