CHARITIES:
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 501(c)(3) organization?

  • The IRS gives special tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to qualifying non-profit organizations that apply for this special status.  This status can be granted to “corporations, and any community chest, fund or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational purposes, to foster national or international amateur sports competition, promote the arts, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.” 
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Why do I need to fill out a nomination form if my charity is not on the Pre-Qualified Charity List?

  • Many of the members will be unfamiliar with the charities that are being nominated and will only hear a short five-minute presentation before being asked to vote and commit $100 to the winning charity.  While the nomination form creates a small extra step for you, it ensures our members that any charity that receives an award satisfies our listed criteria, and that their donations will be tax deductible. 
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Can I nominate a Foundation (that distributes money to other charities), or can I only nominate a charity that provides direct service with its funding?
  • We will allow funding foundations AS LONG AS they are specifically using our award for local charities that are either currently on our pre-qualified list, or charities that get pre-qualified through us. 
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Once a charity receives an award, can it be nominated again?

  • Any charity that receives the large quarterly award must wait three years before it can be nominated again. The charities that receive $500 awards can be nominated again immediately.
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Once a charity is presented, if it is not chosen, can it be nominated again?

  • Yes.  In fact, charities that are presented but not awarded the donation often win the donation the second or third time they are presented.  Persistence pays.
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What happens to the names of the nominated charities that are not picked out of the box?

  • At the end of each meeting, the nomination box is emptied, so each meeting has a brand new set of nominations.