I am looking to start a project (that's my terminology...not a BOINC "project") and was wondering if anyone here could lend me a hand in understanding how to go about creating and then keeping the project alive. I have done some research but cannot find out if I need to legally start up a non-profit organization or set something else up?

Here is an overview of what I would like to do:


I am looking to set up a project in my home that will use computers to process work in the goal to finding a cure for cancer. The computers
will connect to the World Community Grid and process "work units" for Cancer projects associated with the World Community Grid.

The computers will be maintained by me in the basement of my home. The machines' sole use will be dedicated to the World Community Grid in
the goal to find a cure for cancer. The machines will utilize my household electricity and internet connection. The machines will be
maintained by me and thus I will not need to employ anyone for help.

To start my project and keep it going, I will need donations from people (likely USA residents only) to purchase the machines and pay for the monthly project costs. My goal is to have 100 computers by end of 2010. Each computer will add about $10 to my electricity bill which would mean about a $1200/month electricity bill when I hit 100 computers.

I have done basic research into Non Profits and I do not believe my project fits the goal of a non profit. I am looking for guidance on how
to create this project in a legal fashion. There is no monetary gain for me in setting up this project- I am setting this up as I feel it
will advocate the World Community Grid and its goals of curing cancer.



Any ideas on how I should properly create my project? I don't think I can just start receiving donations tax-free (or can I?) such as via a fundraiser or even an online form...I would think I would have to report that as personal income. So that's why I think I need to register somehow with the US government to tell them all these donations are going towards my project.

Thanks so much in advance if you can point me in the right direction.

-Eric