Become a Religious Entrepreneur
How to Start a Self Realization Fellowship Church
Launching a Self Realization Fellowship church can get you on the path to a spiritually rewarding future as long as you can attract a loyal and engaged congregation. We provide a few secrets to improve your startup process.
Thinking about opening a Self Realization Fellowship church? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Characteristics of a Self-Realization Fellowship Church
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a religious philosophy based on the teachings of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda -- a yogi and guru who migrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century.
Although SRF incorporates Christian elements into its teachings, it exists far outside of the Christian mainstream. Through yogic practices and teachings, SRF seeks to help individuals live a more fulfilling life and gain a more personal experience of God.
SRF offers a range of opportunities to religious entrepreneurs. The organization serves its followers through temples, study groups, meditation centers and monasteries, giving entrepreneurial SRF adherents a smorgasbord of options for launching a new work.
Tax-Exempt Status for SRF Startups
Every dollar counts for nonprofit and religious organizations. If you're starting a Self-Realization Fellowship temple or retreat center, you will soon discover that making ends meet isn't as easy as it seems, even if you plan to charge participants set fees to cover costs and activities.
For a variety of reasons, federal and state governments grant tax-exempt status to qualified nonprofit and religious organizations. Although it won't necessarily balance your budget, tax exemption will bring your SRF startup one step closer to a healthy bottom line.
Tax-exempt status is not automatic, however. To obtain tax exemption, you need to know how to qualify as a tax-exempt organization. There are several steps in the process and even though it can be cumbersome, it's worth the effort to complete the process.
Related Articles on Starting a Religious Organization
These additional resources regarding starting a religious organization may be of interest to you.
Tax Consequences of a Religious Organization Startup
Why Profitability Matters in a Religious Organization Startup
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