How Do I Get My New Race Set Up as a Non-Profit?

[webwiz]

I'm starting a new 5K race. My committee and I want to donate any money we have left over after expenses to a good cause. We'd also like sponsors and other donors to be able to take a tax deduction for their contributions. So I assume we need to be set up as a non-profit organization so that we can do this and that we ourselves are not liable for taxes. I've looked a bit into 501(c)3 organizations, but I've read it can take 4-6 months to go through the process and be quite complicated. How are other races set up if they're not part of an organization that's already a non-profit? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[jeff darman]

Try contacting RRCA at www.rrca.org as they may be able to be of help.

[pstewart]

The RRCA will make it a much more turnkey operation, plus the national organization provides a host of services in addition to the non-profit group exemption. If you go it alone, it is a long and expensive process.

[JamesM]

Contact and partner with your local running club. They are probably already 501(c) and RRCA members. They may know something about organizing a running race.
If there is more than one club, get to know each of them and ask to attend one of their board meetings. Have a rough proposal of what you want your event to look like and be very ready to take input.

Your local running clubs are the first place to start.

Our club runs a number of our own races during the year, but we also partner with other groups for a number of other races. We are selective about who we partner with and we expect them to take our advice because we only want to be associated with good quality events.

Contact your local running clubs. They are an excellent resource when it comes to planning a running event.