Here is my take on REI(I've been a member since 1976). The REI sales stores & on line REI are indeed a 'co-op', but *not a non-profit*. The REI Foundation -which is* supported* by REI stores- IS a non-profit 501 (c) (3). Two separate entities. So to get info from REI, make sure you talk to REI Foundation.
On Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 6:47 PM, Jon Levin yoni11@comcast.net wrote:
I would think that REI Co-Op is an example...they sell bikes...they are a co-op...they are big...they are non-profit. ----- Original Message ----- From: < thethinktank-request@lists.bikecollectives.org> To: thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 2:03 PM Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 55, Issue 3
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Today's Topics:
- IRS Questions (Kelly Martin)
- Re: IRS Questions (John Patterson)
- Re: IRS Questions (reno bikes)
Message: 1 Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 18:07:02 -0800 From: Kelly Martin kelly@bicyclekitchen.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] IRS Questions Message-ID: 36946C6A-CD7D-451B-8109-48A9E7949029@bicyclekitchen.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed"; DelSp="yes"
We are looking for any bike co-ops that have tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Basically, we have run into a question as to whether and to what extent we may make retail sales of bikes, bike parts and accessories as part of our regular operations without (i) paying income tax (as unrelated business taxable income) and (ii) otherwise affecting our tax-exempt status. Does your co-op sell bikes, bike parts and/or accessories directly to the public without those sales being part of your educational program?
In addition, are there any co-ops out there who are associated or operated in tandem with a for-profit business. This would be structured so that the for-profit business supports the not-for-profit entity.
Finally, we are assuming that most co-ops with tax-exempt status received their charitable status for education purposes. Are there any co-ops out there which have received tax-exempt status on another basis?
The Bicycle Kitchen is a 501c3 nonprofit under the educational category.
Thank you!
Kelly Martin, Operations Facilitator The Bicycle Kitchen/La Bicicocina 706 N. Heliotrope Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90029
W 323.NOCARRO | M 213.210.5631 kelly@bicyclekitchen.com | www.bicyclekitchen.com http://www.bicicocina.blogspot.com