​Thanks to all that participated in our end of year surveys. From these surveys, we found two major themes that the community expressed a huge need for.

Incorporate Your Nonprofit
​The process of incorporating your business can be complicated, but with enough research, you should be able to do it without hiring a lawyer!

• Come up with a name for your nonprofit and make sure it hasn’t already been taken by another business.
• Choose a legal structure for your business such as a nonprofit corporation. 
  
• Remember to file for 501(c)(3) tax exemption.

Market Your New Business
Marketing a nonprofit can be a lot of fun! This is your chance to spread the word and be an advocate for your cause.

• Hosting local events is a great way to spread awareness about your new nonprofit.
• Set up social media accounts so you can start attracting online visitors to your website.
• Create and publish valuable content to drum up donations and attract volunteers.
• If you’re exchanging images with a marketing expert, use an online convert JPG to PDF tool to merge multiple images onto one PDF.

Keep it Legal
Maintaining your nonprofit status is key. Make sure your business remains compliant with nonprofit laws so you can avoid legal issues.

• Maintain meticulous records and stay on top of your annual filing requirements.
• Create company bylaws to establish rules for funding your nonprofit and filing practices.
• Enlist tax experts to analyze your nonprofit and tend to all your tax-related needs.
• Make sure you understand your tax obligations if you pay employees to work for your nonprofit.

​Few business models are more rewarding than one that benefits the greater good. As you work to launch your nonprofit, keep your mission in mind — it will drive you through the tedious legal and financial tasks ahead. Start planning your nonprofit today!
This article is brought to you by the Downtown Denver Islamic Center, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to provide a peaceful and welcoming space of Islamic rituals and education for all. Its purpose is to practice and share the teachings and values of Islam by providing religious, spiritual, educational and recreational facilities for those interested. Contact us today for more information.

The Colorado Muslim Leadership Council and its affiliated organizations mourn our community. Our hearts are heavy as we stand with the survivors of violence. We will continue to remember and grieve for the innocent victims of this horrific and senseless crime:

• Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, 51;
• Denny Stong, 20;
• Nevin Stanisic, 23;
• Rikki Olds, 25;
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49;
• Suzanne Fountain, 59;
• Teri Leiker, 51;
• Kevin Mahoney, 61;
• Lynn Murray, 62;
• Jody Waters, 65;

Boulder Police Officer Talley was personally known to many of us, and we are devastated by his death. Please consider supporting all victims and survivors of this horrific crime by donating whatever you can to the Colorado State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, the Colorado Healing Fund, and the Community Foundation of Boulder County (www.boulderoem.com/donations).

​We thank law enforcement for their bravery and commitment in apprehending the shooter. We call for the prosecution of the shooter to the fullest extent of the law. Finally, we look forward to engaging with Colorado’s leadership on actions to make our state a safe place for all.