Guides and answers from Good Circles: shopping local, passive fundraising, AmazonSmile alternatives, and practical nonprofit questions. A community marketplace where shopping local saves you money, funds nonprofits, and strengthens the place you live.https://goodcircles.org/en-ushttps://goodcircles.org/learn/best-local-businesses-jackson-ms/https://goodcircles.org/learn/best-local-businesses-jackson-ms/A verified guide to locally-owned Jackson favorites — Fondren diners, Lemuria Books, Bully’s soul food, local coffee and more — organized by category.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/passive-nonprofit-funding/https://goodcircles.org/learn/passive-nonprofit-funding/What passive nonprofit funding is and every real way to build it: roundup apps, employer matching, shopping portals, search giving, and local-first models.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-save-money-shopping-local/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-save-money-shopping-local/Loyalty programs, seconds and outlets, seasonal buying, co-ops, market timing, repair-over-replace, and automatic savings.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/what-big-platforms-cost-local-businesses/https://goodcircles.org/learn/what-big-platforms-cost-local-businesses/Marketplace fees decoded: what Amazon, Etsy, DoorDash and lead-gen platforms actually take per sale — and what the percentages hide.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-choose-a-local-nonprofit/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-choose-a-local-nonprofit/A practical framework: verify 501(c)(3) status, read the Form 990, weigh local vs national, and match your support to the need.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/passive-fundraising-ideas/https://goodcircles.org/learn/passive-fundraising-ideas/Fifteen passive fundraising ideas ranked by how passive they really are — realistic yield, effort level, and best-fit organization for each.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/passive-fundraising-for-schools/https://goodcircles.org/learn/passive-fundraising-for-schools/Why product sales burn out volunteers, the truly passive alternatives ranked, and a realistic worked example for PTAs and booster clubs.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/benefits-of-shopping-local/https://goodcircles.org/learn/benefits-of-shopping-local/What shopping local does for your wallet, community, and state — with the ~$53-vs-$14 recirculation figure and honest chain trade-offs.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/mississippi-farmers-markets/https://goodcircles.org/learn/mississippi-farmers-markets/Mississippi farmers markets by region with verified locations, market days, and source links — Jackson, Meridian, the Coast and more.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/gifts-from-mississippi-small-shops/https://goodcircles.org/learn/gifts-from-mississippi-small-shops/A verified Mississippi gift guide: Delta pottery, Jackson pralines, letterpress art, legendary independent bookstores, and MS-made goods.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/best-amazonsmile-alternatives-for-nonprofits/https://goodcircles.org/learn/best-amazonsmile-alternatives-for-nonprofits/AmazonSmile ended in 2023. The best free replacements for nonprofits in 2026 — recurring funding from supporters' everyday shopping, ranked honestly.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-small-nonprofits-raise-money-without-grants/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-small-nonprofits-raise-money-without-grants/No grant writer? Here are practical, low-effort ways small nonprofits raise money — including free, recurring passive fundraising that runs on supporters' everyday shopping.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-sell-to-local-customers-online/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-sell-to-local-customers-online/Reach nearby customers online without losing 15–30% to delivery apps. Here's how local businesses sell online and keep more of every sale.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-shop-and-donate-to-charity/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-shop-and-donate-to-charity/Yes, you can shop and give at once. Here's how shopping-for-charity programs work, what to watch for, and the option that also saves you money.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-support-local-businesses-online/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-support-local-businesses-online/Want to support local businesses without leaving home? Here are practical ways to shop local online — including a marketplace that saves you money and funds a cause.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/save-money-and-give-to-charity/https://goodcircles.org/learn/save-money-and-give-to-charity/Most give-back programs ask you to donate a slice. One model lets you save money AND give at the same time. Here's how that works.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/what-happened-to-amazonsmile/https://goodcircles.org/learn/what-happened-to-amazonsmile/AmazonSmile shut down in Feb 2023 after giving ~$500M at just 0.5%. Why Amazon ended it and the best 2026 replacements — including local-first options.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/what-is-a-community-marketplace/https://goodcircles.org/learn/what-is-a-community-marketplace/A community marketplace keeps money and benefit inside a community. Here's what makes it different from Amazon or a delivery app — and why it matters.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/what-is-passive-fundraising/https://goodcircles.org/learn/what-is-passive-fundraising/Passive fundraising earns money from supporters' everyday actions — no events, no asks. Here's how it works and how much it can raise.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/why-shopping-local-matters/https://goodcircles.org/learn/why-shopping-local-matters/How much of your dollar actually stays local? Here's the data on shopping local — and an easy way to keep more money in your community.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/is-amazonsmile-coming-back/https://goodcircles.org/learn/is-amazonsmile-coming-back/Is AmazonSmile coming back? No — Amazon ended it in February 2023 with no plans to return. Here’s the status and the best alternatives in 2026.