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We provide tailored educational opportunities designed to provide historical context, enhance understanding of legislation, explain governmental processes and jurisdiction, and sharpen your outreach and advocacy skills. Learn more by visiting the Our Mission page.

To be tax-exempt as a social welfare organization described in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501(c)(4), an organization must not be organized for profit and must be operated exclusively to promote social welfare.

To be operated exclusively to promote social welfare, an organization must operate primarily to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community (such as by bringing about civic betterment and social improvements). For example, an organization that restricts the use of its facilities to employees of selected corporations and their guests is primarily benefiting a private group rather than the community and, therefore, does not qualify as a section 501(c)(4) organization.

Seeking legislation germane to the organization's programs is a permissible means of attaining social welfare purposes. Thus, a section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization may further its exempt purposes through lobbying as its primary activity without jeopardizing its exempt status. An organization that has lost its section 501(c)(3) status due to substantial attempts to influence legislation may not thereafter qualify as a section 501(c)(4) organization. In addition, a section 501(c)(4) organization that engages in lobbying may be required to either provide notice to its members regarding the percentage of dues paid that are applicable to lobbying activities or pay a proxy tax. For more information, see Lobbying Issues PDF .

The promotion of social welfare does not include direct or indirect participation or intervention in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. However, a section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization may engage in some political activities, so long as that is not its primary activity. 

Other examples of 501(c)(4) organizations are:

The most common organizations with a 501(c)(4) designations are those active in politics, lobbying, and advocacy work. Some classic examples include volunteer fire departments, AARP, Miss America Organization, and community service clubs like Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Clubs.

Differentiating between a 501(c)(4) organization referred to as a PAC is essential. It's important to understand the distinction between a Political Advocacy Committee and a Political Action Committee. While a Political Action Committee serves as a means to support candidates and campaigns, a Political Advocacy Committee focuses primarily on advocating for specific issues and legislation. Unlike Political Action Committees, Political Advocacy Committees do not directly contribute to individual campaigns or primarily engage in candidate support. 

No, our organization only funds education and advocacy efforts tied to our legislative agenda. For Which It Stance does not provide support or campaign assistance to candidates. However, candidates and incumbents may participate in our educational content and engage in speaking engagements, such as the State Posterity Dinner. 

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