Attachments/Links: Sample Not-For-Profit Application FAQs of the Foundation Center's Learning Lab

Many local fire safe councils have filed for and established not-for-profit tax status with the federal government. This allows the local council to accept monetary donations without being taxed by the federal government.

Is Establishing Not-For-Profit Status Right For Your Council?
Each fire safe council can determine if establishing not-for-profit status is right for them. However, each council should be aware of the Statewide Fire Safe Council's arrangement with the California Community Forests Foundation for accepting monetary donations.

As a member of the California Community Forests Foundation, the Statewide Fire Safe Council can accept monetary donations deposited to a California Community Forests Foundation fund. The California Community Forest Foundation charges a 10 percent administrative transaction fee which is lower than many other foundations' fees.

Alternatives To Establishing Not-For-Profit Status
The Fire Safe Council and the California Community Forests Foundation extends this service to all local councils who do not wish to apply or have not yet obtained not-for-profit status. E-mail the Council if you would like to know more about the California Community Forest Foundation.

Local councils also may consider making a similar arrangement with local organizations such as firefighters associations or local environmental groups who have already established not-for-profit status.

Filing For Not-For-Profit Status
Councils who would like to begin the process of filing for not-for-profit tax status with the federal government may examine the sample provided here to help them get started. The document was prepared by Fire Safe San Diego County and should be used as a reference guide. Specific information, such as names and dates, must be altered before submission to the Internal Revenue Service.