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-does-good-circles-make-money/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-does-good-circles-make-money/Good Circles is free for shoppers and nonprofits. It’s funded by a 1% fee local businesses pay on profit — here’s exactly how the model works.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/shop-local-vs-shopping-on-amazon/https://goodcircles.org/learn/shop-local-vs-shopping-on-amazon/Shopping local vs Amazon: where your money goes, what stays in your community, and how to get Amazon-like convenience while keeping dollars local.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-fundraise-for-a-school-without-selling/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-fundraise-for-a-school-without-selling/Tired of wrapping paper and cookie dough? Here’s how to fundraise for a school with no selling — recurring, no-cost ways families can support your school.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-fundraise-for-a-church/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-fundraise-for-a-church/How to fundraise for a church without another bake sale or special offering — recurring, no-cost ways your congregation can fund ministry by shopping local.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-fundraise-for-a-sports-team/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-fundraise-for-a-sports-team/How to fundraise for a youth sports team without car washes or selling — recurring, no-cost ways families can fund uniforms, travel, and gear.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/what-is-a-marketplace-facilitator/https://goodcircles.org/learn/what-is-a-marketplace-facilitator/A marketplace facilitator collects and remits sales tax on behalf of its sellers. Here’s what that means for local businesses selling on a marketplace.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-do-online-marketplaces-work/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-do-online-marketplaces-work/How do online marketplaces work, how do they make money, and what makes a community marketplace different? A plain-English explainer.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/the-economic-impact-of-shopping-local/https://goodcircles.org/learn/the-economic-impact-of-shopping-local/Why shopping local matters for your community’s economy — how more of each dollar recirculates locally, and an easy way to keep even more of it home.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-support-local-restaurants/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-support-local-restaurants/Practical ways to support local restaurants — and how to help them keep more of every order instead of losing 15–30% to delivery apps.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/alternatives-to-doordash-for-restaurants/https://goodcircles.org/learn/alternatives-to-doordash-for-restaurants/Looking for alternatives to DoorDash and the delivery apps? Here are lower-fee ways for restaurants to sell online and keep more of every order.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-much-do-delivery-apps-charge-restaurants/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-much-do-delivery-apps-charge-restaurants/How much do delivery apps charge restaurants? Commissions commonly run 15–30% per order. Here’s what that means for margins and lower-fee options.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-choose-a-nonprofit-to-support/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-choose-a-nonprofit-to-support/How to choose a nonprofit to support — practical questions to ask, how to verify a charity, and an easy way to fund the one you pick every time you shop.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-support-nonprofits-for-free/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-support-nonprofits-for-free/How to support nonprofits for free — practical ways to help causes you care about without donating money, including funding them every time you shop.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/what-does-shop-small-mean/https://goodcircles.org/learn/what-does-shop-small-mean/What does "shop small" mean, where did it come from, and how can you shop small year-round? A quick explainer plus an easy way to do it online.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-start-a-fundraiser-for-your-nonprofit/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-start-a-fundraiser-for-your-nonprofit/How to start a fundraiser for your nonprofit — a simple step-by-step, plus a no-cost, recurring option that funds you every time supporters shop.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/cash-back-vs-giving-back/https://goodcircles.org/learn/cash-back-vs-giving-back/Cash back vs giving back — what’s the difference, and is there a way to do both at once? How Good Circles lets you save and fund a cause on the same purchase.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-find-local-businesses-near-you/https://goodcircles.org/learn/how-to-find-local-businesses-near-you/How to find local businesses near you and shop them online — practical tips, plus a local-first marketplace that saves you about 10% and funds a cause.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/ways-to-give-back-to-your-community/https://goodcircles.org/learn/ways-to-give-back-to-your-community/Practical ways to give back to your community — from volunteering to shopping local — including a no-cost way to fund a local cause every time you shop.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/best-passive-fundraising-ideas-for-nonprofits/https://goodcircles.org/learn/best-passive-fundraising-ideas-for-nonprofits/The best passive fundraising ideas for nonprofits — low-effort, recurring revenue streams, including a no-cost shopping fundraiser that runs itself.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/start-a-local-business/https://goodcircles.org/learn/start-a-local-business/A step-by-step path from "I want out of the 9-to-5" to selling locally and keeping 89% of your profit — with the training and the marketplace that fit each stage.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/veterans-starting-a-local-business/https://goodcircles.org/learn/veterans-starting-a-local-business/A practical guide for veterans and military spouses starting a local business — where to get training and mentorship, and how to sell locally while keeping 89% of your profit.