News: Announcing Our New Status as a Nonprofit Organization

We are celebrating an organizational milestone today with news that we are a fully-fledged nonprofit organization! 

Here is the official news: we have been granted 501c3 nonprofit status and are recognized as a charitable organization by the IRS. 

“I am so grateful for the dedicated efforts of members of The Kindred Advantage Board of Directors and staff.” for their invaluable time and efforts.  “Together, we are lifting up factors that affect the social determinants of the health of young adults in our nation.  The future is so, so bright for the young adults placed under our supervision and we are well-equipped to positively affect their lives in so many ways” said Michelle Clark, Founder and Executive Director of The Kindred Advantage. 

Our immediate priorities: securing sponsors to renovate and furnish a 7200 sq ft shared housing residence.  This project will provide a place that our program participants can call “home” for up to 5 years with convenient access to public transportation, many nearby educational and employment opportunities, onsite childcare, substance use disorder treatment, invaluable life skills instruction, and much more!  We will immediately begin begin seeking contributions and building a network of funders and staunch community supporters who believe in the future of these young adults and will help us carry-out our purpose.

This and future efforts will help set the table for this often neglected and underserved population which we are so proud to be able to serve. Becoming a nonprofit is not simply a title—it is a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress.

The Meaning of Nonprofit Status

Achieving nonprofit status brings several vital benefits that will strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission. Here are the key elements:

Tax-Exempt Contributions

Now that we are a nonprofit, we can accept tax-exempt contributions. Donations to our organization are tax-deductible for the donor. This important feature encourages local support, allowing us to allocate more funds directly to initiatives that benefit our mission. In fact, research shows that nonprofits with tax-deductible contributions receive, on average, a 30% increase in donations.

Increased Funding Opportunities

With our new status, we can access a vast array of grant opportunities from local foundations and government entities. This could mean additional funding of $50,000 or more each year, which will allow us to enhance our programs and significantly expand our community offerings.

Enhanced Community Engagement

Our nonprofit status heightens our accountability to the community we serve. This transparency builds trust and encourages more engagement with our mission through volunteerism, partnerships, and donations. We look forward to working with more community members who share our passion for making a difference.

Enhancing Our Mission

Our nonprofit status will help our mission thrive in exciting ways. Here’s how this change can elevate our efforts:

Expanding Our Programs

We have always wanted to offer more programs and services. Now, with increased funding, we can bring these ideas to fruition. This could include new workshops, enhanced educational resources, and community events. For example, we plan to launch an annual summer camp, projected to serve over 150 children in our community.

Building Stronger Partnerships

Nonprofit status positions us to collaborate with organizations and businesses dedicated to creating positive change. These collaborative efforts can lead to innovative programs that address pressing local issues and drive community initiatives. For instance, we are currently in talks with a local business to co-host monthly community clean-up events.

Advocacy and Awareness

As a nonprofit, we can take a more active stance in advocacy. This opens doors to educate the community on key issues related to our mission. With your support, we can generate awareness and spark conversations that lead to real change, like improving access to local resources for underprivileged families.

How You Can Get Involved

We believe our greatest strength lies in community involvement, and your participation is crucial to our success. Here are a few ways to actively support our mission:

Make a Donation

To celebrate our nonprofit status, consider making a donation today. Every contribution, regardless of its size, matters. Your generosity will directly support our programs and initiatives.

Volunteer Your Time

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. Whether you can offer professional skills, assist at events, or help in other capacities, your time is invaluable to us. Each hour you give can lead to significant impacts within our community.

Spread the Word

Help us share news of our new status! Talk to your friends and family about our mission, share our story, and encourage them to get involved. The more voices we gather, the larger the impact we can create together.

Looking Ahead

We are really excited about the future and all the possibilities before us. Our nonprofit status will allow us to engage more deeply in the community, ensure sustainability, and make lasting change.

As we begin this new chapter, we recognize that we cannot do this without our community's support. Each of you plays a key role in helping us fulfill our mission. We sincerely thank you for being part of our journey.

A Significant Milestone Ahead

Announcing our nonprofit status is a landmark moment in our mission-driven journey. This transformation represents our ongoing commitment to serve, empower, and connect with our community.

We warmly invite you to join us on this shared journey. With your support, we can reach new heights and make a positive impact on the lives of many. Thank you for being an essential part of our story. Here’s to a future filled with promise!

Let’s move forward together!