Before launching GetNonProfitStatus.com, I had been a non-profit consultant for several years. I was making a living, but very busy working with others on non-profit groups and ministries serving a range of populations and purposes.

Before I had thought about creating a non-profit organization, I worked with established groups, helping them get non-profit status, set up and execute fundraising and direct mail programs, write proposals and build capacity.

Creating a non-profit organization of my own

Eventually I set my mind on creating a non-profit organization of my own, but I had heard about the pitfalls of “winging it” through the 1023 application to get non-profit status. I didn’t want to go down that road.

While I wasn’t destitute, I couldn’t afford creating a non-profit organization only to spend hours on end groping my way through a 1023 application, waiting months wondering if I would ever get non-profit status.

1023 Application OVERLOAD!

I researched online, bought books on creating a non-profit organization, and called some “experts.” But each time I looked at the 1023 application, I became even more confused.

Finally, I sat down with an attorney who had become a friend. He had successfully assisted several people creating a non-profit organization get non-profit status. He explained that I had it all wrong – I needed to look at the 1023 application to get non-profit status from the IRS agent’s perspective, explaining in depth.

“People want to get non-profit status – and the IRS wants to grant it, but they have to be able to check all the boxes,” he said. I realized he was right.

He gave me some exercises. With a legal pad full of notes, I went home for another crack at my 1023 application to get non-profit status. I combined his advice with things I had learned about “expediting” the process of creating a non-profit organization.

Ready to fill out my 1023 application and get non-profit status!

A short time after submitting my 1023 application, there it was: I had received IRS approval. It  took me only 12 weeks to get non-profit status! I excitedly shared the news with friends. Word got out about the “ninja” creating a non-profit organization of his own, who really did get non-profit status faster than anyone thought possible. I began sharing tips and trade secrets of creating a non-profit organization and growing dreams.

Over the next 24 months, I started getting phone calls from others creating a non-profit organization and looking to get non-profit status. I like to help people but didn’t really want to “consult for hire” in this area – so I did it free. That quickly became unmanageable and I had to start turning people down.

Birth of the “Get Non-Profit Status” system

Then the “lights came on.” I realized I could help a lot of people creating a non-profit organization because I had discovered:

1)   How IRS folks work with the 1023 application

2)   My tried-and-true system to get non-profit status was already getting predictable results

3)   More people out there needed to know these secrets and methods

I figured out the 1023 application because I was creating a non-profit organization to solve problems of society. But that brought me a NEW problem – being constantly asked about the 1023 application and how to get non-profit status by other people creating a non-profit organization.

GetNonProfitstatus.com is the system I designed to help more people than I ever imagined to do what I did.

Designed for my friends, but I want to share it – so you can get non-profit status too!

With my experience in non-profit consulting and management, I have become knowledgeable about growth and development, and purposely surrounded myself with some of the best in the business. It really is amazing what can be achieved in a few months when you put everything you’ve got behind it.

One lesson I would share with those who want to get non-profit status: DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL!

Many “wannabe” founders are excited about creating a non-profit organization, but find the obstacles – learning to get non-profit status, raising funds, getting to important conferences and events, writing proposals, researching grants, building relationships, etc. – strain the few resources they have.

Often I visit with a founder and find they started with a flurry of activity over the first few months of creating a non-profit organization. But come the third quarter, or into year two, the intensity isn’t there to slog through the grant proposal process and reach other important milestones that tell funders and supporters this is a “real” group with long-term sustainability.

The weak economy is only exacerbating this!

I hope to make the process much easier for you with the wisdom on my blog, carefully researched articles and videos – some of which include expert advice that would cost thousands and could be worth millions toward achieving your mission. I truly want you to succeed in creating a non-profit organization, through the 1023 application to get non-profit status so you can achieve your mission!

My Secrets Will Help You Get Non-Profit Status, Fast.

I could say creating a non-profit organization is an easy way to impact the world – but that wouldn’t be the truth. I can tell you that if you use proven methods and get past the start-up challenges, it’s the most rewarding life path I know.

My motto has been “build it and they will come.” If you have an idea, put a stake in the ground by creating a non-profit organization as an “infant” – even if only on paper at first –  then communicate your compelling vision. Watch amazing things happen!

I started out small. I remember getting excited when I asked for and received the first $10,000 check toward my non-profit’s mission. Since then the numbers are bigger. The normal pressures of staff and budgets can be overwhelming. On those days I go into the communities our groups are serving and meet the people who have been impacted, and it all comes into perspective!

I hope my story inspires you and coaxes you to take action. You’ll only regret it if you don’t.

To changing the world,

Christian LeFer