profit or non profit

**jkp3344** · 12-18-2009 10:57 PM

Hi, I just introduced myself in the itro's & wanted to jump in with a question. I have a lot of thoughts and they are jumping around all over so bare with me if I have a lot of questions that don't seem to be connecting dots.

I have an idea of beginning a charity. my hope was to run it and to serve others and to be able to support myself in the process. My understanding was to begin a non profit there must be a board of directors. I want to raise money for a good cause however my goal is also to have a business in which I can be the boss and control the operation decisions.

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to begin a charity such as say helping the homeless or hungry and maintain control of the business decisions.
THANKS

**dslackman** · 12-19-2009 10:12 AM

Having a board of directors does not necessarily mean that you lose control of your company. It depends on how you choose to use them. Most nonprofit corporations have boards to provide oversight & guidance. You can form your nonp business as an LLC and dispense with the board entirely.

**myfayt** · 12-19-2009 11:18 AM

Agreed, they are there to help you make decisions. Like managers.

**DerekS** · 12-19-2009 11:47 AM

As it's been said, you don't need a board to have a non-profit. On the flip side, having a board made up of influential people within your area of business can help spread the word, assist in fund raising, and may give you more legitimacy.

**jkp3344** · 12-21-2009 07:20 PM

Thank you for the insight. Much appreciated.

If I understood the three of u. I have 2 options:
1) Form a LLC and in that case there is no need for a board and second create a board and have guidelines on what their role could be.

2) I can have a board and explain it will be their role to provide suggestions on how to serve more people and the best way to do that and no more. Is that correct?

Thank you very much