TubeNet

I would like to ask the members here if they would be willing to share with me copies of the by-laws and mission statements for Community Bands that you may be members of.

The band I'm involved with, "The Lowcountry Community Band" was launched in March of this year in Beaufort County, SC and is sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; a division of the Univ. of S. Carolina. We get no financial backing from the college. This was culmination of a three year vision of a small group of retired music teachers and professionals.

Steps are being taken for non-profit status (beneath the radar of the school).

As a band council member, I would appreciate the opportunity to review your groups by-laws to get some ideas for our next council meeting on the 8th of January. PM or e-mail me.

I have learned a great deal on this forum and I thank you for your consideration.

Jim Colwell

PM me with your actual email address (so I can attach files) and I'll be glad to send you the governing documents of Upstate Winds, in the opposite corner of the state.

I can do the same. Just PM your email.

The Articles of Association and By-Laws are posted on the website of the community band I founded in 2000.

http://www.olddamband.com

Hint... write your By-Laws in accordance with the requirements for 501(c)3 status and make you application to the Feds as soon as you can to make your group legally able to seek donations and grants.

Loads of community leaders participate in the Yahoo Community Music Forum here:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-m/messages

TubaTinker wrote: Hint... write your By-Laws in accordance with the requirements for 501(c)3 status and make you application to the Feds as soon as you can to make your group legally able to seek donations and grants.

Along that line, it's important to define it as an educational organization. (Shouldn't be a problem for you in light of the relationship you have to the university.) Educational organizations are exempt from state registration to solicit funds in most states, including SC, while arts organizations typically are not.

I should also mention that we currently doing "free will" offerings at concerts to purchase music and other items.

Thanks for the input so far.

Jim

Thank you DP, that link has wealth of info. And thanks to all who responded. I have plenty to work with.

Happy New Year

Jim