$45 General Admission
Free for Spokes Members

You're passionate about a cause and you want to do something about it! In fact, you're thinking about forming your own nonprofit organization. This class is for you.

Join us and learn:

• What a nonprofit is and isn't
• How nonprofits are structured
• The steps involved in forming a nonprofit
• Why you need to develop a nonprofit "business plan" and how to get started
• What up front costs you'll face
• Ongoing compliance requirements
• What are some options if you decide not to incorporate

This class is in-person in San Luis Obispo; location will be sent with registration acknowledgement. This class may be recorded.

Guest Experts: Chris Toews and Michael Simkins, Ed.D.

Chris Toews

J. Christopher Toews is an attorney whose practice focuses on business and estate planning for business owners, professionals, and retirees, including the formation and representation of nonprofit organizations. Based in San Luis Obispo since 1984, he provides ongoing business, tax, and succession planning advice and has extensive experience in estate administration. Earlier in his career, he practiced tax law in New York and held senior legal and financial roles with Citibank and its international affiliate in Saudi Arabia. Chris has served as chairman of the State Bar of California’ Business Law Section's Nonprofit Organizations Committee and represents numerous charitable organizations. He is a frequent lecturer and published author on estate and tax planning topics, and has been a Rotarian since 1985.

Michael Simkins, Ed.D.

Michael has been a member of several nonprofit boards and served as board secretary, treasurer, and president. His professional experience spans the education and nonprofit sectors from being a school principal in Los Osos and Cal Poly lecturer to acting CEO of a major Silicon Valley nonprofit. He is immediate past president at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre and president of his local property-owners association. Currently, he is Spokes’ CEO.