Nonprofits in St. Johns, FL

How to choose a nonprofit in St. Johns

1. Be clear whether you are seeking help, giving or volunteering

   Each path leads to a different contact at the same organization. If you need help, ask what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment. If you want to give or volunteer, ask what they are actually short on this month rather than guessing.

2. Verify the organization before you give

   A legitimate Florida charity is registered with the state's Division of Consumer Services and most have IRS tax exempt status you can look up. Ask for the registration number if you are unsure, and be cautious of door-to-door or phone solicitations using a familiar local name.

3. Look at where the work happens

   A nonprofit based in St. Augustine may do most of its work in West Augustine or Hastings, and some Jacksonville organizations serve the county too. If you want your time or money to stay local, ask what share of programs serve St. Johns County residents.

4. Ask how they measure results

   Good small nonprofits can tell you plainly how many people they served, meals delivered, animals placed or students helped last year, and what it cost. Vague answers are not always a red flag, but a clear answer is a good sign.

5. For founders, get the paperwork order right

   Starting a nonprofit in Florida means forming a nonprofit corporation with the state, applying to the IRS for tax exempt status, and registering with the state before soliciting donations. Local legal aid clinics and SCORE mentors in the area help first-time founders. When in doubt about a filing, ask the agency office rather than guess.