501(c)(3) Explanation from NERC (mentioning TB Friends)

From AlexBrownRacing

A MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL EQUINE RESCUE COALITION:

The reason NERC is not a 501(c)(3) is very simple - we don't solicit funds from anyone, thus, there is no need for such a designation. All costs of the organization have come straight out of my pocket. Others have donated their time and services to help us succeed. If people want to donate time, money or services they do so for the intrinsic reward of doing so. NERC advocates for issues that affect horses and rescues, not for our organization.

For the uninformed out there, gaining 501(c)(3) status became much more complex with the passage of the Patriot Act a few years ago. Smaller rescues don't keep very detailed records of donations so completing the application is a challenge. For this and other reasons (too many horses, not enough money), some rescues forego 501(c)(3) status. However, a rescue is much more likely to garner financial support if people know their donations are tax deductible.

You shouldn't dismiss a rescue simply because they don't have 501(c)(3) status. Some of the most successful rescues are not - TB Friends comes to mind. Before donating money, however, you should check out the organization just to be sure they really are in the rescue business.

Steve Rei

President

National Equine Rescue Coalition website