CharityLawyer:  “We love getting calls from potential clients with exciting ideas. However, surprisingly often, we are in a position which we do not enjoy of letting the caller know that as exciting as their idea is, it does not qualify for tax-exemption.  Some common examples of ideas that will not qualify include fundraising for a fallen officer or a specific individual’s medical care, raising money to invest in start-up technology companies, or running a business that will turn over all of its profits to 501(c)(3) organizations.  Before embarking on a plan to change the world by starting a 501(c)(3) organization, it’s a good idea to think carefully about the organization’s purpose and whether it will qualify for 501(c)(3) tax-exemption.”