Is JREF a Charity?

The Atheist · 28th October 2009, 05:24 PM

I wouldn't know where to find the answer to the question, but I am presuming that the word "charity" has a legal meaning in USA.

Simple question requiring a yes/no answer: Is JREF a charity within the meaning of the word in US law?

Anyone able to point me to the correct legislation? The Foundation Center doesn't seem to help.

(I'd email the question, but it won't be answered so I'm asking here.)

Lisa Simpson · 28th October 2009, 05:34 PM

Yes. It is a 501(c)(3).

Careyp74 · 28th October 2009, 05:58 PM

Wow, with over 13,000 posts to your name, I would have hoped you could perform the simplest of researches. One click found the fact that it is a 501(c)3 corporation. (under support us)

Then a quick Google tells us that type of corporation is a charity. Here is the Wiki info:

In the United States a charitable organization is an organization that is organized and operated for purposes that are beneficial to the public interest,[18] however a distinction is made between types of charitable organizations.

Every U.S. and foreign charity that qualifies as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is considered a "private foundation" unless it demonstrates to the IRS that it falls into another category. In a general sense, any organization that is not a private foundation (i.e. it qualifies as something else) is usually a public charity as described in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.[19]

In addition, a private foundation usually derives its principal fund from an individual, family, corporation, or some other single source and is more often than not a grantmaker and does not solicit funds from the public. In contrast, a foundation or public charity generally receives grants from individuals, government, and private foundations and although some public charities engage in grantmaking activities, most conduct direct service or other tax-exempt activities.

This leads to another distinction: Foundations that are generally grantmakers (i.e. they use their endowment to make grants to other organizations, which in turn carry out the goals of the foundation indirectly) are usually referred to as "grantmaker" or "non-operating" foundations. These of course tend to be private foundations. Some private foundations however, (and most public charities) use their received funds to directly engage in service activities themselves and achieve their goals "personally," so-to-speak.

Examples of a non-operating private foundation would be the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Examples of operating foundations or public charities include the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, American Cancer Society, Inc., and the World Wildlife Fund.

The requirements and procedures for forming charitable organizations vary from state to state, as do the registration and filing requirements for charitable organizations that conduct charitable activities or solicit charitable contributions.[20] So effectively in practice the detailed definition of charitable organization is determined by the requirements of state law of the state in which the charitable organization operates, and the requirements for federal tax relief set by the IRS.

I'll say you are getting smarter though, at least you didn't ask if the FORUM is a charity.

Lisa Simpson · 28th October 2009, 06:00 PM

You can even search the IRS's database of charities:

http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/

The Atheist · 28th October 2009, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson

You can even search the IRS's database of charities:

http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/

Thanks, that's what I was after.

rjh01 · 1st November 2009, 10:01 PM

Careful about how you choose to use the information provided. If you are trying to get a tax deduction for a donation then it is local law that matters, not USA law.

Careyp74 · 2nd November 2009, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

Careful about how you choose to use the information provided. If you are trying to get a tax deduction for a donation then it is local law that matters, not USA law.

I have a feeling this has more to do with the forum donations going to the foundation than anything else.

The Atheist · 2nd November 2009, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

Careful about how you choose to use the information provided. If you are trying to get a tax deduction for a donation then it is local law that matters, not USA law.

No, but that's a good point, because I know a few blokes who are about to make a $50 donation to it from the gold astrology thread. Might have to give Foolmewunz a discount.

Originally Posted by Careyp74

I have a feeling this has more to do with the forum donations going to the foundation than anything else.

Psychic predictions belong here.

Careyp74 · 2nd November 2009, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

No, but that's a good point, because I know a few blokes who are about to make a $50 donation to it from the gold astrology thread. Might have to give Foolmewunz a discount.

Psychic predictions belong here.

HA! No, educated guesses are not eligible for the MDC.

Foolmewunz · 6th November 2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

No, but that's a good point, because I know a few blokes who are about to make a $50 donation to it from the gold astrology thread. Might have to give Foolmewunz a discount.

Psychic predictions belong here.

