3 Examples of 501(c)(4) Organizations

A 501(c)(4) organization is a tax-exempt social welfare organization in the United States. These organizations can engage in lobbying and political campaign activities to promote social welfare causes. This post explores examples of 501(c)(4) organizations and their work, shedding light on how these entities operate and contribute to society.

What is a 501(c)(4) Organization?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) categorizes 501(c)(4) organizations as “social welfare” entities. They are not required to disclose their donors publicly and can participate in political campaigns and lobbying, provided that these activities are not their primary function. The funds they raise are used to further their mission of promoting social welfare.

Examples of 501(c)(4) Organizations

Let’s delve into some examples of 501(c)(4) organizations and their operations:

National Organization for Women (NOW)

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a feminist organization that advocates for equal rights for women in all aspects of life. They focus on issues such as reproductive rights, ending violence against women, constitutional equality, and promoting diversity and ending racism.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

The ACLU is a non-profit organization that works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in the country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is one of the oldest and largest environmental organizations in the U.S. They promote clean energy, protect public lands, and advocate for environmental justice.

People Also Ask

Can a 501(c)(4) organization receive tax-deductible donations?

Donations to 501(c)(4) organizations are not tax-deductible. However, these organizations themselves are exempt from paying federal income tax.

Can a 501(c)(4) organization engage in political activities?

Yes, a 501(c)(4) organization can engage in lobbying and political activities, as long as these activities do not constitute their primary function.

How is a 501(c)(4) different from a 501(c)(3)?

A key difference between 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations is that donations to the latter are tax-deductible, while those to the former are not. Also, 501(c)(3) organizations have stricter limits on political activities.

Conclusion

501(c)(4) organizations play a crucial role in promoting social welfare causes, and their ability to engage in political activities allows them to advocate for their cause effectively. Understanding these organizations and their work provides valuable insight into the myriad ways social welfare can be promoted and protected.

See also: 20+ Government Corruption Examples | Ukraine, USA, India etc.