CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

I have been thinking about this question should Christian Anime Alliance be incorporate in California as Not for Profit Corporation? And there are certain benefit for been a Not for Profit Corporation such as Tax exemption status as well as other benefits so should Christian Anime Alliance be incorporated?

I think that would be kind of difficult to do. For one thing, CAA's members are all over the country and the world. For another thing, this site doesn't do anything that would give the government any reason to give a tax exemption.

Mith probably knows a lot more about these things than I do. I would suggest asking him.

Having worked professionally with several Christian nonprofits across the country, I can tell you that becoming a nonprofit organization has significant barriers to entry that might not make it worth it to CAA.

Of course, it's totally up to the leadership, but there are a number of things that would need to happen, and it would impose some significant restrictions to CAA.

First and foremost, CAA would have to prove that it does a service for the community - both on a federal and state level. In addition, every year, CAA would have to file a number of forms to the government, depending on the state that it becomes a 501c3 in.

One of the most significant changes that would need to happen is establishing a board of directors. This, of course, does not imply that the board of directors owns CAA - it means that the community now owns CAA, and the board of directors makes decisions regarding it's corporate vision, mission, and operations. I'm not sure how CAA leadership is set up exactly, but it would most likely decentralize the authority and ownership that CAA would have as a for-profit organization.

There are literally days of work that need to go into filling out the applications both on the federal and state level, on top of whatever changes need to be made in the organization's infrastructure, so that is something to consider.

Here's a site on starting a nonprofit in CA.

Here's a site on starting a nonprofit in general.

That said, if CAA ever decides to move in that direction, I'd gladly offer any help needed. Just shoot me a PM or email. But from what I understand of CAA's stituation, I'd be more inclined to advise CAA to go in a for-profit direction. Hope that info helps.

Syreth wrote:I'd be more inclined to advise CAA to go in a for-profit direction.

But...

CAA isn't a corporation...it's a website community.

Besides what would CAA do to make a profit anyway? It doesn't sell anything. It doesn't host ads from other sites (the thought of what kind of Google ads would pop up on CAA is probably best left alone).

I just...I don't understand? If people are worried about Mith's server hosting costs then like...there's a donation button at the top...I just don't see what the point of becoming a business is. O.o

Nate (post: 1352594) wrote:Besides what would CAA do to make a profit anyway? It doesn't sell anything. It doesn't host ads from other sites (the thought of what kind of Google ads would pop up on CAA is probably best left alone).

Legally speaking, a corporation is a person.

Hard to believe, but that's all. Earning money is not a prerequisite to incorporation.

Maybe I wasn't really clear... whether CAA becomes a corporation or not is the leadership's decision. But if it does become a corporation, I would sooner suggest that it go in the for-profit direction. That's just my take on it, though.

Hmmm, I think Nate's other question was what would CAA have to offer if it became a for-profit organization ^^? As far as I know, we don't do any marketing of any sorts.. Correct me if I'm wrong ^__^

Tsukuyomi wrote:Hmmm, I think Nate's other question was what would CAA have to offer if it became a for-profit organization ^^?

Anime angel drolls or craft angel wings that you can wear at a con?

[font="Book Antiqua"]
[color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang
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Nate (post: 1352594) wrote:But...

CAA isn't a corporation...it's a website community.

Besides what would CAA do to make a profit anyway? It doesn't sell anything. It doesn't host ads from other sites (the thought of what kind of Google ads would pop up on CAA is probably best left alone).

I just...I don't understand? If people are worried about Mith's server hosting costs then like...there's a donation button at the top...I just don't see what the point of becoming a business is. O.o

I'm seeing this from Nate's point of view. What we do here at CAA is provide a safe, clean place of fellowship for Christians who also happen to be anime fans. We aren't selling anything, and the member base is spread apart in both age and location. It'd certainly be neat if the members of CAA could get into some sort of community service, but it definitely wouldn't need to be in CAA's name as some kind of an organization. I'd say something like that would be better put to use as an independent act, rather than part of something corporate.

Plus the idea of CAA becoming a corporation just makes me shudder. XD

Radical Dreamer (post: 1352668) wrote:It'd certainly be neat if the members of CAA could get into some sort of community service, but it definitely wouldn't need to be in CAA's name as some kind of an organization. I'd say something like that would be better put to use as an independent act, rather than part of something corporate.

I think this sums up my feelings about the topic pretty well. Anything that CAA would do that requires it to become a corporation of either kind is above and beyond what seems to be its current vision/purpose.

