After registering the Tradename, I knew the next step was to incorporate and files papers with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Looking back, I know having a law degree, helping other nonprofits with legal work and actually knowing where all these government offices are located, I had a good start on getting Hope & A Future established.
So I drafted Articles of Incorporation with a described purpose of: “promoting the self-esteem and enrich the lives of abused children, or adults, who at one time in their life were placed in the foster care system by funding activities, education, and other needs to provide them quality experiences through Christian morals and principles while they live though difficult circumstances.”
After having the Articles drafted and in proper form, I walked to the Secretary of State’s Office to have the Articles notarized and then walked over to the Arizona Corporation Commission to file the papers. I remember this was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and I thought to myself…might as well get this officially started!
The filing was on November 24, 2004 and established Hope & A Future as an Arizona non-profit corporation.
So, November 24, 2004 officially serves as Hope & A Future’s birthday!
As the sole incorporator, I knew this was only the beginning. We still weren’t recognized by the IRS, we needed a board of directors and we needed to figure out what we’d be doing exactly. But the seeds of Hope & A Future were planted and God would make it grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
Michael Brewer, President
Hope & A Future
