I would like to share with you some of the best words I have read this year:

Dear Applicant:
We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to you are deductible under section 170 of the Code. You are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.

I have one thing to say: WooHoo.

Galileoscopes from NOAO

Our auction of 2 autographed Galileoscopes raised enough money to donate 33 telescopes to 33 kids. We don’t know where on the planet these telescopes will fly, but no matter where they go I’m sure the kids behind the eye pieces will be thrilled to have a chance to explore the sky with their own eyes.

We are also excited to be able to share that Galileoscope will be going into 2010! Details aren’t public yet, but when they are, I think everyone will be proud of the shape this wonderful project is taking. One thing I can share is Astrosphere will be helping them out with web hosting, and getting their new media voices heard.

This auction was our first fundraiser and suffice to say, we learned some important lessons: 1) eBay auctions are easy, but eBay buyers don’t like first time sellers. I am a first time seller. This is fixable with time. 2) eBay has special programs for non-profits. They require paper checks (which I don’t have – who uses checks?!) and the official letter from the IRS (which I’m waiting on). There will be more auctions – we have a ’scope signed by the folks from Flood(!!!) – but they will happen after we are official with the IRS and with eBay.

Success! (© Nikolais | Dreamstime.com)

After over a year of working on State of Illinois and IRS non-profit paper work, our IRS liason says that we’re there!

I feel like I should write something very profound here, but all I can say is, “Wow, what an amazing sense of relief.” For any of you looking to set up a non-profit, don’t do it on your own if you have a full time job. There are lawyers who you can give reasonable amounts of money to and they will do the leg work for you.

That said – we did it! We did it on our own! And now, I can say safely, Astrosphere New Media Association – An ACTIVE non-profit.

Help! Paperwork! (© Edie Layland)

But while we wait we can also begin to act. Currently Pamela is madly trying to figure out how to install Pligg, so we can get some social sharing of content going on around here, and on Tuesday she and Chris will be trying an experiment in webcasting. Let’s hope for an audiance! Answering questions from you will make all of this that much more fun.  Will join us for a laugh and a smile?