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

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

In the arts industry, a common level of incorporation you may come across is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. Under this incorporation, the nonprofit organization uses the surplus of their revenue to fulfill the entity’s mission rather than distributing as profit or dividends to shareholders. Being “501(c)(3)” means that a particular nonprofit organization has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization. The term “charitable” includes being established for purposes that are religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports, or prevention of cruelty to animals and children. The process of formation as a 501(c)3 involves many documents and registrations through a lawyer, as well as awaiting IRS approval which all incur fees. As required by articles and by laws, the 501(c)3 must also establish a board of directors and maintain annual audits.

NEXTSTEPS | 11.16.20

 

Related Blog Posts

5 Questions to Ask Your Auditor

5 Questions to Ask Your Auditor

5 Questions to Ask Your Auditor What are the key questions to ask an independent auditor?   Nonprofits are required to obtain an audit or review each year, depending on their budget size. The first step in any nonprofit audit or review is contacting an...

New York City Fiscal Sponsors

New York City Fiscal Sponsors

New York City Fiscal SponsorsList of Fiscal Sponsors in New York City Organizations that act as fiscal sponsors provide a vital service in the cultivation of new projects and entities. Any project or entity can be sponsored by a nonprofit fiscal sponsor if both...

Pentacle’s nextSteps is supported, in part, by public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Pentacle receives private support for nextSteps from the Booth Ferris Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and the New York Community Trust.

Share This