Mission Statement

I mentioned quite some time ago that I want to form a charity. Well. I finally have a mission statement.

To provide funding to individuals, of the Greater Saint Louis area who are of low income, for treatment of mental illness and/or substance abuse.

Sadly, that's all I have so far and it's rather poorly worded and I need to be sure the area isn't overpopulated with too similar of charities etc...

Officially inspired

I finally know why I've been so depressed lately. I feel like I should be doing more with my life. An easy enough problem to solve (kind of). I've always wanted to start a nonprofit organization. Unfortunately I need three people before I can actually start it... So I make one, I just gotta convince two other people to join my cause. You know what. I'll just post what I gotta do. vv Down there vv

The first step to creating an Illinois nonprofit is planning.

1. You will need to find other people to work with you and serve on the board of directors.  Illinois law requires at least 3 board members before you incorporate.
    
2. Put in writing what your organization will do, where it will operate, its main purpose, the programs it will operate to accomplish its purpose, its goals, and its anticipated funding sources.
    
3. Then choose a name for the organization. Keep in mind that if the name sounds like a for profit business name, the Secretary of State may require you add NFP (Not for Profit) to your name. Words that make a name sound like a nonprofit include "organization," "project," "program," "coalition," "alliance," and "group". Once you choose a name, you can check the Illinois Secretary of State website to see if the name is available. If it is available, and you aren't ready to incorporate, you can reserve the name for 90 days, for a fee of at least $25.00 using the Application for Reservation of Name form. Click the title below to complete and print the form for submission to the Secretary of State's office. If the organization is ready to incorporate there is no reason to reserve the name, just prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation.

So yeah. That's what I gotta do... Who wants to help? I want to start a foundation to help people suffering from depression to find a purpose, and a reason to live. Life's pretty awful at times but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not be able to see it, but it's always there.