Leonard wrote:
>While maintaining separate records and accounts for a ferret shelter may
>appear to be a lot of unnecessary work, the benefits gained from these
>efforts can yield great results that can save work and money in the long
>run.  Small shelters may not need the structure of an accounting system
>separate from personal finances, but larger shelters or those that share
>facilities with a large collection of pets or breeding stock may find it
>very beneficial.
 
I have a separate hand-written ledger which "fleshes out" the entries of
the debit/credits in the checking account.  I also have a database tracking
ferrets in/out, conditions, surgeries performed, color, ages, reason for
release, tattoos, adoption fees, etc; a spreadsheet which breaks down
costs/donations by amount and donator; and a ledger which tracks other
than monetary donations (cages, food, bedding, litter).
 
I have a separate checking account for the shelter (I found a local bank
that does not charge a monthly fee, as long as you are non-profit, there is
no monthly minimum deposit required!).  The shelter will soon have a debit
card, for purchasing over the internet.
 
>The cost of filing for nonprofit status varies from state to state, but
>the process is typically simple and inexpensive (a single form and $20 in
>Oregon, for example).
 
I don't think that this is correct - when I filed with the IRS for
determination of 501(3)c, it was $175.00, and it did not vary by geographic
location.  However, I did have to file with the state and that fee was
$75.00 - to file our Articles of Incorporation and register with the State
Corporation Commission (Virginia).  I completed the all of the forms
myself, and did not need an attorney's or accountant's help in creating
these documents.
 
I keep my personal expenses in relation to my ferrets completely separated
from my shelter ferrets and expenses.  I have two accounts at my vets - one
for my personal ferrets, and one for the shelter.
 
This works for me - but I don't think that any shelter that doesn't do it
this way is in any way 'less of a shelter' than I am.  There are some very
fine shelters out there, like Bev Fox, that are doing it without a separate
checking account.  She has certainly been sheltering a lot longer than me,
and I have learned a lot from her and others like her.  I am glad that for
every shelter that is out there, doing whatever they can to help the
ferrets.
 
Lisa, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
http: www.ferrethaven.org
Want to help The Ferret Haven By-the-Sea? Register at iGive.com
by cutting and pasting this link:
http://www.iGive.com/html/ssi.cfm?CID=1236&MID=854
[Posted in FML issue 2875]