What's Happening

It's been a while since I've written a mass update about what's going on with the IRS.  I've been thinking a lot and talking with our board of directors, trusted advisors, friends, etc.  Now, I'm ready to share what's been going on with everyone because I feel like we're almost at a consensus.  We want to be transparent during this process and share openly.  We've got nothing to hide and find value on including others in what we're doing.  If you're reading this, you're part of the team helping to make Overflow happen.  So, here's the update (without going into too much boring legal or tax details... if you're interested in these kinds of things, let me know and I'd love to talk with you over the phone).

The IRS is not going to recognize selling direct trade coffee and other products as an exempt activity of a non-profit organization.  Therefore, we are faced with 3 options: (1) keep coffee and other sales to a minimal level, (2) hive off the coffee shop as a separate for-profit from a non-profit focused on community building, arts and volunteering or (3) have everything be a single for-profit entity (but we can still use 100% of our profits for non-profit activities). 

The consensus seems to be to go for option #3 and keep all of our activities under a single entity.  We'll still do the mission we've set out so far - giving South Loop residents, students and workers the opportunity to change the world through community building, volunteering, the arts and using direct trade and organic products.  We will give 100% of our profits to non-profit activities (mostly within the South Loop and surrounding neighborhoods).

I'd love to hear your thoughts about a "socially responsible" coffee shop that doesn't have a 501(c)(3) status but is still 100% invested in the community.  Comment and share your thoughts and ideas!