Hmm... I was going to say you could sell T-shirts, but probably half of the people on this website are broke. XD I AM!~

Arya Raiin (post: 1352752) wrote:Hmm... I was going to say you could sell T-shirts, but probably half of the people on this website are broke. XD I AM!~

We wouldn't have to incorporate to sell anything anyways, most online retailers don't deal with state taxes in the first place.

And there already is a merchandise section, but I don't think anyone buys anything, XD.

LadyRushia (post: 1352807) wrote:And there already is a merchandise section, but I don't think anyone buys anything, XD.

I keep saying we need to make Friend t-shirts or something with "CAA" under the symbol and go to cons in those shirts and stuff. 8)


On topic, I see more cons than pros about going non-profit (or even for-profit) with CAA (or even if becoming a corporation for that matter XD; ). It gives Mith more work to do and with all the work he puts into the site already, I'd rather not ask more of him. ^_^;

[quote="goldenspines (post: 1352814)"]I keep saying we need to make Friend t-shirts or something with "CAA" under the symbol and go to cons in those shirts and stuff. 8)


On topic, I see more cons than pros about going non-profit (or even for-profit) with CAA (or even if becoming a corporation for that matter XD]

*Modnod* u_u/

Besides, do we really want CAA to change o.o? I mean it wouldn't just be a small change.. It'll be huge o_o

Tsukuyomi (post: 1352859) wrote:*Modnod*

Is a Modnod a nod to the mods?

Etoh*the*Greato (post: 1352866) wrote:Is a Modnod a nod to the mods?

Haha, typo xDDD, but it seems to work xDDD;

Aaaaaaaand, that would be cool to have a "Friend" shirt 8D That would work, but lots of planning has to go into it ^^

I could imagine CAA getting together a fashion line, but of course, who would buy anything?

The reason I pose the question is mainly because of the fact that Ashley has step down as the founder and administrator of the Christian Anime Alliance. First I thought about what benefit would be if we were incorporate at all. The conclusion I have come about first is that for CAA when Mith has to buy any equipment for the CAA he may need to pay the sale tax for it so as incorporate as a not for profit corporation we can have the tax exemption status on the purchase of the equipment. Second for those of us that lived in the United States who wish to donate to CAA with CAA been incorporate that those of us who donate to the CAA can get a tax credit in our 1040 form. Thirdly I was thinking it would be a lot better for CAA to fund raising if it has incorporated with the local churches support. Ultimately the reason that I want from the incorporation is that for CAA to be here for a long run. Maybe when I am in my 90th the CAA would still be here.

I'm sure CAA will be around regardless it becomes a non-profit/for-profit organization ^^ We all just have to stick together in keeping this place alive ^^ I'm sure great things are to come, so sit tight and keep doing what you guys do ^^

CAA may experience some slow times, but I'm sure all forums do ^^

Also, I'm pretty sure Mith has been taking care of paying for the site for quite some time now. Correct me if I'm wrong.

LadyRushia (post: 1353254) wrote:Also, I'm pretty sure Mith has been taking care of paying for the site for quite some time now. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Adding to this. I believe Ashley handing over CAA to Mith has been in the planning for a while now. I don't think Ash would have just thrown CAA into Mith's lap and run off without making sure he had a plan for CAA's future. XD

Also, it's not the leaders that make a fourm survive(though, they are important), it's the people. We don't need to become a corporation to stay alive. As long as the members keep contributing to the boards, CAA will still be around for a very long time. :3

Concerning the whole "tax exemption" thing, I have no idea how much it costs for CAA to run, but if people wanted to donate to it, I don't think they would care much about being exempted from taxes. I mean, it's a nice benefit when donating to a non-profit organization, but that shouldn't be the only reason someone donates if they do. :\

Mith has been paying for the server for a couple of years as far as I can remember. At LEAST two years I'd say. If he hasn't come forward and said "Hey guys I'm having trouble paying for the server" then I'm pretty sure he has it under control.

And yeah I really doubt that the only thing keeping someone from donating five bucks to CAA is "But I can't write it off on my taxes!" Adding further that a good portion of the members here are under 18 and don't have to do taxes in the first place, that whole deal just seems horribly unnecessary.

Nate (post: 1353293) wrote:And yeah I really doubt that the only thing keeping someone from donating five bucks to CAA is "But I can't write it off on my taxes!"

lulz of the year right here.

But, yeah, even if one were to donate an entire year's worth of operation costs, it still wouldn't be worth much in deductions.