There have been several questions on this topic lately so here is a bit of information. Add more if you have other resources to suggest - maybe there is a small guide or FAQ buried here. Non-profits and other organizations get that status through Section 501-C3 of the tax code. People have to look them up at tax time to see if they can deduct contributions. The source used to be the Cumulative List of Organizations (IRS pub 78), but that is now searchable online at http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78.
Exempt organizations file IRS Form 990. Organizations' forms are available through the IRS web site, which actually refers you to GuideStar. See chart at http://www.irs.gov/foia/ for useful links including http://www.guidestar.org/help/faq_990.jsp . GuideStar charges for some information but recent 990 reports seem to be free - you need to register. They also have some good information in the FAQ. GuideStar has a great deal of information on non-profits.
Julie
Posted by bgi at April 10, 2006 07:04 PM | Email This Entry