Originally Posted by Bladewire

I think this is a great idea. It's important to have an attorney handy, if not one of the founding members.

The organization should be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non profit. This sends a clear message that it's mission is truly not about money or control, but about empowering a disadvantaged segment of the industry that needs a support network. Not to mention, donations will be tax deductible.

There are many federal & state programs that offer grants & loans to new NPO's. This could be the seed funding to really get it going. There are also companies and individuals that specialize in getting funding for new and NPO's.