Non Profit set up ...

[Rob Tucker]

There are bout 27 kinds of non-profits recognized by the IRS. Most common is the 501c3 which is a charitable non profit. 501c3s have to stay away from politics and not donate to political causes. Next most common is a 501c4 which is a community lobbying type group. Friends of Puna's Future (www.fopf.org) is such a community lobbying group. 501c4s can do poltical work. The 501c4 format has been pretty abused by large money in the last election.

Others are things like homeowner associations, credit unions, etc.

Rene is right. Start with the state, move on to the feds. State can take a few minutes or hours. Feds can take a few months.