Planned Giving
Monday April 29, 2024
Private Letter Ruling
Exemption Status Denied for Fundraising Group
GiftLaw Note:
Organization applied for exempt status under Sec. 501(c)(3). Organization's Articles of Incorporation state that it was formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity which corporations can be formed under State's non-profit corporation law. Organization was created to provide for the medical and other needs for two specifically named individuals and their families. It aims to raise funds to provide for these individual's past, present and future living and medical expenses by hosting various fundraising events. These events include clay shooting, raffles and other sporting events. In addition, Organization has also hosted a blood drive in collaboration with a local blood center. Organization is managed by a community board and operated by volunteers.
To be exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3), an organization must be both organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious or educational purposes and no part of the earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Under Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1), an organization must be both organized and operated exclusively for an exempt purpose. Under Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i), an organization is organized exclusively for exempt purposes if its articles of organization limit the purpose of the organization to exempt purposes and do not empower the organization to engage, other than insubstantially, in activities that are in themselves not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes. Under Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1), an organization is operated exclusively for an exempt purpose only if it engages primarily in activities which accomplish an exempt purpose. Regulation 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) states that an organization is not organized or operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes unless it serves a public rather than a private interest. To meet this requirement, it is necessary for an organization to establish that it is not organized or operated for the benefit of private interests such as designated individuals. Here, the Service determined that Organization does not pass the organizational and operational test because it is organized and operated primarily to raise funds for two specifically named individuals. Organization's articles also do not limit its purposes to those described in Sec. 501(c)(3). As such, the Service denied Organization's application for exempt status under Sec. 501(c)(3).
Organization applied for exempt status under Sec. 501(c)(3). Organization's Articles of Incorporation state that it was formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity which corporations can be formed under State's non-profit corporation law. Organization was created to provide for the medical and other needs for two specifically named individuals and their families. It aims to raise funds to provide for these individual's past, present and future living and medical expenses by hosting various fundraising events. These events include clay shooting, raffles and other sporting events. In addition, Organization has also hosted a blood drive in collaboration with a local blood center. Organization is managed by a community board and operated by volunteers.
To be exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3), an organization must be both organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious or educational purposes and no part of the earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Under Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1), an organization must be both organized and operated exclusively for an exempt purpose. Under Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i), an organization is organized exclusively for exempt purposes if its articles of organization limit the purpose of the organization to exempt purposes and do not empower the organization to engage, other than insubstantially, in activities that are in themselves not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes. Under Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1), an organization is operated exclusively for an exempt purpose only if it engages primarily in activities which accomplish an exempt purpose. Regulation 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) states that an organization is not organized or operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes unless it serves a public rather than a private interest. To meet this requirement, it is necessary for an organization to establish that it is not organized or operated for the benefit of private interests such as designated individuals. Here, the Service determined that Organization does not pass the organizational and operational test because it is organized and operated primarily to raise funds for two specifically named individuals. Organization's articles also do not limit its purposes to those described in Sec. 501(c)(3). As such, the Service denied Organization's application for exempt status under Sec. 501(c)(3).
PLR 202411012 Exemption Status Denied for Fundraising Group
3/15/2024 (10/10/23)
Dear * * *:
We considered your application for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(a). We determined that you don't qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3). This letter explains the reasons for our conclusion. Please keep it for your records.
Do you qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3)? No, for the reasons stated below.
You were formed as a nonprofit corporation on C in the state of B. Your Articles of Incorporation state you are formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity for which corporations may be formed under B's nonprofit corporation law.
You were created to provide for the medical and other needs for D and E and families. D and E were * * *. You explained you will raise money to provide for their past, present, and future living and medical expenses. You will host various fundraising events, such as clay shooting, raffles, and other sporting events to generate donations for D and E. Further, you have hosted a blood drive in connection with a local blood center.
A * * * states that a fundraising event raised f dollars and the funds were * * *. You have raised g dollars for D and E to use for their rising medical bills. You have a community board and are operated by volunteers.
