The advantages of creating a non-profit, which would likely be a 501(c)(3) private foundation, would include tax exemptions for contributions to Mudcat, eligibility for public and private grants, and   shielding Max from tax obligations related to Mudcat revenues--there are a large number of problems that can result, down the line, when significant amounts of money have been raised and paid out when there is no formal organization--$3000-$5000 per year may not seem like a lot of money, but over time, it can add up--