I've done it for a few non-profits over the years. It is time-consuming, but it's not especially difficult. Hiring someone would provide reassurance, but I'm not sure it would save much time, as most of the challenges of the application relate to collecting financial information, preparing budgets, and so on. 
 
I recommend Anthony Mancuso's How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation; he covers aspects of bylaws, incorporation, and financial management that will be helpful in the 501(c)(3) application process.
 


Danielle Cunniff Plumer, Coordinator
Texas Heritage Digitization Initiative
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
512.463.5852 (phone) / 512.936.2306 (fax)
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Janice Armstrong
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 6:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Filing 501(c) (3) for local museum


I work as a consultant with small museums and historical groups assisting them  with grant writing, national register applications and educational programming. I have had several requests recently to help file for non-profit status. I checked out the form online (27 pages) and found that to have it filled in professionally costs about $1000. 
 
Has anyone had experience filling it in themselves?
Did you have someone fill it in for you? Who and how much?
Is there free help somewhere?
 
Thanks for your help and suggestions.
Janice Armstrong
Milford, NJ
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