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This past Saturday, seven Muslim organizations took the first steps towards
becoming officially recognized non-for-profit organizations by the State of
Illinois. The Council held a workshop at the Downtown Islamic Center to assist
organizations file the necessary paperwork to be recognized operating
non-for-profits.
Attorney
Gregory Abdullah Mitchell gave a presentation on the necessary steps for
achieving tax exempt status and on becoming an incorporated non-for-profit
organization. His presentation included pointers on filing incorporation
paperwork, defining the purpose of your organization, applying for tax-exempt
status, proper accounting classifications, and the importance of documenting
your activities and financial records. Mr. Mitchell reminded the group that it
was better to take your time and file that paperwork right the first time than
going through it multiple times.
These
organizations, such as the Chicago Association of Latin American Muslims
(CALAM), gathered at the DIC were beginning the process of filing their
paperwork. Joining CALAM were representatives from Dahira Touba of Chicago, the
Senegalese organization, the Association of Guineans and Friends, the Imam W.D.
Muhammad Community Center, the Union of North Ivorians, an organization for
Chicago’s Ivory Coast community, Masjid al-Ihsan and AMAMAC, the Malian
Association of Chicago.
Council
treasurer and Certified Public Accountant, Tasneem Osmani, was available to
answer accounting questions, and Ahmed Abdul Qadeer, the Chairman of the
Council's Membership Committee, was on hand to assist with membership
applications. Long time social worker Khaleelah Rafear and the Council’s
Director of Outreach, Muneer Aliuddin, assisted organizations with their
incorporation and 501(c)3 paperwork. The Council’s Health Care Outreach
Coordinator, Mohammed Ibrahim, discussed with the organization’s leaders about
the Council’s health care initiative and the various health care programs the
Council offers.
Council
Chairman Abdul Malik Mujahid, briefly introduced the Council to the group and
invited all present to the Council’s November 19th Council Workshop
Day. He also informed individuals on the various services the Council provides.
The groups were handed packets on the Council along with flyers so that they may
publicize the Council’s services to the community.
The Council
would like to take a moment and thank those whose work was invaluable for the
success of the workshop - Sister Khaleelah and Sheikh Khalil, and team member
Farid al-Taqi. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
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