I am in Canada so I do not know the laws that pertain, our marina was set up as non profit, I do not think we had to do anything special other than getting government and environment approval to put docks in the water as well a retaining wall. We had allot of stuff donated to us to assist us in our venture, including our building and property. Local companies also made donations to this cause, not much I think 4 to 5 hundred each, in return we placed their logos on small 1 ft square signs on our building thanking them.

Our local town has been a huge help to us, our concrete boat slip is free for anyone to make use of.

We have on our lake a bass tournament each year to raise funds, the entrance fee is cheap like 50.00, its the only time of year I fish, includes a bbq, 5.00 for raffle tickets on donated prizes which just about everyone wins something. bottom line its a fun day on the lake.

The money raised is spent as follows we hold some back to maintenance or up keeping our property, the rest is givin out to a chosen charity in our local community.

I wish you luck with your venture