Thread: Well... my nonprofit is almost ready!!!

So, for all you who don't know I am starting a not-for-profit company (most likely an LLC) to give a monetary incentive to recycle red cups. (plastic #6) A few years ago (i think 2) my university tried to do it and but I feel that having an outside entity would be more efficient.

I hope to spread education about it, give monetary incentives, post bins up and down a few streets as well as on campus, and receive tax deductible donations.
What I have done thus far:
As soon as I go back to school, me and my housemate (a co-founder) will work out the articles of organization (or incorporation or w/e).
Once that is finished, I spoke with a business specialist at Wells Fargo about opening a merchant account and accepting donations on our website. His girlfriend is also going to graduate school in for nonprofit administration, so hopefully this business relationship can blossom.
I also did the best I could to figure out the 1023 form, and filled in as much as possible, but until I get a EIN and bank account I will be unable to file it.
I also purchased the website www.savetheredcup.org and hope to transfer it asap to the business.
Also, I believe that each member of the board should be paid $1200.00 per year, or $100 a month (max 3-4 members) while having a volunteer staff or paid (hourly) workers, or maybe the school can accept some of the responsibility.
I still have to speak with Solo (the redcup manufacturing company) for talks to have a relationship with them and maybe participating in a refund program. I hope to have them accept and pay for some of the recycling incentive, as well as them having a board member and recieve quarterly updates. This will hopefully be a mutual relationship as the cost of shipping should be less than the raw materials, and they can be seen as green and helping a notforprofit. (which is 'in' right now... haha).
Another thing I will try to do is receive money from our coastal fund, a student run organization that gives monetary grants to individuals or business that help clean up the central coast. They gave out i think $1500 a quarter or year when they tried this initiative last time, but how motivated I am, linked with my business knowledge, I hope to make this work.

I hope you guys like it and check it out!!! Any and all feedback and critisims welcome, I enjoy tough love so don't sugarcoat it. I will do my best to keep you updated!
thanks.