For some time, we have been striving to achieve non-profit status. We explored several options but they all proved to be too expensive or too confining. At one of our meetings, Robert 'Roy' Van de Hock introduced us to the International Humanities Center (IHC). The IHC is a non-profit organization that 'shares' its 501(c)(3) status with humanitarian groups like ours.

Once we joined the IHC, our club became a 'project' under the IHC. For a a small annual fee, the IHC manages our money, files our tax returns, provides credit card donation support, and a host of other services. This saves us the time, cost, and aggravation of having to take on the huge non-profit overhead requirements of the IRS and the state of CA.

We now have the ability to collect tax free donations, apply for grants, create a budget, and all the other things a legitimate non-profit can do.

This terrific partnership allows us to focus on what we do best - tend to the cavity nesters.

Special thanks to all the fine folks at the IHC for helping me through the application process. Let me tell you, this group was mighty impressed with the work and dedication of our club members. They are proud to have us as a member.