Below is a link and some text related to IRS rules and 501c3 activity. To me this points out the critical importance of defining your mission.
When we started in 1996, we were very clear that 'providing bikes' and 'creating sustainable transportation' were goals towards a 'healthy community and environment', for instance.
See part 3 of the IRS 'three-part' test below. (this ruling is from 1985, so more up to date rules may be out there)
Thanks for the update and clarification. It seems that it is reasonable to "inform" constituents about a vendor's affiliation and to let others beware; compare that to suggesting a boycott of a vendor and the difference stands out. As long as it is true and not slanderous - might be good to cite the source of the info, too.
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon Virus-free. www.avast.com https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:33 AM, Bob Giordano mist@strans.org wrote:
Below is a link and some text related to IRS rules and 501c3 activity. To me this points out the critical importance of defining your mission.
When we started in 1996, we were very clear that 'providing bikes' and 'creating sustainable transportation' were goals towards a 'healthy community and environment', for instance.
See part 3 of the IRS 'three-part' test below. (this ruling is from 1985, so more up to date rules may be out there)
-- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula, www.freecycles.org Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopicj85.pdf
"Questions arise as to whether these activities, such as strikes, economic boycotts, picketing, and mass demonstrations, are permissible methods of furthering educational or charitable purposes. In determining whether activities of this type are consistent with IRC 501(c)(3), the Service relies on a three-part test.
Rev. Rul. 80-278. Such activities will be considered permissible under IRC 501(c)(3) if: (1) The purpose of the organization is charitable; (2) the activities are not illegal, contrary to a clearly defined and established public policy, or in conflict with express statutory restrictions; and (3) the activities are in furtherance of the organization's exempt purpose and are reasonably related to the accomplishment of that purpose. "
Edward Stewart wrote: Be careful of your non-profit status when taking political stance on issues.
On Thu, Feb 22, 2018, BikeConcord Smitty@bikeconcord.org wrote: We are debating wether or not to post on our Facebook page. The brands Bell, Giro helmets, Blackburn lights, and CamelBak bags are all owned by the parent company Vista Outdoor, America’s largest manufacturer of ammunition and a big NRA booster.
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Really interested to read this. Although the tax code and governance guidelines are different in the EU, I do wonder about the fallout of working from a clearly defined counter position, i.e. Feminism, non-hierarachy. Especially when you're applying for funding from non neutral politicised sources that may not share the same framework...
Would love to hear any thoughts...
On Sat 24 Feb 2018 at 00:20, Edward Stewart emsco514@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks for the update and clarification. It seems that it is reasonable to "inform" constituents about a vendor's affiliation and to let others beware; compare that to suggesting a boycott of a vendor and the difference stands out. As long as it is true and not slanderous - might be good to cite the source of the info, too.
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon Virus-free. www.avast.com https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link <#m_816067256314902201_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:33 AM, Bob Giordano mist@strans.org wrote:
Below is a link and some text related to IRS rules and 501c3 activity. To me this points out the critical importance of defining your mission.
When we started in 1996, we were very clear that 'providing bikes' and 'creating sustainable transportation' were goals towards a 'healthy community and environment', for instance.
See part 3 of the IRS 'three-part' test below. (this ruling is from 1985, so more up to date rules may be out there)
-- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula, www.freecycles.org Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopicj85.pdf
"Questions arise as to whether these activities, such as strikes, economic boycotts, picketing, and mass demonstrations, are permissible methods of furthering educational or charitable purposes. In determining whether activities of this type are consistent with IRC 501(c)(3), the Service relies on a three-part test.
Rev. Rul. 80-278. Such activities will be considered permissible under IRC 501(c)(3) if: (1) The purpose of the organization is charitable; (2) the activities are not illegal, contrary to a clearly defined and established public policy, or in conflict with express statutory restrictions; and (3) the activities are in furtherance of the organization's exempt purpose and are reasonably related to the accomplishment of that purpose. "
Edward Stewart wrote: Be careful of your non-profit status when taking political stance on issues.
On Thu, Feb 22, 2018, BikeConcord Smitty@bikeconcord.org wrote: We are debating wether or not to post on our Facebook page. The brands Bell, Giro helmets, Blackburn lights, and CamelBak bags are all owned by the parent company Vista Outdoor, America’s largest manufacturer of ammunition and a big NRA booster.
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-- Ed Stewart emsco514@gmail.com 440-365-6784
*I have an escape mechanism for stress: my bike.*
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Part 3 seems to spell that out pretty clearly, to the tune of "stick to your mission". In the event that your mission is clearly defined as feminism and non-hierarchy, you'd be fine. In America (thus far) neither of those things are "contrary to a clearly defined and established public policy".
-cyclista Nicholas
On 2018-02-24 00:52, Ulick O'Beirne wrote:
Really interested to read this. Although the tax code and governance guidelines are different in the EU, I do wonder about the fallout of working from a clearly defined counter position, i.e. Feminism, non-hierarachy. Especially when you're applying for funding from non neutral politicised sources that may not share the same framework...
Would love to hear any thoughts...
On Sat 24 Feb 2018 at 00:20, Edward Stewart emsco514@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks for the update and clarification. It seems that it is reasonable to "inform" constituents about a vendor's affiliation and to let others beware; compare that to suggesting a boycott of a vendor and the difference stands out. As long as it is true and not slanderous - might be good to cite the source of the info, too.
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon Virus-free. www.avast.com https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link <#m_816067256314902201_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 10:33 AM, Bob Giordano mist@strans.org wrote:
Below is a link and some text related to IRS rules and 501c3 activity. To me this points out the critical importance of defining your mission.
When we started in 1996, we were very clear that 'providing bikes' and 'creating sustainable transportation' were goals towards a 'healthy community and environment', for instance.
See part 3 of the IRS 'three-part' test below. (this ruling is from 1985, so more up to date rules may be out there)
-- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula, www.freecycles.org Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopicj85.pdf
"Questions arise as to whether these activities, such as strikes, economic boycotts, picketing, and mass demonstrations, are permissible methods of furthering educational or charitable purposes. In determining whether activities of this type are consistent with IRC 501(c)(3), the Service relies on a three-part test.
Rev. Rul. 80-278. Such activities will be considered permissible under IRC 501(c)(3) if: (1) The purpose of the organization is charitable; (2) the activities are not illegal, contrary to a clearly defined and established public policy, or in conflict with express statutory restrictions; and (3) the activities are in furtherance of the organization's exempt purpose and are reasonably related to the accomplishment of that purpose. "
Edward Stewart wrote: Be careful of your non-profit status when taking political stance on issues.
On Thu, Feb 22, 2018, BikeConcord Smitty@bikeconcord.org wrote: We are debating wether or not to post on our Facebook page. The brands Bell, Giro helmets, Blackburn lights, and CamelBak bags are all owned by the parent company Vista Outdoor, America’s largest manufacturer of ammunition and a big NRA booster.
The ThinkTank mailing List
Unsubscribe from this list here: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.or...
-- Ed Stewart emsco514@gmail.com 440-365-6784
*I have an escape mechanism for stress: my bike.*
The ThinkTank mailing List
Unsubscribe from this list here: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.or...
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participants (4)
-
Bob Giordano -
cyclista＠inventati.org -
Edward Stewart -
Ulick O'Beirne