Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Putting The Horse Before The Cart
Kids. I’m on a mission. I wrote about what I wanted to do with my future and the encouragement received got me a bit motivated. Then, a long time reader wrote to me and donated quite a bit towards that future. That has got me really motivated. I want this to succeed not only for the animals but for this person who had enough faith in me and for myself.
So, I’ve been researching and looking around and studying and holy crap is there a lot to do before I can get this going. (I’m talking about the animal sanctuary.) Now, I knew that it would require a tremendous amount of work and I knew it was going to cost a lot of money, especially in legal fees and ensuring I get permits and zoning is right and the land and buildings....it’s a lot.
I’m just wondering if there are any legal beagles out there or anyone who has any sort of knowledge on my first step. See, what I was thinking is while some people are generous before it all even starts, I need more generosity that will go towards this whole operation. Most people will be leery to hand over a check unless they know, for sure, it’s going somewhere legit.
Therefore, the question is: Does anyone know if I should apply for my non profit status now and then be able to ask for donations so that I can get the land, get the buildings, get the inspectors, pay all the legal fees, etc. OR am I even able to do that if I don’t have anything right now?
Also, is anyone out there even willing to help me along in finding out answers to the multitude of questions and problems that will arise while getting this all set up?
In a sense, I’ve done the first step. I’m in Florida and that is where I want to be. I think it’s better for a sanctuary because I won’t have such high heating costs in the winter; a savings, really. Plus, it seems to me that this state does have quite a few rural areas where maybe I am able to buy up some land; lots of agricultural areas that aren’t as strict about how many/type of animals as are other locations near people. (And that’s key: I need to be far enough away from people that no one pisses and whines about it but close enough to people that they can get there and adopt or volunteer.)
The second step, in a way, I’ve already been doing. I’m not going to get too far in to it here on a public site but where I am right now actually is helping me to save money faster than I would otherwise have been able to do.
The third step is getting more money for this. I need donations and investors. I don’t know...are they investors if you don’t make money off of it? But I also know that people will be more likely to donate if they know it’s legit and if they know it’s a tax write off. Because, to be honest, without that money, I just will not be able to afford the land.
So what are your opinions or advice on how to go about this? I’d prefer something based in experience whether by you or someone close to you rather than speculation. Speculation and assumptions can cause a lot of problems later on. Anyone know anything about becoming a non profit and if you can apply for that first and get donations or if you have to be on land, with things set up and then become non profit?
IF I am unable to become non profit before I have established myself and have people’s trust...how the hell should I go about raising money? What is legal? Can I do contests? What do I do?
Kids, I really, really want this to work. And I know I’ll be starting off very small and I know it will take awhile to get going and I know it’s going to be hard but I want this to work. But sometimes, people cannot do everything on their own and any help you can all provide, I would really, greatly appreciate it.
Ideas, kids, give me your ideas! Thoughts, suggestions, advice, opinions, anecdotes, whatever. Give me information!!!! Please.
By the way, I plan on housing dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, other assorted rodents, birds including chickens and as time goes on and I learn more about different types of animals and their care, (or if I have volunteers who have that knowledge), I’ll also help other animals. I’m just starting off with the ones I know how to take care of.
Update I found the perfect piece of property! It’s 116 acres of beautiful and I mean BEAUTIFUL land. Only $400,000!!! C’mon guys! Start donating!
(I’m being facetious...it is gorgeous as all get out but damn, I guess only in my dreams. Still, want to look at it? Just to see how wonderful it is? Click Gorgeous And Out Of Reach...sob!.)
Ok, yah, that’s a little steep...but man...ok, how about this?
A Slice Of Heaven. Hey, it’s only $345,000! I’m saving you $55,000! C’mon!
Update The Second Ok, so as far as I know, 2 acres is just about the size of a football field, a little wider. Right? So, I’m thinking, I would need no less than 15-20 acres. Any of you farmers or people who live in rural areas and know better than I if that would be sufficient? Should I have more? I don’t intend on doing horses at any time because while I love them and know that many need rescue, honestly, I’m scared of them. I’ve been around them, I’ve ridden them and I’ve had good and bad experiences with them. I just don’t know enough not to be scared of them. For some of you that may sound silly but there it is. I’m scared of them because one kick and you’re done. And they know you’re scared of them. One thing I do know about horses, they aren’t stupid. So, I wouldn’t need land for them to run around in but need enough land to be able to potentially house many, many animals and have space between them so they are all comfortable. Is 15-20 acres enough or am I thinking too small? I need this kind of information as well so I know what kind of money I’m looking at and what to ask for when the time comes. I also need land with electricity and water and septic so I’m sure that will drive the price up, yes?
All the information you can provide, don’t be shy, don’t think I already know it, any information, little or big, bring it.
Also, in terms of acreage...let’s say the seller has 268 acres for sale. They then state, “available in 11 parcels”. What is a ‘parcel’?
Update Part Three Ok, let’s say someone is selling 31.5 acres, (not a “lot"), for an insanely reasonable price and at the end of the blurb, they say this: “Zoning is Agriculture which permits a density of one unit per five acres. “ What does that mean? Does “unit” mean home? If I were to buy up all 31 acres for myself, I would have a single home on site but would also want other buildings to house the animals. Does that mean I can only have one building per 5 acres or are they only considering “unit” to mean “residential dwelling”. Or does “unit” mean something else entirely?
