501(c)(3) APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Colorado Community,

September 12th 2009, the IRS granted us approval for our 501(c)(3) Non-Profit status in the state of Colorado. The process has taken almost a year and have been exhaustively examined.

Being a 501(c)(3) will open a lot of doors, and formalizes our organization's structure and obligations. Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. will now qualify for many grants and additional forms of support. Plus individual donations can now be made tax-deductible in the United States.

There was a ton of work that went into this. From incorporating, to forming our Board of Directors, drafting by-laws, adopting a Conflict of Interest policy, etc., all topped by an almost 200 page application to the IRS. Then 9 months of waiting and follow up paperwork.

I could have never done this by myself, and have a lot of people to thank...

The biggest thanks goes to Sharon Davis, my fellow Co-Founder and Director of Training. Your patients, knowledge and time have been invaluable to this process.

I would also like to thank our now Board of Directors, friends and family who have bounced ideas around, given encouragement, had faith in the program and provided us with a lot support.

If you would like to help support individuals who come to us and do not have the financial wherewithal, or help in supporting Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. mission we welcome your help. You can donate to a scholarship fund, or to help a client retire there debt, or some other creative way, if you like.

Sharon and myself are so very deeply grateful for all of your ongoing help and support this is just the beginning of a long journey.


Sincerely,

Lija Day
Co-Founder