Form 1023 Paperwork, In Millions of Hours, 1986 to 2016

Source: U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Click image to learn more.

​​​​​​​​​​​​Real Help With Your 501(c)(3) Application


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As described on this page, the information below is out of date.


Page 2 - Part IV - Narrative Description of Your Activities

  • This is the heart of your application.
  • I like to start with the formula: 
  • [Name of organization] was organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational (choose one or more) purposes. Specifically, [Name of organization] (and then describe in one sentence what the organization does).
  • If possible, define the problem your organization hopes to solve, using statistics if available.
  • Try to cover WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, etc.
  • Although Form 1023 asks for a description of planned activities, it is premature to mention activities if your planning has barely begun. If you cannot adequately describe an activity, the IRS may have no choice but to say you cannot engage in that activity. You will have a chance to let the IRS know about any new activities your organization has started every year when you file the annual Form 990 or 990-EZ.
  • Sometimes it is useful to sprinkle your narrative with a list of other attachments that describe the activities in greater detail, such as a mission statement, list of goals and objectives, grant applications, and so forth.
  • The instructions for Form 1023 say that any alternate names used for your organization should be explained in your Part IV Narrative.

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Prepare Your Own 501(c)(3) Application

By Sandy Deja © 2020  400 pages ISBN 978-1-7340724-1-9​​

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Form 1023 - Part IV