When I was the American Red Cross Volunteer Director at a non-profit hospital, we had limited access to the psychiatric ward. Only those volunteers that had nursing or psychotherapy backgrounds were allowed on the floor.

You can find non-profit information on your State's website (you are in USA?). Usually only 3 people are required for the board... but beware! Everyone listed on the non-profit papers WILL BE AUDITED BY THE IRS that year!!!! Also, there is a difference between not for profit and non profit... it takes a little extra work and explanation but the non-profit charity is worth the lable, for then you can ask for donations and those donations are tax deductible for the donator.

(Alot of businesses are not for profit, they weren't planned that way... they just don't make it! LOL)

Don't forget the cost of liability insurance. It's very easy and cheap to establish a non-profit... but the addendums get cha! Also, plan on NOT having any real operating funds for 5 years... so a grant or funding from a larger company is necessary. (Unless you're independently wealthy.)

Hope this helps. I've owned 2 corporations.