Research P2- Your client, Rich N. Ready

Research P2- Your client, Rich N. Ready

Research P2- Your client, Rich N. Ready

Subject: General Questions    / General General Questions
Question

Research Problem 2. Your client, Rich N. Ready, has come to you for advice. Rich is interested in many social welfare issues (e.g., access to higher education, welfare reform, and abortion rights). He wishes to use his wealth to educate the general pub- lic on these issues, as well as to influence related legislation. Further, he wants to assist the financing of campaigns for political candidates who reflect his views.

Rich’s friend Penny suggested that he organize a § 501(c)(4) organization, telling him that such organizations are not only tax exempt, but that they need not disclose the names of their donors. Thus, Rich could participate in these activities anony- mously. However, Rich saw that the Internal Revenue Code requires that a

§ 501(c)(4) organization must be operated exclusively for “the promotion of social welfare.” This would seem to preclude the lobbying and political campaigning sup- port that Rich desires.

Is a § 501(c)(4) organization appropriate for Rich’s plans? Summarize your findings

in an e-mail to your instructor; be specific in your answer(s).