Can a 501C corporation advertise in public places and newsprint to attract new members?

We are a golf/country club with 501C status. We feel we can attract members if we advertise our club in local newspapers. Is this legal?

Pattie Simone answered June 9, 2008|

Comment

I'm not an attorney, so I can only offer my perception of what you should be able to do, based on what I see in the nonprofit community at large.

And what I see is that area food banks, educational support organizations, mental-health providers, museums and others in the nonprofit arena advertise as they are able. They advertise for their annual fundraising galas, golf outings, benefits, etc.

While it might be a good idea to seek independent counsel from a lawyer about this, I'd imagine that any constraints would come from your own charter or board, rather than from outside sources.

Best of luck in sorting this out!
Pattie Simone

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Pattie Simone

As president of Pomona, N.Y.-based Write-Communications.com and Marketing-Advantage.net, and founder of WomenCentric.net, Pattie Simone empowers execs and entrepreneurs around the country, sharing her sales and marketing savvy and communications expertise as a mentor, speaker and writer.