The most common form of nonprofit is the 501(c)(3), a tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS. These are the nonprofits we most commonly contribute to, volunteer for, and hear about through the media.
But there are many types of nonprofits that are registered by the IRS, and they all have different designations. For instance, a child care nonprofit is a 501(k) and a Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6).
We've provided a list of the types of nonprofits that the IRS recognizes. This information comes from IRS Publication 557, your bible if you are considering filing for nonprofit status. In addition, IRS Publication 526 provides information about which of these organization can accept tax-deductible contributions. Check out these publications for more specific information about nonprofit classifications.
501(c)(1)
These are corporations organized under Act of Congress. Federal Credit Unions are a good example of this type of nonprofit. These nonprofits do not have to file an annual return. Tax-exempt contributions are allowed if they are made for exclusively public purposes.
501(c)(2)
These are holding corporations for exempt organizations. That is, they can hold title to property of an exempt group. They apply for nonprofit status using IRS form 1024. They annually file forms 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(3)
This is the most common type of nonprofit. It includes organizations that are religious, educational, charitable, scientific, and literary; groups that test for public safety, that foster national or international amateur sports competition; or organizations engaged in the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
This type of nonprofit applies for its status using IRS form 1023, and files annually form 990, 990EZ, or 990-PF. Contributions are usually tax-exempt.
All 501(c)(3) organizations are subdivided into five types:
- Private Foundations. These are nonprofits that don't qualify as public charities. Foundations may be sub-classified as private operating foundations or private non-operating foundations, and receive some of the advantages of public charities.
- 509(a)(I) are publicly-supported charities.
- 509(a)(2) are exempt purpose activity-supported charities.
- 509(c)(3) are supporting organizations for 509(a) or 509(a)(2) charities.
- 509(a)(4) are public safety charities.
NOTE: The IRS states the following in Publication 557:
"Every organization that qualifies for tax exemption as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) is a private foundation unless it falls into one of the categories specifically excluded from the definition of that term (referred to in section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), 509(a)(3), or 509(a)(4)). In effect, the definition divides these organizations into two classes, namely private foundations and public charities.
Organizations that fall into the excluded categories are generally those that either have broad public support or actively function in a supporting relationship to those organizations. Organizations that test for public safety also are excluded.
Even if an organization falls within one of the categories excluded from the definition of private foundation, it will be presumed to be a private foundation, with some exceptions, unless it gives timely notice to the IRS that it is not a private foundation. This notice requirement applies to an organization regardless of when it was organized."
501(c)(4)
These are civic leagues, social welfare organizations, and local associations of employees. They promote community welfare, charitable, education or recreational goals. They apply using IRS Form 1024. They file annually 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(5)
Labor, agricultural, and horticultural organizations fit under this classification. They are educational or instructive, with the goal of improving conditions of work, and to improve products and efficiency. They apply by using IRS Form 1024, and file annually form 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(6)
These organizations are business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, etc. They seek to improve business conditions. They apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(7)
Social and recreation clubs fall into this category. They promote pleasure, recreation, and social activities. They apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(8)
This category includes fraternal beneficiary societies and associations. They provide for the payment of life, sickness, accident, or other benefits to members. They apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(9)
These are voluntary employees' beneficiary associations. They provide for the payment of life, sickness, accident, or other benefits to members. They apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(10)
Domestic Fraternal Societies and Associations. A lodge devoting its net earnings to charitable, fraternal, and other specified purposes. No life, sickness, or accident benefits to members. Apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.
502(c)(11)
Teacher's Retirement fund Associations. Associations for payment of retirement benefits. Apply using IRS form 1024 and file annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(13)
Cemetery Companies. Loans to members. Uses Form 1024 for application. Files annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(14) State Chartered Credit Unions, Mutual Reserve Funds. Loans to members. No application form. Files annually the 990 or 990EZ.
501(c)(15)
Mutual Insurance Companies of Association. Provide insurance to members, mostly at cost. Applies using Form 1024. Files annually the 990 or 990EZ.
