I'm either showing utter stupidity here or I might be on to something. I've long been thinking about starting an organization dedicated to video game preservation and for whatever reason when I got home today from a dentist visit I thought hey why not look in it. Of course coming up with a mission statement beyond "organization deidcated to the preservation of Video games and it's culture" is a bit hard. A quick Google search showed there are not many Video game related non profits, there's of course Child's Play These guys here and a few other small ones that act as an outreach for youth. Youth outreach is something I think is rather important too. But you know coming up with a whole purpose for the organization I'm having a bit of Writer's block. I need something more fufilling than "if I'm a Non Profit I can get away with almost anything"
I figured as much which was why I brought it up. I only have a rough idea of what I want to do. Like fixing all the broken 3DOs of the world
A non-profit is a lot of work. It costs about $1500 to file, and you have to show a record of fundraising to get tax exempt status. If your non-profit stinks, they will kill it off. You also must do a structure plan of the people involved, and other things. Reporting on a timely basis about what you do financially. It's not easy to do given the startup expenses and legal paperwork. I don't have $1500 lying around to start a non-profit atm.
I Figured there was some long legal process $1500 isn't that bad I live in Rhode Island though so the filing fee is probably MUCH higher. Well, I'm still in the phase of "What exactly is this thing going to do." and naming, and all that other fun stuff. The mission plan is important with out that we can't really get going. But if I actually go through with it. There's a board seat for you.