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Charitable, Educational, or Religious?

Charitable, Educational, or Religious?

The most common types of 501(c)(3) exempt nonprofit organizations are charitable, educational, and religious. Learn more about these classifications to determine which type applies to your nonprofit organization.

charitable, educational, or religious nonprofit

CHARITABLE: Charitable organizations conduct activities that promote the following:

  • Relief of the poor, distressed, or underprivileged;
  • Advancement of religion;
  • Advancement of education or science;
  • Erection or maintenance of public buildings monuments, or works;
  • Lessening the burdens of government;
  • Lessening neighborhood tensions;
  • Eliminating prejudice and discrimination;
  • Defending human and civil rights secured by law; and/or
  • Combatting community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.

EDUCATIONAL: Educational organizations include:

  • Schools such as a primary or secondary school, a college, or a professional or trade school;
  • Organizations that conduct public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures, or similar programs;
  • Organizations that present a course of instruction by means of correspondence or through the use of television or radio;
  • Museums, zoos, planetariums, symphony orchestras, or similar organizations;
  • Nonprofit day-care centers; and/or
  • Youth sports organizations.

RELIGIOUS: Religious organizations include churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and similar types of organizations.

Although these organizations are excluded from the requirement to file an application for exemption, many churches voluntarily file applications for exemption. Such recognition by the IRS assures church leaders, members, and contributors that the church is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and qualifies for related tax benefits.

Other religious organizations that do not carry out the functions of a church, such as mission organizations, speakers’ organizations, nondenominational ministries, ecumenical organizations, or faith-based social agencies, may qualify for exemption. These organizations must apply for exemption from the IRS. For more information on Religious organizations, see Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations.

If you need help with the legal documents involved in starting your new business or nonprofit organization, please contact Deborah L. Hardin at The Hardin Law Firm, PLC, or a licensed attorney in your state.

ATTORNEY: Learn more about attorney Deborah L. Hardin.

SERVING: Cabot, Beebe, Ward, Searcy, Jacksonville, Lonoke County, White County, Faulkner County, and other central Arkansas areas. We also routinely serve out-of-state clients, who require representation in Arkansas.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this web site is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.