One reason in dealing with the IRS News optimistic profit orgs
I am very happy that we received the news that after more than two and a half years, the Association San Francisco Public Press finally recognizing its tax-exempt status, the IRS for shares Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
For some time, the bill digital media by numerous cases of non-profit journalism IRS in its efforts to get the Section 501 (c) (3) status delayed follows. Status, among other benefits, allows deductible charitable donations from foundations and private donors receive. The ability to receive these donations is crucial to the survival of many non-profit organizations in their early years, and the San Francisco Public Press, and fought without these gifts more than any other plug in the SRI - a huge 32 months.
Although the IRS has not commented on the exact reasons for these delays, the agency has. Always skeptical about granting 501 (c) (3) status non-profit journalism organizations and publishers In the past it was necessary to show for these organizations that they are organized and operated educational or charitable about the dissemination of news to the public as a traditional newspaper. (For more information on this topic please see our guidelines for treatment of IRS nonprofit journalism.)
Especially those showing able to provide educational activities in the form of an educational program or - As a result of the publication may have been a lot of face to the IRS a couple of other projects focus on research based on data or investigative journalism. In fact, several new centers, which focuses specifically on investigative journalism have received their 501 (c) (3) status in the past year. But as an organization focused on general news, the press service did not offer quite the same mounts for the IRS cling to these non-profit organizations like the others.
This does not mean that the public media does not engage in research or investigative work, on the contrary, they are working with dozens of professional journalists and volunteers, develop accountability and concise important. However, the use of the press-service "for 501 (c) (3) IRS quo would more directly on the question of whether the distribution of the messages themselves have presented education. And for the benefit of all, the agency has now recognized that the State media have an essential function of education in a media landscape with gaping holes in coverage and many underserved communities.
Although the IRS has not explained. His decision to the press service, hopefully this is a positive change in the attitude of the agency to journalism as an educational project We will continue to monitor the developments in this area.