Why a Facebook Page Alone Isn’t Enough—And What We’d Lose Without Incorporation
We’re often asked: “Why did SAND become an Incorporated Association? Isn’t a Facebook page enough?”
It’s a fair question—but here’s the truth: relying solely on social media puts our community’s future at risk.
A Facebook page is a great tool for communication. But that’s all it is—a tool. It’s not a legal entity. It can’t apply for grants. It can’t enter contracts. It can’t own property. And it can be run by anyone, with no accountability.
If we had stopped at just creating a Facebook page, here’s what Shoreline would be missing out on:
❌ No access to funding or grants
❌ No legal protection for volunteers or members
❌ No ability to deliver real, lasting services or facilities
❌ No formal structure to ensure transparency and accountability
That’s why we took the harder—but far more impactful—path: incorporation.
What’s the Difference?
FeatureFacebook PageIncorporated AssociationLegal StatusNoneRegistered legal entityPurposeCommunication & promotionCommunity development & service deliveryAccountabilityNone requiredLegally required reporting & governanceFunding AccessLimited to donationsEligible for grants, contracts, and concessionsOwnershipCannot own property or sign contractsCan own assets and enter agreements
Yes, SAND uses Facebook—it’s a free and effective way to stay connected. But without incorporation, we’d be stuck in the comment section instead of building real change.
Real Commitment Goes Beyond the Keyboard
Anyone can post on social media. But real community development takes more than likes and shares—it takes structure, accountability, and action.
If you care about Shoreline’s future, don’t just follow us—join us. Become a paid member, volunteer, or supporter. Because if too many people sit back, we risk losing the momentum—and the future—we’re working so hard to build.
