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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?

Asked by golfdude
Posted: Monday, June 09, 2008  |  Found in Sales & Marketing


More answers by Pattie Simone
Answer by Pattie Simone
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
As president of Write-Communications and founder of WomenCentric, Pattie Simone shares her sales and marketing savvy and communications expertise with executives and entrepreneurs across the country.


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