IRC Section 501(c)(3) provides, in part, for exemption from federal income tax of organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
Treasury Regulation Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1) provides that, for an organization to be exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3), it must be both organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes specified in such section. If an organization fails to meet either the organizational test or the operational test, it is not exempt.
Treas. Reg Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i) provides that an organization will be regarded as "organized exclusively" for one or more exempt purposes only if its articles of organization limit the purposes of such organization to one or more exempt purposes; and do not expressly empower the organization to engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of its activities, in activities which in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.
Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1) provides that an organization will be regarded as operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes only if it engages primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of such exempt purposes specified in section 501(c)(3). An organization will not be so regarded if more than an insubstantial part of its activities is not in furtherance of an exempt purpose.
Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) provides that an organization is not organized or operated exclusively for charitable purposes unless it serves a public rather than a private interest.
Revenue Ruling 67-367, 1967-1 C.B. 188 held that an organization formed to award scholarships to pre-selected, specifically named individuals doesn't qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3) because it was serving the private interests of its subscribers rather than public or charitable interests.
In Better Business Bureau v. United States, 326 U.S. 279 (1945), the court held that the presence of a single non-exempt purpose, if substantial in nature, will preclude exemption, regardless of the number or importance of statutorily exempt purposes.
In Wendy L. Parker Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 1986-348 (1986), the organization was created by the Parker family to aid "victims of coma." However, the organization stated it anticipated to spend 30 percent of its income for the benefit of Wendy Parker. The Parker family controlled the organization and made significant contributions to the organization. Because Wendy Parker received a significant amount of funds, it was found that the benefits did not flow primarily to the general public as required in Treas. Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii). Therefore, the foundation was not exempt from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3).
You are not described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) because you fail both the organizational and operational tests as required by Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1).
You fail the organizational test because your Articles of Incorporation state that you were formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity which corporations may be formed for under B's non-profit corporation law. Because your Articles of Incorporation do not limit your purposes to one or more exempt purpose, you fail the organizational test as described in Treas. Reg Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i).
You fail the operational test because you are not operated exclusively for charitable purposes as required under Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1). You have a substantial nonexempt private purpose. You are serving the private interests of D and E by raising money to pay for their living expenses and their medical expenses. Further, you do not meet the provisions under Treas. Reg Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) because you are operated for private interests rather than public interests.
You also explained that you are conducting fundraisers on D's and E's behalf. This illustrates that you are like the organization described in Rev. Rul. 67-367 because you are raising funds for D and E who are preselected.
You were created to raise funds for two specifically named individuals, which is not an exempt purpose. You are like the organization described in Better Business Bureau., above, because a single non-exempt purpose, if substantial in nature, will preclude exemption, regardless of the number or importance of the exempt purposes you serve.
Like the organization described in Wendy L. Parker Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., above, your benefits do not flow primarily to the general public because you were created specifically to benefit D and E. Therefore, you do not qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3).
Based on the above facts and analysis, you do not qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3) because you fail both the organizational test and the operational test. Your formation documents indicated that your purposes are not within Section 501(c)(3) scope, which causes you to fail the organization test. You fail the operational test because you have a substantial non-exempt purpose of fundraising for the benefit of two pre-selected individuals, which furthers private interests. For these reasons, you do not qualify for exemption under Section 501(c)(3).
If you agree with our proposed adverse determination, you don't need to do anything. If we don't hear from you within 30 days, we'll issue a final adverse determination letter. That letter will provide information on your income tax filing requirements.
You have a right to protest if you don't agree with our proposed adverse determination. To do so, send us a protest within 30 days of the date of this letter. You must include:
We'll review your protest statement and decide if you gave us a basis to reconsider our determination. If so, we'll continue to process your case considering the information you provided. If you haven't given us a basis for reconsideration, we'll send your case to the Appeals Office and notify you. You can find more information in Publication 892, How to Appeal an IRS Determination on Tax-Exempt Status.
