I'm going through some of this paperwork myself and I can see where your comment makes sense. Just for my two cents, I would think this would be the easiest way but I could be wrong.

For a quick reference, here is a site to check;
http://nonprofitscan.imaginecanada.ca/e ... sh_charity

I have aided in the creation of 3 non-profit and one charitable foundation and to be honest, it's always fun and changing. (Non of them where associated to the rail industry though, working on that one right now. It must be the hardest one yet, so many interests are involved.)

Kevin

Thanks Kev. Will see where this leads...

I've found that becoming a chapter of a larger group may be more work and may also limit your membership potential. Even a local chapter of say the NRHS has to incorporate, obtain tax exempt status and have its own board of directors, officers etc. But then also has to have a National Director and make reports to NRHS HQ about activities.

Then your ability to charge dues is limited. A stand alone group could probably charge more for dues than a chapter which has to keep in mind that not only are you asking for the local dues but the national also wants their dues too. I don't know what NRHS dues are now but if both national and chapter dues add up to over $60/yr. thats a lot of money.