How to start a non profit organization?

How to start a non-profit organization (Please only serious answers)?

• I want to start a non-profit organization/charity. I am only 16, but, I have been through and seen some things that I wish I had not and don't wish to mention them. My mom is bi-polar and it has been a huge struggle for her and my family, including me. Being the oldest child I have had to be a mother to my younger sister for years; no one will ever truly know how awful it was to watch my family fall apart and know there was nothing I could do to help my mom or my family. My mom has since got on the right medications and we are living a wonderful happy life that is truly amazing compared to what it was. My animals were the only ones who I could go to in my time of suffering; even though they can't talk they still find a way to help, any one who has owned pets will understand. I want to start working towards my lifetime goal of creating a organization that donates money to bi-polar and cancer research along with animal rescues. I know it's a crazy almost impossible goal but I feel that it could happen. I am going to name it Critters for a Cause, because animals will be incorporated into this. From personal experience I know they can take your mind off of every bad thing going on in your life, even if only for a few minutes. How can I start working towards this goal? I make jewelry, my mom is a wonderful cook, and her friend makes amazing crafts and things that all can be sold. This is something I feel very passionate about and I know this is something I want to do. It only takes one person to make a change in something and I am going to work my absolute hardest to be that one person. Can someone please give me some guidance on how this could work. My mom, dad, and sister have already agreed to help in any way possible. By the way, I live in middle Tennessee if that changes anything. Thank you so much!

• Answer:

  I know of a story similar to yours.. The 16 year old girls just started a non-profit called A Dollar Campaign.. you should contact them and ask them how they were able create a charity at such a young age. Their website is: www.Adollarcampaign.org go to the contact us tab and all the info is there! They are doing pretty well.. I found out about them in the New York Times! Definitely contact them, im sure they can help you get started! Good luck!