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/content-creators-selling-locally/https://goodcircles.org/learn/content-creators-selling-locally/How content creators and influencers can turn an audience into real local income — building an offer, and selling it on a marketplace that keeps 89% of your profit.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/corporate-pros-going-independent/https://goodcircles.org/learn/corporate-pros-going-independent/A measured path for corporate professionals leaving employment to start a local business — build first, then sell on a marketplace that keeps 89% of your profit.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/parents-building-financial-freedom/https://goodcircles.org/learn/parents-building-financial-freedom/A realistic path for parents to build financial freedom with a flexible local business — start small, get support, and keep 89% of your profit when you sell.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/should-you-quit-your-job-to-start-a-business/https://goodcircles.org/learn/should-you-quit-your-job-to-start-a-business/Should you quit your job to start a business? Usually not all at once. Here’s an honest framework — and a free roadmap to find your stage before you make the leap.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/no-more-9-to-5-club-vs-traditional-business-coaching/https://goodcircles.org/learn/no-more-9-to-5-club-vs-traditional-business-coaching/An even-handed comparison of the No More 9 to 5 Club’s community model versus traditional one-on-one business coaching — costs, fit, and when each makes sense.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/best-resources-for-veteran-entrepreneurs-2026/https://goodcircles.org/learn/best-resources-for-veteran-entrepreneurs-2026/An honest 2026 roundup of the best resources for veteran entrepreneurs — No More 9 to 5 Club, Bunker Labs, Warrior Rising, VetToCEO, and IVMF EBV — and how to choose.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/learn/best-coaching-programs-for-aspiring-entrepreneurs/https://goodcircles.org/learn/best-coaching-programs-for-aspiring-entrepreneurs/A balanced 2026 guide to coaching programs for aspiring entrepreneurs — community ecosystems, accelerators, and courses — and how to pick one that fits your stage and budget.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-church-run-a-raffle/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-church-run-a-raffle/Yes, nonprofits and churches can run raffles, but they are regulated charitable gaming under state law and can trigger IRS reporting and prize withholding.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-be-run-by-one-person/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-be-run-by-one-person/In most states a nonprofit needs at least three directors, and the IRS strongly prefers an independent, unrelated board. Check your state's minimum.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-founder-be-paid-a-salary/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-founder-be-paid-a-salary/Yes, a nonprofit founder who works as staff can earn a salary, but it must be "reasonable compensation" set by an independent board and documented.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-make-a-profit/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-make-a-profit/Yes, nonprofits can and should run a surplus. "Nonprofit" means no owners take the profit, not that revenue can't exceed expenses. Here's how it works.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-sell-products-or-services/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/can-a-nonprofit-sell-products-or-services/Yes, nonprofits can sell products and services. Mission-related earned revenue is fine; unrelated business income may trigger UBIT. See the rules and limits.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/difference-between-nonprofit-and-501c3/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/difference-between-nonprofit-and-501c3/"Nonprofit" is a state corporate status; "501(c)(3)" is the federal IRS tax-exempt category that makes donations tax-deductible. Here's how they connect.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/do-nonprofit-board-members-get-paid/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/do-nonprofit-board-members-get-paid/Most 501(c)(3) board members serve as unpaid volunteers. Paying directors is legal but uncommon, must be reasonable, disclosed on Form 990, and watched for conflicts.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/do-small-nonprofits-need-an-audit/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/do-small-nonprofits-need-an-audit/It depends. Many small nonprofits aren't federally required to have an independent audit, but state law, grant terms, or the federal Single Audit may apply.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/do-volunteers-need-to-sign-anything/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/do-volunteers-need-to-sign-anything/Volunteer paperwork isn't usually legally required, but smart nonprofits use agreements, waivers, confidentiality forms, and background checks. Here's what to use.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/how-long-to-get-501c3-status/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/how-long-to-get-501c3-status/Form 1023-EZ often clears in a few weeks to a month; full Form 1023 commonly takes 3-6 months or longer. Status is usually retroactive to formation.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/how-much-should-a-nonprofit-keep-in-reserve/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/how-much-should-a-nonprofit-keep-in-reserve/Most nonprofits aim for 3-6 months of operating expenses in unrestricted reserves. Learn what level fits your revenue volatility and why a board policy matters.https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/what-happens-if-a-nonprofit-doesnt-file-form-990/https://goodcircles.org/resources/answers/what-happens-if-a-nonprofit-doesnt-file-form-990/Skipping the Form 990 for three years in a row automatically revokes a nonprofit's tax-exempt status. Even tiny orgs must file the 990-N. Penalties and fixes explained.