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]