If the NRA is a 501c3 organization, how can they lobby and try to influence the outcome of elections

[Mtndreamer]

Been thinking about this and consider this.. do not understand how to reconcile this apparent dichotomy..

The NRA is a 501c3 organization..

http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/Exemption-Requirements-Section-501(c)(3)-Organizations

Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.

The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction.

Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct

From the NRA website..

http://www.nra.org/aboutus.aspx

In 1990, NRA made a dramatic move to ensure that the financial support for firearms-related activities would be available now and for future generations. Establishing the NRA Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, provided a means to raise millions of dollars to fund gun safety and educational projects of benefit to the general public. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible and benefit a variety of American constituencies, including youths, women, hunters, competitive shooters, gun collectors, law enforcement agents and persons with physical disabilities.

While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights

[leveymg]

1. Probably also operates a (c)(4) which can do lobbying.

[jody]

2. Click on your NRA link, tab Politics. nt

[NutmegYankee]

3. Probably has broken into two seperate parts.

I'm a member of the ACLU, and they have that setup. Naturally, the Activist side is the part I like to donate to, which while non tax deductible, at least tries to stop the assault on our civil liberties.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. Its a bit more than two, but you have the correct idea

[brooklynite]

5. Same way Planned Parenthood can...

Separate charitable and political arms