If you don't file a protest within 30 days, you can't seek a declaratory judgment in court later because the law requires that you use the IRC administrative process first (IRC Section 7428(b)(2)).
Send your protest, Form 2848, if applicable, and any supporting documents to the applicable address:
U.S. mail:
Internal Revenue Service
EO Determinations Quality Assurance
Mail Stop 6403
PO Box 2508
Cincinnati, OH 45201
Street address for delivery service:
Internal Revenue Service
EO Determinations Quality Assurance
550 Main Street, Mail Stop 6403
Cincinnati, OH 45202
You can also fax your protest and supporting documents to the fax number listed at the top of this letter. If you fax your statement, please contact the person listed at the top of this letter to confirm that they received it.
You can get the forms and publications mentioned in this letter by visiting our website at www.irs.gov/forms-pubs or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). If you have questions, you can contact the person listed at the top of this letter.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that can help protect your taxpayer rights. TAS can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a hardship, or if you've tried but haven't been able to resolve your problem with the IRS. If you qualify for TAS assistance, which is always free, TAS will do everything possible to help you. Visit taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 877-777-4778.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Martin
Director, Exempt Organizations
Rulings and Agreements
3/15/2024 (10/10/23)
Dear * * *:
We considered your application for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(a). We determined that you don't qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3). This letter explains the reasons for our conclusion. Please keep it for your records.
Issues
Do you qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3)? No, for the reasons stated below.
Facts
You were formed as a nonprofit corporation on C in the state of B. Your Articles of Incorporation state you are formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity for which corporations may be formed under B's nonprofit corporation law.
You were created to provide for the medical and other needs for D and E and families. D and E were * * *. You explained you will raise money to provide for their past, present, and future living and medical expenses. You will host various fundraising events, such as clay shooting, raffles, and other sporting events to generate donations for D and E. Further, you have hosted a blood drive in connection with a local blood center.
A * * * states that a fundraising event raised f dollars and the funds were * * *. You have raised g dollars for D and E to use for their rising medical bills. You have a community board and are operated by volunteers.
Law
IRC Section 501(c)(3) provides, in part, for exemption from federal income tax of organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
Treasury Regulation Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1) provides that, for an organization to be exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3), it must be both organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes specified in such section. If an organization fails to meet either the organizational test or the operational test, it is not exempt.
Treas. Reg Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i) provides that an organization will be regarded as "organized exclusively" for one or more exempt purposes only if its articles of organization limit the purposes of such organization to one or more exempt purposes; and do not expressly empower the organization to engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of its activities, in activities which in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.
Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1) provides that an organization will be regarded as operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes only if it engages primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of such exempt purposes specified in section 501(c)(3). An organization will not be so regarded if more than an insubstantial part of its activities is not in furtherance of an exempt purpose.
Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) provides that an organization is not organized or operated exclusively for charitable purposes unless it serves a public rather than a private interest.
Revenue Ruling 67-367, 1967-1 C.B. 188 held that an organization formed to award scholarships to pre-selected, specifically named individuals doesn't qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3) because it was serving the private interests of its subscribers rather than public or charitable interests.
In Better Business Bureau v. United States, 326 U.S. 279 (1945), the court held that the presence of a single non-exempt purpose, if substantial in nature, will preclude exemption, regardless of the number or importance of statutorily exempt purposes.
In Wendy L. Parker Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 1986-348 (1986), the organization was created by the Parker family to aid "victims of coma." However, the organization stated it anticipated to spend 30 percent of its income for the benefit of Wendy Parker. The Parker family controlled the organization and made significant contributions to the organization. Because Wendy Parker received a significant amount of funds, it was found that the benefits did not flow primarily to the general public as required in Treas. Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii). Therefore, the foundation was not exempt from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3).
Application of law
You are not described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) because you fail both the organizational and operational tests as required by Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(a)(1).
