10-07-2010, 05:37 PM
I ran into a similar situation this spring with the bass federation. Some companies will ask for the tax ID number just to make sure you are running a legit program. We are a 501 non-profit. They just want to make sure your not going to run off will all the goods. If I were you I would register it. Other things like a website or official letterhead from your non-profit will help. I'm sure there is a few guys on here with the skills to throw together a nice little site explaining your mission and goals. Trust me it will ease the burden of getting sponsors.
No business is giving you anything nor are they donating. They are becoming a sponsor of this particular event. They are trading some of their product for some of your product; "advertising". It is a non-profit partnership not a charity situation. Don't ask for a donation; ask if they would like to sponsor the event.
If a company gives you grief about anything just move onto the next one. They don't care about the sales tax. This is just a way for them to tell you "no" or to say were not comfortable your on the up and up. People will help if they feel like it is a legit program.
As someone else said the IRS cops are not going to mess with a bunch of smelly anglers with no intent to defraud the government.
The military branches can't officially endorse your event nor will you be able to use their name to get sponsors. However I'm willing to bet they [especially the Army NG] will suppy some support the day of the event if you can get some media attention.
One last little suggestion on getting fishing gear; many companies in the fishing industry run their budgets from Oct-Sept so now is the time to hit them up. Most set aside X number of dollars for sponsorships. If you wait until spring/summer many of the $$ allocated for sponsorship will already be expended.
There are many Utah Bass Federation members on this site or at least many who lurk on this site. If you can get a committe of UBF members together and come up with a plan. I would suggest you make a presentation to the UBF Board. If they feel comfortable perhaps they will endorse the program and you will be on your way......
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No business is giving you anything nor are they donating. They are becoming a sponsor of this particular event. They are trading some of their product for some of your product; "advertising". It is a non-profit partnership not a charity situation. Don't ask for a donation; ask if they would like to sponsor the event.
If a company gives you grief about anything just move onto the next one. They don't care about the sales tax. This is just a way for them to tell you "no" or to say were not comfortable your on the up and up. People will help if they feel like it is a legit program.
As someone else said the IRS cops are not going to mess with a bunch of smelly anglers with no intent to defraud the government.
The military branches can't officially endorse your event nor will you be able to use their name to get sponsors. However I'm willing to bet they [especially the Army NG] will suppy some support the day of the event if you can get some media attention.
One last little suggestion on getting fishing gear; many companies in the fishing industry run their budgets from Oct-Sept so now is the time to hit them up. Most set aside X number of dollars for sponsorships. If you wait until spring/summer many of the $$ allocated for sponsorship will already be expended.
There are many Utah Bass Federation members on this site or at least many who lurk on this site. If you can get a committe of UBF members together and come up with a plan. I would suggest you make a presentation to the UBF Board. If they feel comfortable perhaps they will endorse the program and you will be on your way......
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