HOW TO GET FREE FOOD, CLOTHING,

HOW TO GET FREE FOOD, CLOTHING,

COMPUTERS -- ALMOST ANYTHING GIVEN TO YOU

BY MAJOR CORPORATIONS AND OTHERS!

If you or your organization has a worthwhile need for items you

can't afford to purchase, there are often ways to obtain those

items for free. By setting up a non-profit organization, you can

accept donations of equipment from businesses and individuals who

want to help the community while obtaining tax write-offs for

outdated equipment.

The structure of non-profit organizations is narrowly defined

according by the Internal revenue Service, and the qualifying

groups usually divide up into educational, religious, artistic or

social service organizations. A non-profit organization exhibits

certain characteristics. It is incorporated and set up to achieve

public goals. It is exempt from federal taxes under IRS code

section 501 (c) (3), and gifts made to organization can be

deducted by the donor. It is also at least partially exempt from

state, county and city taxes.

Non-profit organizations are not set up for financial gain of

individuals or for profit companies. A non-profit organization's

purpose focuses on public service rather than profit.. Non-profit

organizations provide services beyond those supplied by agencies

of the Unites States government, and they occupy a spot somewhere

between the private and public sectors.

To set up a non-profit organization, you should write for the

Internal Revenue Service guide called "How To Apply For And

Retain Tax-Exempt Status For Your Organization, Internal Revenue

Service Publication 557. In addition you will want Form 1023 and

the instructions for organizations that can qualify under section

501 (c) (3) of the IRS code, and Form 1024, which covers other

exempt entities.

State and local laws and ordinances may affect your guess for

non-profit status. Unless you have previously been through the

IRS application process for non-profit status, you will probably

require the services of an attorney. If you qualify for

non-profit status, you may be able to get the attorney's services

pro bono.

In contacting a company, write a single-page cover letter stating

briefly how your goals parallel those of the potential donor.

Highlight the main points of your project. The cover letter

should succinctly tell who will benefit from the project.

Submit your proposal to local companies with the signature of

your organization director. The cover letter should show enough

spirit to interest the reader.

A vital part of the donation process is apprising the donor

institution of the nature of your organization and its management

staff. Give the company a look at your recent efforts and

achievements.

Many companies are more than happy to respond with contributions

of a wide range of items to deserving local organizations - and

the contributions can save you a large amount of money!