You fail the organizational test because your Articles of Incorporation state that you were formed for the purpose of engaging in any lawful activity which corporations may be formed for under B's non-profit corporation law. Because your Articles of Incorporation do not limit your purposes to one or more exempt purpose, you fail the organizational test as described in Treas. Reg Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(b)(1)(i).
You fail the operational test because you are not operated exclusively for charitable purposes as required under Treas. Reg. Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1). You have a substantial nonexempt private purpose. You are serving the private interests of D and E by raising money to pay for their living expenses and their medical expenses. Further, you do not meet the provisions under Treas. Reg Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(1)(ii) because you are operated for private interests rather than public interests.
You also explained that you are conducting fundraisers on D's and E's behalf. This illustrates that you are like the organization described in Rev. Rul. 67-367 because you are raising funds for D and E who are preselected.
You were created to raise funds for two specifically named individuals, which is not an exempt purpose. You are like the organization described in Better Business Bureau., above, because a single non-exempt purpose, if substantial in nature, will preclude exemption, regardless of the number or importance of the exempt purposes you serve.
Like the organization described in Wendy L. Parker Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., above, your benefits do not flow primarily to the general public because you were created specifically to benefit D and E. Therefore, you do not qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3).
Conclusion
Based on the above facts and analysis, you do not qualify for exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3) because you fail both the organizational test and the operational test. Your formation documents indicated that your purposes are not within Section 501(c)(3) scope, which causes you to fail the organization test. You fail the operational test because you have a substantial non-exempt purpose of fundraising for the benefit of two pre-selected individuals, which furthers private interests. For these reasons, you do not qualify for exemption under Section 501(c)(3).
If you agree
If you agree with our proposed adverse determination, you don't need to do anything. If we don't hear from you within 30 days, we'll issue a final adverse determination letter. That letter will provide information on your income tax filing requirements.
If you don't agree
You have a right to protest if you don't agree with our proposed adverse determination. To do so, send us a protest within 30 days of the date of this letter. You must include:
- Your name, address, employer identification number (EIN), and a daytime phone number
- A statement of the facts, law, and arguments supporting your position
- A statement indicating whether you are requesting an Appeals Office conference
- The signature of an officer, director, trustee, or other official who is authorized to sign for the organization or your authorized representative
- The following declaration:
For an officer, director, trustee, or other official who is authorized to sign for the organization: Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this request, or this modification to the request, including accompanying documents, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, the request or the modification contains all relevant facts relating to the request, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.
We'll review your protest statement and decide if you gave us a basis to reconsider our determination. If so, we'll continue to process your case considering the information you provided. If you haven't given us a basis for reconsideration, we'll send your case to the Appeals Office and notify you. You can find more information in Publication 892, How to Appeal an IRS Determination on Tax-Exempt Status.
If you don't file a protest within 30 days, you can't seek a declaratory judgment in court later because the law requires that you use the IRC administrative process first (IRC Section 7428(b)(2)).
Where to send your protest
Send your protest, Form 2848, if applicable, and any supporting documents to the applicable address:
U.S. mail:
Internal Revenue Service
EO Determinations Quality Assurance
Mail Stop 6403
PO Box 2508
Cincinnati, OH 45201
Street address for delivery service:
Internal Revenue Service
EO Determinations Quality Assurance
550 Main Street, Mail Stop 6403
Cincinnati, OH 45202
You can also fax your protest and supporting documents to the fax number listed at the top of this letter. If you fax your statement, please contact the person listed at the top of this letter to confirm that they received it.
You can get the forms and publications mentioned in this letter by visiting our website at www.irs.gov/forms-pubs or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). If you have questions, you can contact the person listed at the top of this letter.
Contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that can help protect your taxpayer rights. TAS can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a hardship, or if you've tried but haven't been able to resolve your problem with the IRS. If you qualify for TAS assistance, which is always free, TAS will do everything possible to help you. Visit taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 877-777-4778.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Martin
Director, Exempt Organizations
Rulings and Agreements
Published March 22, 2024
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