Ha. Thanks but while I can't take a deduction on my HK taxes, I can take one on the portion I pay in the US, and besides.... I spread the vig around; I lose $50 here, but saying to myself, "Hmmm, TA actually does know business", I bought an ounce of gold as a hedge.

ejk · 10th November 2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson

You can even search the IRS's database of charities:

http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/

I find Guidestar easier to use than the IRS list:

http://www2.guidestar.org/

It lists all 501(c)(3)s that file a tax return w/ the IRS, and has been expanding to cover other tax-exempt organizations (like (c)(4)s). Includes the publicly available tax return plus more. Free registration required to access some info, payment necessary to get everything, like archived info from more than 3 years ago.

The Atheist · 11th November 2009, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Foolmewunz

Ha. Thanks but while I can't take a deduction on my HK taxes, I can take one on the portion I pay in the US, and besides.... I spread the vig around; I lose $50 here, but saying to myself, "Hmmm, TA actually does know business", I bought an ounce of gold as a hedge.

Ah, you'll be able to pay everyone else's bets! Up over $1100 and climbing.

Wonder how much the astrology bloke has made?

28th October 2009, 05:24 PM	#1
The Atheist Train Wreck Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Within smelling distance of the Grammar Death Camps Posts: 13,135	Is JREF a Charity? I wouldn't know where to find the answer to the question, but I am presuming that the word "charity" has a legal meaning in USA. Simple question requiring a yes/no answer: Is JREF a charity within the meaning of the word in US law? Anyone able to point me to the correct legislation? The Foundation Center doesn't seem to help. (I'd email the question, but it won't be answered so I'm asking here.)
	__________________ Jeff Wagg, Communication and Outreach Manager for the James Randi Educational Foundation posted: It is my job to inform other JREF employees about people who wish to do the JREF harm, and you [The Atheist] are one of those.

28th October 2009, 05:34 PM	#2
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 14,339	Yes. It is a 501(c)(3).
	__________________ In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the stakes at issue. - Wallace Sayre Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

28th October 2009, 06:00 PM	#4
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 14,339	You can even search the IRS's database of charities: http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/
	__________________ In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the stakes at issue. - Wallace Sayre Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

28th October 2009, 06:20 PM	#5
The Atheist Train Wreck Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Within smelling distance of the Grammar Death Camps Posts: 13,135	Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson You can even search the IRS's database of charities: http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/ Thanks, that's what I was after.
	__________________ Jeff Wagg, Communication and Outreach Manager for the James Randi Educational Foundation posted: It is my job to inform other JREF employees about people who wish to do the JREF harm, and you [The Atheist] are one of those.

2nd November 2009, 10:39 AM	#8
The Atheist Train Wreck Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Within smelling distance of the Grammar Death Camps Posts: 13,135	Originally Posted by rjh01 Careful about how you choose to use the information provided. If you are trying to get a tax deduction for a donation then it is local law that matters, not USA law. No, but that's a good point, because I know a few blokes who are about to make a $50 donation to it from the gold astrology thread. Might have to give Foolmewunz a discount. Originally Posted by Careyp74 I have a feeling this has more to do with the forum donations going to the foundation than anything else. Psychic predictions belong here.
	__________________ Jeff Wagg, Communication and Outreach Manager for the James Randi Educational Foundation posted: It is my job to inform other JREF employees about people who wish to do the JREF harm, and you [The Atheist] are one of those.

