APPLICATION TO START A MEN’S SHED

Your community will thank you.

It’s great that you’re thinking of starting your own Men’s Shed in your community. With over 2,000 Men’s Sheds world-wide in twelve different countries, a lot has been learned about different ways to get started.

Below we have information on two options to start a Men’s Shed – Independent and Sponsored.

Let’s get started!

To start a Shed and become registered with US Men’s Shed Association (USMSA), please review and complete the various tasks listed below.

It is strongly recommended that you create a small group or steering committee that will be responsible for the operation of your Shed.

SPONSORSED SHED

This option is used if you want to create a new Men’s Shed under the sponsorship of an existing non-profit, community or health organization or authority.

Select a small group and work together to decide on a strategy for the following list to start your Men’s Shed:

1. Choose your Shed’s name and register on the form below.
It can be as simple as the city’s name, e.g. Honolulu Men’s Shed or something familiar to your group e.g. The Glenn Men’s Shed.

2. Determine your Tax Status
Determine if you will be able to take advantage of the sponsor’s 501c3 tax exempt status.

3. Choose your Activities
Every Men’s Shed will have its own unique aims and focus on a certain subject. Men’s sheds can be defined into five main categories. These categories are work, clinical, educational, recreational and communal.

4. Confirm your Venue
Determine if your chosen activities will be permitted at the sponsor’s location.

5. Check for Insurance
Determine if your Shed will be covered by the sponsor’s liability insurance or if you will need to provide your own insurance.

6. Have your First Meeting
Hold your first meeting and begin to focus for your Shed’s first activity. We have templates available if you would like some ideas. Be sure to send us pictures from your first meeting.

INDEPENDENT SHED

This option is used if you want to create a new Men’s Shed as a standalone independent entity.

Select a small group and work together to decide on a strategy for the following list to start your Men’s Shed:

1. Choose a Legal Name and register it on the form below.
Choose a name for your Men’s Shed and register it as a legal entity in your state.
Read this

2. Get an EIN (Employment Identification Number)
You will need to get an EIN from the IRS.
Apply here

3. Apply for Tax Status
File for 501c3 Non Profit status
File here

4. Find a Venue
Find a meeting location consistent with the activities your Shed will engage in – it is best if you can secure a long(er) term rent or lease option as your Shed will hopefully grow in membership and activities.

5. Decide on Activities
Every Men’s Shed will have its own unique aims and focus on a certain subject. Men’s sheds can be defined into five main categories. These categories are work, clinical, educational, recreational and communal.

6. You will need Insurance
Purchase liability insurance to cover your shed and activities. We recommend contacting Paul Waters for a $1mil limited liability insurance policy – he can be reached at 760.325.7400 | paul.waters@nfp.com | nfp.com

7. Have your First Meeting
Hold your first meeting and begin to focus for your Shed’s first activity. We have templates available if you would like some ideas. Be sure to send us pictures from your first meeting.

Application to start a Men's Shed

Please fill out this form so we can better understand your needs. By filling out this form, your information will be entered into our system.

Date*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Shed Leader Name*
First Last
Shed Leader Email*
Shed Leader Phone*
Shed Leader Address*
Once you are approved and in the system, we will have you register your Shed location.

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Type of Shed*
Let us know if you're thinking of starting a Sponsored or Independent Shed or if you're not sure.
- Sponsored Shed
- Independent Shed
- Not sure at this time
Share your ideas if your Shed will have a specific mission or purpose. Or let us know how we can best serve you.*
How might your Shed obtain the funds necessary to support operations and activities?*

By submitting this Form, you and the organization you represent agree to abide by the Values of the US Men’s Shed Association. Values include: Shed membership is open to all; Sheds are peer led and members determine the activities that best suit their needs. Sheds are a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where members gather and participate in meaningful projects and activities. Sheds ensure that there is some activity/event of every member. Sheds provide a welcoming environment for all current and new members.

US MEN’S SHED is a nation wide, non-profit committed to creating social events, hands-on-projects and support opportunities for older men. Find a Men’s Shed near you!