Becoming a Not-For-Profit
In the fall of 2014, Laura and I partnered with Scott, James, and Syl, to start camp. We knew we weren’t going to make money that first year and wanted to get started as quickly and simply as possible. We formed an LLC and got to work. Things have changed a lot since then. We have successfully run two summers of camp with summer number three looking like it will be the biggest and best one yet.
Over the past two years we have given away over $20,000 in scholarships, helping more than 50 kids come to camp that never would have had that opportunity. This summer we hope to do even more!
So far these scholarships have been almost entirely unfunded, meaning we have just taken them as a financial loss. Having entirely unfunded scholarships is not sustainable, and will not enable our camp to thrive. We need your help to grow and make Stomping Ground accessible to all campers and families.
This fall we worked with Brenda, Steve, and Jamie at Woods Oviatt Gillman to become a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. (Thanks y'all! You are the best!) Becoming a 501c3 will allow us to host events to support our camper families, connect with passionate people who believe in Stomping Ground, and ultimately provide scholarships to many more campers and improve the camp experience for all. This past month we submitted our application and we are now a pending 501c3. Unfortunately, the tax man is worse than the cable guy. It may take anywhere between 3 and 18 months for our nonprofit status to finally be confirmed. WHAT!?
Is your donation tax deductible?
Great question. The short answer is maybe. Any donation you give now will be tax deductible as soon as we are confirmed as a not for profit. We have every intention of jumping through any hoops that may come up and our good friends at Woods Oviatt Gillman assure us that we will be all set, but we can’t make promises for the tax man. When we receive the final word we will send you all the information that will qualify your donation as tax-deductible.
Where does your money go?
Every penny you give us will go into bringing campers to camp and making their experiences more impactful, memorable, and magical.
How do I donate?
You can donate online here, send a check to the address below, or give me a call if you have any questions.
Stomping Ground HQ
23 Traymore Rd
Rochester NY 14609
Jack Schott
585-451-5141
Kids see plenty of messed up stuff in the world and your gift gives them a chance to see how amazing and generous the world can be. Your gift helps inspire the next generation of changemakers to reimagine a radically more empathetic world.
