Thread: getting a non-profit what do you think??

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this is our second year doing a haunt and are thinking about getting a non-profit to donate some of our proceeds to. we are still a small little haunt and are just trying to break even, but thought it might bring in more people and get us more known in the community. andy ideas or comments??

Not to avoid answering your question... and I sure hope this doesn't come across as sarcastic (because it truly is not meant to be) but how do you manage to "break even"?

The reason I ask is that every year, I go hundreds (perhaps more!) into the hole making props, decorating, etc. I'm definitely nowhere near break even, as all of my money goes out, and nothing comes in. I'm not interested in making money off of my little haunt (if you can even call it that) but I'd love to know how people are defraying their costs!

Edit: I should have asked... are you a "pro" haunt, or just a home haunt like me? Perhaps that's what I didn't understand...

oh, sry i wasn't specific.. i started as a hm haunter but got a partner and last year put on a paying haunt. (starting it as a business) really cheap $ 2 daytime and $4 at night... we are doing it at a vacant lot. build it from the ground up, it is still very amiture but we are learning. i have been collecting stuff for years, i am now just really getting into building my own props.. i have been hitting up all my friends and family for old and junk stuff they are going to toss anyway. that has really helped.

That's awesome! I would imagine doing a charity would bring some good publicity. I've always been partial to the Humane Society, myself. I'd pick a handful of charities that you and your partner are interested in, and talk to them about your idea. See who is interested, and get a feel for which group(s) are a good fit for what you want to do.

yea we were thinking about either animal save or the habitat for humanity. i guess i am just a little nervous going in, don't know what to expect and how to go about it. I am thinking about trying this week.

Are their rules about who you use and using your name? I am very curious about this type of thing. I am only a home haunter right now but have been dreaming for a long time about starting a haunt and have been doing more serious research this year. I am curious if a charity (despite the fact that they will be recieving funds) will allow you to use their name unless you are a fully insured haunt which if I understand correctly means fire inspectors etc. I am sure you are...and congratulations on starting up a professional haunt!! My point is how many hoops do charities make you jump through before allowing you to use their name in advertising?

there are many threads on thec forum about this stuff you might want to search through. One is (Legalities of doing a Haunt in Front of your house?!?!? ) and many many more

You could possibly do it for even smaller groups in your area. Maybe a local club such as a specific Boyscout or Girlscout Troop, the local highschool's band program or art department or any other small program that normally struggles to have enough funding. I'd contact a few places that you would be interested in and getting their feedback. Every bit makes a difference to these organizations trust me as a Band Booster President and Scoutmaster, and Cubmaster I know.