FYI

From: Library Director <mhill@hillsdale-library.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2019 9:52 AM
To: Rebecca Higgerson <rhiggerson@brandonlibrary.org>
Subject: RE: [Michlib-l] Libraries with 501(c)(3) status

I misspoke on the fee, it was $275 not $175. Mary

From: Rebecca Higgerson [mailto:rhiggerson@brandonlibrary.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2019 9:25 AM
To: Library Director <mhill@hillsdale-library.org>
Subject: RE: [Michlib-l] Libraries with 501(c)(3) status

Hi Mary,

Thanks for the information! We are in the fact gathering stage at this point, but I’ll definitely reach out if we move forward.

Thanks!
Rebecca

From: Library Director <mhill@hillsdale-library.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2019 10:54 AM
To: Rebecca Higgerson <rhiggerson@brandonlibrary.org>
Subject: RE: [Michlib-l] Libraries with 501(c)(3) status

I recently did a 501c3 for our Friends organization. I am not sure of the law concerning doing this for your library. I would contact Clair at the Library of Michigan.

We did use an attorney and he donated his time. There is a $20. Filing fee.

Then there is the IRS. I used a retired CPA for advise but the forms are on line and not too hard to figure out. You must have an ENN number. The 501c3 filing fee was $175.

Once I figured out what to do it took me about 2 months. I still don’t have all the paperwork back and I started the process late Oct of this year. I still have not done the MI forms.

We did this so we could write more grants. There are greater grant opportunities if you’re a 501c3. I would say that is the best reason to apply.

I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have,

Mary

Mary K. Hill

Director

Hillsdale Community Library

11 East Bacon St.

Hillsdale, MI

517-437-6470

From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Rebecca Higgerson via Michlib-l
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 3:10 PM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Libraries with 501(c)(3) status

In our current Strategic Plan, we were asked to investigate 501(c)(3) status for our library. For those of you who have done this, I would appreciate getting some feedback:

1. Did you pay an attorney?

2. Did you use free legal assistance?

3. How long did the process take?

4. What are the pros in being a 501(c)(3)?

5. Are there cons in being a 501(c)(3)?

6. Is your Friends group a 501(c)(3)?

7. In retrospect, are you glad your library is a 501(c)(3)?

8. Is the ROI worth it?

Thanks in advance!

Rebecca Higgerson

Director

Brandon Twp Public Library

304 South Street

Ortonville MI 48462

248-627-1474

ENGAGE • EDUCATE • ENRICH • EMPOWER

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