To start a quilting business as a nonprofit agency, check into your state's laws about nonprofits. You don't have to get into all the business paperwork hoopla if your real goal is just to help people. If, however, you'd like sales exempt status to buy fabrics and supplies for your charitable quilting business, you will need to check into it.

There are many ways to change your love of quilting into money for your favorite cause.

Make a quilt and donate it to your favorite organization to use as a prize in a fundraiser.

Quilted postcards could be another fundraiser. You could sell your quilted postcards at holidays and donate the proceeds to your favorite charity.

Another quilting business idea that could benefit charity is to sell subscriptions to a quilting newsletter you publish. A percentage of each subscription could be donated to your favorite cause. Unless you're wealthy enough, don't forget to hold out your expenses first, then donate the remainder. You'll be getting back the money you put into each project and donating the difference.

Your love of quilting could also help an organization in a more hands on method. Get area seniors involved by taking your quilting or quilt piecing to the local senior adult center or nursing home. Spend some much appreciated time with the elderly and lead their quilt crafting time.

On the other end of that spectrum, young children would love to learn to quilt too. Make sure you volunteer to work with children who can safely work with a needle and scissors! You could turn this idea into a money maker by charging a nominal fee for supplies. Parents are always looking for a way to enrich their children's lives. Many of them would love to see a "quilting day camp" for their kids!

Quilts are often needed at nursing homes, senior centers and at day cares, children's hospitals and orphanages. Perhaps your project could be to make lap quilts for these people. Check with the marketing coordinator or manager to see if they'd welcome a donation of lap quilts.

You might also check at local food banks and area chapters of the America Red Cross to see if they would like quilted donations.

Team up with a group that provides holiday gifts to the needy. Make quilts, lap quilts, quilted toys, quilted potholders - anything!

Make quilted holiday ornaments for area nursing homes, schools, hospitals to enjoy. You could also make a holiday ornament pack (or several packs) to donate to a group to give away in a drawing.

If you are looking for a way your donations could give you some sort of financial impact, ask your accountant if your quilts can be charitable deductions. If you are thinking of forming a non profit, remember that the term doesn't mean you are not paid for your time, it simply means your business cannot PROFIT. Any profit must be turned back into the business. Again, check with your accountant and state laws for specific information that may affect you.

Whether you want to start a quilting business to profit for yourself or to make money for your favorite cause, there's room in the quilting industry for you! Decide who you would like to help and develop a plan for how you will help them. Quilting for charity is a great way to share your love for quilting!