September 2002
Note: Adopt-A-Family is the previous name of Local Foods Connection
The Nuts and Bolts
This issue focuses on the internal workings of our organization. Inside, we offer a simplified financial statement and a progress report on our IRS non-profit status. In addition, I will show you how you can help keep our gears in good working order. I have titled the articles as questions you might ask of us. Use the Volunteer Opportunity Form if you wish to respond to any request. Follow this link to the Volunteer Opportunity Form. Thanks!"What Are The Other Quick, Easy Ways I Can Help? I made a donation!"
- Newsletter Via Email
Are you willing to switch your newsletter subscription from print to email? If so, you can help us save postage, ink, and paper costs.
- Bulk Office Supplies
If your work place purchases office supplies in bulk, consider allowing Adopt-A-Family to attach its supply orders to yours, so that we can benefit from the discounted pricing. Our office supply needs include white and colored paper, printer ink (HP DeskJet 932C black and triP-colored ink cartridges), envelopes (business size) and inkjet labels (Avery 8160 compatible). Adopt-A-Family will pay it's share.
- Business and Organization Donations
Do you know of a business or organization which might be happy to donate to Adopt-A-Family? Let us know! We can mail out an information packet to them."I Have Extra Time. How Do I Volunteer?"
Adopt-A-Family is growing! We need your skills and ideas to help us accomplish our goals. If you have some extra time, please consider volunteering for one of the listed activities. Volunteer positions might become board member positions. (editor's note: see Volunteer Opportunities Form for updated list.)
- Manage mailing list
- Print and mail newsletter
- Stuff and post mailings
- Write thank you notes
- Artist to draw our logo
- Format newsletter
- Drive food to families
- Drive families to farms for tours with Director (large car required)
- Teach canning, freezing, drying or cooking techniques
- Produce financial summaries
- Balance checkbook
- Develop official bookkeeping style
- Fill out yearly Federal Tax paperwork
- Find an outside auditor for once a year audit
- Prepare a budget
- Help create a business plan
- Befriend an adopted family
"How Does The IRS Status Of Adopt-A-Family Affect Me?"
Tax Deductible Donations
Adopt-A-Family has jumped three of the four hurdles to becoming 501(c)(3) ? an official non-profit: in the eyes of the IRS. Once we have this statues, your donations to Adopt-A-Family will be tax-deductible! Not only will this status benefit you, it will also enable us to request funds from large corporations such as Wal-Mart, as well as to apply for large grants.
- We have submitted articles of incorporation to the Iowa Secretary of State and are thus officially recognized as a non-profit organization in the eyes of the state and able to conduct business as such.
- We have obtained a Federal TIN and EIN number from the IRS (taxpayer identification number and employee identification number). An EIN is like a social security number, but for an organization, instead of an individual.
- We have (nearly) completed creating organizational by-laws. By-laws are rules that guide Board Members and volunteers of an organization.
- The last step is to submit 501(c)(3) status papers to the IRS. The Non Profit Clinic at the UI College of Law is providing us with free assistance in completing this paperwork. Thank you to the humble and competent law student Jon Campbell! The IRS requires anywhere from 3 to 9 months to review and approve the application. We'll keep you informed.
Do you want to learn more about this process? Call Laura and we will talk.
"How Was My Donation Used?"
Financial Statement 1/1 to 8/29, 2002
+ $62.00 beginning bank balance
+ $1020.00 in donations
- $900.00 two large CSA vegetable shares
- $54.75 four home-grown chickens
- $35.60 office expenses
- $48.68 reimburse Director for 2001 out-of-pocket office expenses