Does our church need a 501c3?

Having a federally-recognized 501c3 is not a requirement of the Grow program. However, there are a number of benefits for a church who has applied for their 501c3. One major benefit is the ability to apply for the Google Grant. Google does require a 501c3 for any church wishing to take advantage of the free $10,000/month in Google ad credit.

To learn more about how a 501c3 could benefit your church and what you need to know about the process, you can view this video with Trinity Jordan from our Legal Team.

Video Outline:

1. Introduction of Trinity Jordan as a lawyer and legal team member.
2. Why Consider 501c3 Status
   1. Explanation that every church is automatically a 501c3 by definition.
   2. Importance of obtaining 501c3 recognition for credibility and legitimacy.
   3. Benefits of having 501c3 status for donations, interactions with organizations, and public perception.
3. Practical Benefits of 501c3 Status
   1. Tangible benefits like verification for renting facilities, interaction with local entities, and access to free resources for 501c3 organizations.
   2. Importance of having 501c3 status for major donors and credibility.
4. Process of Obtaining 501c3 Status
   1. Overview of the process, which involves providing existing information about the church, finances, board members, and activities.
   2. Simplification of the process into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for churches.
   3. Timeframe for approval by the IRS, which can take 6 to 9 months.
5. Communication and Support During the Process
   1. Communication methods with Trinity's office, including email and phone calls.
   2. Availability for questions and support throughout the process.
   3. Assurance that most queries are anticipated and addressed proactively to avoid delays.
6. Additional Legal Services for Churches
   1. Trinity's expertise in handling various legal matters for churches beyond 501c3 status, such as employment issues, mergers, acquisitions, and trademarks.
   2. Emphasis on the importance of working with legal experts who specialize in nonprofit law.
7. Closing Thoughts
   1. Advice to ensure working with real legal experts for church-related legal matters.
   2. Importance of finding a lawyer specializing in nonprofit law for church legal issues.
   3. Light-hearted conclusion about the background skyline and appreciation for the conversation.