Post by gdp1 on Jan 13, 2007 15:49:59 GMT -5
This is a response I wrote and have sent to several people that have asked about starting up a rescue operation.
Welcome to the world of equine rescue. We need as many people as possible in this on going effort.
A few things you might consider in starting up. (1) Give a lot of thought to why you are doing this and what you hope to accomplish then write your mission statement in clear simple terms so that anyone who reads it will understand what you are trying to do. This will become very important in fund raising. (2) Establish a board of directors. Five people are preferable so you will get a variety of ideas and an uneven number will prevent voting ties. (3) Find out what state and county regulations and licenses are required and do everything they ask. (4) File for your 501(c)3 as soon as possible. It takes a while to get it. You can file and get it yourself but it is a little complicated so you might look up all the info you can on how to go about it. (5) Good volunteers are very important. Treat them well and include them in decision making. (6) Be warned: fund raising is difficult and funding is hard to get so don’t over do it on the number of horses you take in. often materials you will need for operating are easier to get than money donations. (7) Set a maximum number of horses that you can afford and have the room for and stick to that number. Even when we are full we get several calls a week to take in more and it is hard to say no but it must be done so we do not get overwhelmed.
(8) Please stay in contact with us. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Good luck and God bless you for your efforts.
Welcome to the world of equine rescue. We need as many people as possible in this on going effort.
A few things you might consider in starting up. (1) Give a lot of thought to why you are doing this and what you hope to accomplish then write your mission statement in clear simple terms so that anyone who reads it will understand what you are trying to do. This will become very important in fund raising. (2) Establish a board of directors. Five people are preferable so you will get a variety of ideas and an uneven number will prevent voting ties. (3) Find out what state and county regulations and licenses are required and do everything they ask. (4) File for your 501(c)3 as soon as possible. It takes a while to get it. You can file and get it yourself but it is a little complicated so you might look up all the info you can on how to go about it. (5) Good volunteers are very important. Treat them well and include them in decision making. (6) Be warned: fund raising is difficult and funding is hard to get so don’t over do it on the number of horses you take in. often materials you will need for operating are easier to get than money donations. (7) Set a maximum number of horses that you can afford and have the room for and stick to that number. Even when we are full we get several calls a week to take in more and it is hard to say no but it must be done so we do not get overwhelmed.
(8) Please stay in contact with us. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Good luck and God bless you for your efforts.