Technically, no. But we recommend it strongly. Incorporation is a fairly simple step.

Tim

You actually have 27 months, Michaele, as there's an automatic 12 month extension built in to the system.

I've been editing out "PTO Start-up" expert guide all week, so this stuff is top of brain right now. NPN site will go live today.

Here's my recommended order of operations to get buttoned-up:

1. Incorporate (with your state)
2. Do bylaws (which you likely already have)
3. Apply for 501(c)(3) status with IRS
4. Put some financial controls in place
5. Get insured

None of these steps is too painful, and all are worth the effort. Our PTO Start-up Guide will walk you through each step (and the NPN membership includes a great, members-only rate for a PTO insurance package).

The wonderfully designed (with all the bells and whistles) guidebook will be ready in a couple of weeks, but if you join the NPN and you're just dying for the guidebook early, I'm sure we could get you an advance down-and-dirty document ahead of the final designed version.

Hope this helps.

Tim

Hi LM -

Your question is really what prompted us to write the first of our "PTO Expert Guides" for our new National PTO Network (NPN). If you look at the left nav, you'll find a brief outline of NPN, and the full NPN site will be up by the end of the month.

Our first "Expert guide" will be Start-Up Basics and will include step-by-step instructions on things like incorporating, bylaws, getting nonprofit status and insurance. Might be just what you need. Hope so anyway.

You'll also find some very helpful links on our Useful Resources page (look on new nav bar at left).

Tim