We have run into some snags. First off, it may be an easy change for the IRS, but amazingly – it is not an easy change for 2 of the agencies we are immediately doing business with. The insurance company freaked. . . . they said we had to submit a 6-7 page name change document – reapplying since we would be a new entity – it would be like we had never had insurance and we would have to start all over again. Then the Borough, also said – we would have to start the process over again with the Vista – reapply with our new name change – to the state, etc. This could potentially interfere with our Vista coming.
I don’t really get why this is such a big deal with agencies – and easy for the IRS – but the Insurance person assured me that many agencies in the community have a different umbrella name but operate several programs that each have their own function and purpose and name – that our situation was not uncommon. He advised that we keep the umbrella the same as it is now, Clearwater Ministries INC and just have different programs that we are operating.
This is contrary to what we decided as a board. But it is what I have learned since then.
I suggest we address this during the next meeting. It may merit not changing it–unfortunately if that is the case. Such is the landscape of the 501c3 status.
I agree it sounds like too much red tape and hassle to change.
It sounds to me like this is a big deal and not worth trying to change this. I think we should revisit this and go back to the name we already have.
Barb