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  • 1.  Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-08-2026 02:34 AM

    Good morning,
    I am putting together a proposal for our nonprofit to acquire a for-profit business. This strategy would create an earned income stream and provide long-term financial stability.

    We would consult with the proper legal/financial subject matter experts if we proceed, But I'm wondering if anyone  in this community can share feedback , lessons learned or positive outcomes?


    #FundraisingandDevelopment

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    Deborah Torrice
    CFO
    Road To Refuge Animal Sanctuary
    CT
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  • 2.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 05:57 AM

    What you are proposing is not unusual in the non-profit arena.  YES, definitely seek legal advice on this transaction.  You must be a larger organization, which is good because such an endeavor will need to be well-managed .  For example, you will need to keep close attention to the finances of the for-profit venture as your non-profit will be paying taxes on that part of your overall income.  You'll need to track how you mix in the for-profit proceeds into your non-profit activities.  It isn't overly burdensome, but it does need proper oversight and care, so find an accountant or firm that understands these kinds of transactions.  Best of Success!



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    Bruce Thorsen
    President of the Board
    Purrfect Match Cat Adoptions Inc.
    DBA Purrfect Match Cat Rescue
    Millington, TN 38053
    www.purrfectmatchcatrescue.org
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 09:50 AM

    We are not a larger organization at all !! I just have "large" ideas and that's what makes me nervous 🤣🤣

    If we do pursue , we'd have to grow in staff (we have zero paid employees) , support  etc. , but as long as the for profit can cover it all !!  



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    Deborah Torrice
    CFO
    Road To Refuge Animal Sanctuary
    CT
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 07:20 AM

    Great question.   In our early days as a non-profit rescue, we had thought about creating a for-profit boarding business to help bring in money, but then decided not to go forward because of the work involved and challenges that went along with boarding.   That was about 10 years ago, and looking back, I'm glad we made the decision (for us) to remain non-profit only. 



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    Kim Kamins
    Executive Director
    Fearless Kitty Rescue
    AZ
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  • 5.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 09:55 AM

    Thanks for sharing.  Were your concerns on regulations etc ?  It seems daunting to me as well, we are a very small Sanctuary so I am not sure if it's just too big of a change. But we have a good BOD - so at the end of the day, I think we'll make the right decision for us like you did for your org.



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    Deborah Torrice
    CFO
    Road To Refuge Animal Sanctuary
    CT
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 07:42 PM

    Hi Deborah, our biggest concern was taking in an owned animal and all the liability that would go along with that.  We would have had to house the owned animal in the same 5200 square foot building as our shelter animals and we didn't feel that was a good idea.   Add in all the insurance, legal requirements, etc, that go with taking possession of someone's personal kitty even for a short period of time, with not a huge ROI it just wasn't the best fit.   



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    Kim Kamins
    Executive Director
    Fearless Kitty Rescue
    AZ
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 08:45 AM

    We're working on starting a thrift store. We're starting online and hopefully get to the point of being in a building. 



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    Bre Hoffman (they/m)
    Special Little Whiskers Sanctuary Decatur IL
    SpecialLittleWhiskersKittenRescue.com
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  • 8.  RE: Non profit purchasing a for profit

    Posted 08-09-2026 09:44 AM

    I love this idea !!! Best of luck 



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    Deborah Torrice
    CFO
    Road To Refuge Animal Sanctuary
    CT
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    Original Message


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