Common terms and where to find more information

501c3: Reference to the IRS tax code governing nonprofits. Often substituted to indicate a tax-exempt organization.
990, 990 N, 990 EZ, 990 PF: Types of federal tax returns for nonprofit organizations.
Board of Directors: Team who manages and oversees the organization.
Bylaws: An organization’s governing document.
Charity Registration: A document providing legal authority to ask for donations.
Compliance: Means of ensuring ongoing legal operation.
Conflict of Interest Policy (COI): A set of policies preventing personal gain.
Corporate Sponsorship: Funds donated by local businesses.
Form 1023, 1023 EZ, and 1024: Types of applications for federal tax-exempt status.
Grant Funding: Funds issued by a private foundation for a specific purpose.
Governance: Ongoing operation of the organization.
Incorporation: Document establishing a legal entity in the state of operation.
Letter of Determination: Sent by the IRS to indicate an organization’s tax-exempt status.
Personal Donations: Funds donated by individuals.
Program Fees: Charges for services or programing provided by the organization.
Sales Tax Exemption: A document providing exemption from sales taxes.
State Tax Exemption: A document providing exemption from state corporate taxes.
Strategic Plan: A set of shared responsibilities and goals for the organization.