What city are you located in?  Our only requirement is that you are currently 50 or more miles away from an existing GPA chapter.  You can search the chapter list on our website at www.greyhoundpets.org.  If you are interested in establishing a sub-chapter (and we're always happy to expand our adopting family!), I can send you our Policies and Procedures Manual (its on a CD) and a subchapter application.  Once you complete the subchapter application, it is reviewed by our Subchapter Committee.  If you are approved, then you exist as a subchapter, which allows you to function under the GPA national 501(c)(3) number as a non-profit.  You will still need to comply with state and local laws pertaining to setting up a business - incorporation, employer identification number (EIN) and such - your local Small Business Administration office can be really helpful.  You must be a subchapter for at least 6 months; once you feel you are ready to be on your own (and you can still ask questions and get support from GPA National), then you complete a full chapter application to get the approval of the Committee to become a full chapter.  The only difference between a subchapter and a full chapter is a full chapter has voting rights on our Board of Directors.

GPA National does provide you with other materials, once you are a subchapter:

·          a CD which contains various forms and documents that other chapters are currently using (promotion items, newsletters, adoption applications, contracts, etc)

·          start-up money to help you pay for insurance

·          bumper stickers

·          posters

·          webmaster - a volunteer will make and maintain a website for your group

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Subchapter Application

Liz Ardell
Executive Secretary
Greyhound Pets of America