abel_pranger
Posts: 2373
Joined: 5/7/2003
From: St Augustine, FL,
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zxcv11
Ballgunner, isn't it strange though how the ama is supposed to be an 'educational' non-profit org. , and as you said, you can only find 1 example of such? I understand the clubs educating, and that's great, all the better to help their members....hence the effort, but what about the ama, and its members. Or do you figure they feel the clubs are doing the job just fine? I would think that being the national organization for model aircraft, and being set-up as an edu. non-pro, the ama would want to do more with its clout/$$/people, ect.
Just a thought. 
B.
The question that started this thread presumed facts that are not true, and that could why AMA's status with the IRS looks strange to you. Qualifying for special status under the tax code as a non-profit is not limited to education. Criteria are more general than that, as in existing for 'the public good.' It's arguable as to whether or not AMA's programs would adequately demonstrate the benefit to the tax-paying public, as compared to self-serving interests. The EC is aware of this, and the topic is put on the table from time to time. The last of heard of the issue was talk of establishing an AMA Foundation specifically to consolidate 'public good' types of activities, and IIRC Rich Hanson was appointed to lead the effort. For all I know that might have been dropped after they decided keeping a museum and awarding a few scholarships was enough. These things are rarely challenged, and when they are and an enterprise does lose its exempt status, it is more likely to be for activities that exempted organizations are prohibited from engaging in. These include most political activism, including lobbying (yeah, I know....). One very visible organization that was challenged and lost was Pat Robertson and his flock of right-fringers, whatever they call themselves.
Abel
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All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> AMA Discussions >> AMA for profit 
AMA for profit - 
I honestly don't understand who they are educating exactly. Maybe school programs somewhere?? Never at one of my schools, and I went to about eight, plus college. Do they educate members? Seems a lot of members just want to be left alone to fly. I don't think they'll lose their no-pro status though, just doesn't seem likely, especially if they keep the right people happy. 