28th October 2009, 05:58 PM	#3
Careyp74 Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 1,357	Wow, with over 13,000 posts to your name, I would have hoped you could perform the simplest of researches. One click found the fact that it is a 501(c)3 corporation. (under support us) Then a quick Google tells us that type of corporation is a charity. Here is the Wiki info: In the United States a charitable organization is an organization that is organized and operated for purposes that are beneficial to the public interest,[18] however a distinction is made between types of charitable organizations. Every U.S. and foreign charity that qualifies as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is considered a "private foundation" unless it demonstrates to the IRS that it falls into another category. In a general sense, any organization that is not a private foundation (i.e. it qualifies as something else) is usually a public charity as described in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.[19] In addition, a private foundation usually derives its principal fund from an individual, family, corporation, or some other single source and is more often than not a grantmaker and does not solicit funds from the public. In contrast, a foundation or public charity generally receives grants from individuals, government, and private foundations and although some public charities engage in grantmaking activities, most conduct direct service or other tax-exempt activities. This leads to another distinction: Foundations that are generally grantmakers (i.e. they use their endowment to make grants to other organizations, which in turn carry out the goals of the foundation indirectly) are usually referred to as "grantmaker" or "non-operating" foundations. These of course tend to be private foundations. Some private foundations however, (and most public charities) use their received funds to directly engage in service activities themselves and achieve their goals "personally," so-to-speak. Examples of a non-operating private foundation would be the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Examples of operating foundations or public charities include the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, American Cancer Society, Inc., and the World Wildlife Fund. The requirements and procedures for forming charitable organizations vary from state to state, as do the registration and filing requirements for charitable organizations that conduct charitable activities or solicit charitable contributions.[20] So effectively in practice the detailed definition of charitable organization is determined by the requirements of state law of the state in which the charitable organization operates, and the requirements for federal tax relief set by the IRS. I'll say you are getting smarter though, at least you didn't ask if the FORUM is a charity.

1st November 2009, 10:01 PM	#6
rjh01 Fire Warden Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 9,053	Careful about how you choose to use the information provided. If you are trying to get a tax deduction for a donation then it is local law that matters, not USA law.

2nd November 2009, 07:29 AM	#7
Careyp74 Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 1,357	Originally Posted by rjh01 Careful about how you choose to use the information provided. If you are trying to get a tax deduction for a donation then it is local law that matters, not USA law. I have a feeling this has more to do with the forum donations going to the foundation than anything else.

2nd November 2009, 02:21 PM	#9
Careyp74 Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 1,357	Originally Posted by The Atheist No, but that's a good point, because I know a few blokes who are about to make a $50 donation to it from the gold astrology thread. Might have to give Foolmewunz a discount. Psychic predictions belong here. HA! No, educated guesses are not eligible for the MDC.

6th November 2009, 05:29 PM	#10
Foolmewunz Grammar Resistance Leader Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 9,825	Originally Posted by The Atheist No, but that's a good point, because I know a few blokes who are about to make a $50 donation to it from the gold astrology thread. Might have to give Foolmewunz a discount. Psychic predictions belong here. Ha. Thanks but while I can't take a deduction on my HK taxes, I can take one on the portion I pay in the US, and besides.... I spread the vig around; I lose $50 here, but saying to myself, "Hmmm, TA actually does know business", I bought an ounce of gold as a hedge.
	__________________ Ha! Foolmewunz has just been added to the list of people who aren't complete idiots. Hokulele Microsoft is NOT the Borg Collective... the Borg have better tech support. Eleri

10th November 2009, 08:12 AM	#11
ejk Thinker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 206	Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson You can even search the IRS's database of charities: http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/ I find Guidestar easier to use than the IRS list: http://www2.guidestar.org/ It lists all 501(c)(3)s that file a tax return w/ the IRS, and has been expanding to cover other tax-exempt organizations (like (c)(4)s). Includes the publicly available tax return plus more. Free registration required to access some info, payment necessary to get everything, like archived info from more than 3 years ago.

11th November 2009, 08:10 PM	#12
The Atheist Train Wreck Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Within smelling distance of the Grammar Death Camps Posts: 13,135	Originally Posted by Foolmewunz Ha. Thanks but while I can't take a deduction on my HK taxes, I can take one on the portion I pay in the US, and besides.... I spread the vig around; I lose $50 here, but saying to myself, "Hmmm, TA actually does know business", I bought an ounce of gold as a hedge. Ah, you'll be able to pay everyone else's bets! Up over $1100 and climbing. Wonder how much the astrology bloke has made?
	__________________ Jeff Wagg, Communication and Outreach Manager for the James Randi Educational Foundation posted: It is my job to inform other JREF employees about people who wish to do the JREF harm, and you [The Atheist] are one of those.