Obtaining 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status

Choose A Meaningful Name

If your group is newly formed, you may still be at a point where you have some flexibility in choosing a name for your shelter or animal placement organization. When it comes to picking a name, choose one that describes what you do, is distinctive or easily remembered, and won't cause confusion with other groups with similar names. Keep in mind you will want your name to be used in URLs (Web addresses) etc. Shorter names are more memorable and flexible than long ones.

Once you have a few options, do some Web searches to see if anyone else has already taken your desired name. Check for (Yourname).org, (Yourname).com, (Yourname).net, etc.

If your chosen name or a name very similar to it is trademarked by another group, they may contact you about infringing on their trademark if you begin to use "their" name. Check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office trademark database at http://www.uspto.gov/ .

Stay away from common acronyms such as P.A.W.S, B.A.R.K., etc. If you will be using initials to shorten your group's name, check to see if that acronym is already in common use. To check to see if another organization close to home may be using a name similar to yours, visit your county clerk's office to review your county's list of registered fictitious names.

Your name describes your mission! Words used in the names of animal welfare organizations have a specific meaning. Be sure you describe your group accurately! Here are some examples:

• Foundation: A foundation is an entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust whose primary purpose is to provide grants to other organizations, institutions or individuals. If you are not a foundation, don't call yourself one or you'll find other organizations knocking on your door asking for your help!
• Society: Implies that you have a membership and welcome the participation of others.
• SPCA: Implies that your organization is a society that investigates cruelty situations and provides shelter to animal victims of cruelty or neglect.
• Rescue: Implies that you physically respond to remove animals from hazardous situations and provide housing while a home is sought or that you partner with shelters that have limited space to remove animals when they need your help.
• Geographic names: "Indiana Dog Rescue" implies you are able to provide services throughout Indiana. "Indianapolis Dog Rescue" implies that you operate in a more limited area.

NOTE: When filing for incorporation in your state, your state may require you to include certain terminology in your name ("Corporation" "Inc." "Ltd.," etc.) Do not use terminology of this sort in your name if you are not yet incorporated with your state.

You'll be living with your chosen name for a long time, so spend some time beforehand picking one that is the best fit for your group.