I have a small ministry I run from home and school, it’s not huge but we make a big difference in our community. Recently, I’ve needed some donations. Do I have to file with the IRS as non-profit to receive them? It seems stupid to have the governments nose in everything. If I do, where and how can I get certified?
Do you have to be certified as Non-profit with the IRS to receive donations?
I have a small ministry I run from home and school, it’s not huge but we make a big difference in our community. Recently, I’ve needed some donations. Do I have to file with the IRS as non-profit to receive them? It seems stupid to have the governments nose in everything. If I do, where and how can I get certified?
There are non-profits and 501 C-3 chraritable not for profits.
Only 501-C-3′s can offer a tax deduction for contributions.And yes, the IRS must approve these because of the concern for misuse.
Here is a an IRS link for more info
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Anyone can give anybody some money and call it a “donation” without the IRS getting involved. However, in order for the person to write off that donation as a charitable contribution on their taxes, then yes, you would have to be registered.
Here’s relevant info from the IRS:
I’m a co founder for a non profit organization. I suggest you contact The Foundation group at
The will help you set up your 501 (c) (3) non profit status through the IRS. Without this status it’s against the law to call yourself a non profit and collect donations as a non profit. Until that status you can ask for donations for a for profit organization. The likely hood of receiving donations from different businesses and organizations are close to none. Without you being a non profit (in status), their donation is not a tax write off.
If you would like to see a way that we used to obtaining funding for our non profit while we were waiting for that non profit, and be able to continue on with a monthly funding for your organization, feel free to email me at