If you missed my special column last Friday, I offered some ways for you to support the families in Uvalde, Texas. (Read the column and get the list here!)
Nonprofit Designations
You might recall that there are many diverse types of nonprofits (23, in fact). They all start with the IRS code 501 and those that most would consider traditional nonprofits (shelters, food banks, animal organizations, arts, and culture organizations) are list as 501(c)(3).
Business associations that are coded as social welfare organizations by the IRS are 501(c)(4). These are a much broader group. According to the IRS, business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade and even professional football leagues, which are not organized for profit and no part of the net earnings of which insures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual are designated as 501(c)(4) organizations. Local Rotary and Lions Clubs fall into this category as well as other groups that you might not have considered a social welfare organization like The National Rifle Association (NRA).
NRA as a Nonprofit
The National Rifle Association is indeed a tax-exempt nonprofit organization. To be operated exclusively to promote social welfare, an organization must operate primarily to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community (such as bringing civic betterment and social improvements). 501(c)(4) organizations such as the NRA are allowed to engage in political lobbying and advocacy, but this cannot be their main activity and this activity must be related to the organization’s mission.
Unlike 501(c)(3) nonprofits, these 501(c)(4) organizations may get involved in political campaigns if their involvement is related to their mission. In its 2019 tax return the NRA described its mission as “to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, to promote public safety, law and order and national defense, to train law enforcement agencies and civilians in marksmanship, to promote shooting sports and hunting.” You can review their full IRS 990 form here.
In a 2016 report by another nonprofit group, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, the authors wrote “the majority of the NRA;s lobbying, education, training and publication activities operate to benefit private interest: the firearms and ammunition industry. Instead, the NRA should operate as a political lobbying organization to be accountable for its key interests: the firearms and ammunition industry.”
While I have definite strong opinions about the NRA, I am not here to espouse those views, but I think that it is important as we have serious discussions regarding gun control and or gun reform, you should be aware of all the facts.
Change of Subject - Beautify Your Tumwater Neighborhood
There is no better way to get to know your neighbors than a neighborhood-wide project. But you might be wondering, where do we even start? The Neighborhood Matching Grants Program is an amazing opportunity to help fund a neighborhood clean-up or beautification project. Through this program, the City of Tumwater offers grants that match neighborhood resources (volunteer hours, in-kind donations, and purchases). What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects or events must be nonprofit in nature, take place within the City of Tumwater, and have a lasting or direct benefit to your neighborhood or the community. These projects and events can include, but are not limited to:
• Welcome signs or murals
• National night out activities
• Neighborhood Park play equipment
• Neighborhood clean-ups
• Neighborhood beautification projects
• Block parties or picnics
Applications for grants are accepted year-round, subject to available funding. For more information contact the Tumwater Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 252-4164 or at the Volunteer Tumwater webpage.
This Saturday, June 4 is National Trails Day. Join other Tumwater citizens for an opportunity to work with other local volunteers on a service project to help improve Tumwater’s Park trails. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 252-4164 or go to https://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/departments/executive/city-programs/volunteer-tumwater for more information.
Fun-Fun-SaturGay!
Olympia will be celebrating Pride Day, this Saturday, June 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.at the Port Plaza. This year's theme is Resilience & Brilliance, and the celebration will include 16 local LGBTQIA+ entertainers, over 30 booths featuring local LGBTQIA+ artists, nonprofits, organizations, businesses & more. This a free public event with suggested donations of $5-$10 or whatever you can afford. Participants are encouraged to dress to impress, bring your cameras and dancing shoes!
Other things to look for this weekend….
Soliciting your ideas
If you know of a local nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!
Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com
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