I'm looking for a concise set of steps that explain how to start a
non-profit group in the state of Missouri. Specifically, what
requirements must the group meet? Does there need to be a board of
directors? What forms are involved? What are the stipulations of
running a non-profit under the umbrella of a for-profit business?

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Request for Question Clarification by juggler-ga on 15 Nov 2005 16:10 PST

Can you explain what you mean by "running a non-profit under the
umbrella of a for-profit business"?

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Clarification of Question by moxie_cinema-ga on 15 Nov 2005 16:18 PST

If a for-profit business (i.e. a car dealership) forms a non-profit
group (i.e. a group that donates cars to local charity groups). Simply
put, a non-profit branch of the company that operates autonomously to
perform tasks beneficial to both entities.

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Request for Question Clarification by juggler-ga on 15 Nov 2005 16:27 PST

That part of the question really makes it much more difficult to answer.  

If you limited your request to just the mechanics (requirements,
forms, etc) of starting a non-profit in Missouri, you might be more
likely to get an answer to this question.  However, when add in the
question of mixing a non-profit with a for-profit, you're raising
potentially complex legal questions.

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Clarification of Question by moxie_cinema-ga on 15 Nov 2005 16:40 PST

Then let's forget the last bit and stick to the mechanics.

Hello.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development has an excellent
summary of the steps of forming a nonprofit at:
http://www.ded.mo.gov/cd/NFP_checklist.htm

Also see the instructions on this form:
Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation and Domestic
Nonprofit Instruction Sheet (Corp. 52)
http://www.sos.mo.gov/forms/corp/corp52.pdf

As indicated on that form, a board of directors is required.  There
must be at least three directors.  Also, each corporation may have a
president and/or chairman, secretary and treasurer. The same
individual may simultaneously hold more than one office.

Here are the other relevant forms:

Application for Reservation of a Name:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/forms/corp/be1.pdf

Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation and Domestic
Nonprofit Instruction Sheet (Corp. 52)
http://www.sos.mo.gov/forms/corp/corp52.pdf

IRS Form 1023, Application for Tax-Exempt Status.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf

Apply for Federal Employer ID Number (EIN) ? SS4.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf

Missouri Sales/Use Tax Exemption Application (Form 1746 Rev. 10-98)
http://www.dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/forms/1746f.pdf

Missouri charity registration:
http://www.ago.mo.gov/checkacharity/charityregistration.htm

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search strategy:
 nonprofit site:mo.gov

Good luck!

Thanks for the answer juggler. Just what I was looking for - concise
and to the point.