Editing 2009-07-11 Meeting Notes (section)

===501(c)(3) application process===
* When you file the 1023 form, you will be assigned a specific examiner.
* It is a good idea to communicate things to your examiner while they are working on your application. e.g., events or activities, updates on the search for space, etc.
* Filing for an exempt status other that 501(c)(3) is fine, but 501(c)(3) is appropriate for Hackerspaces in the model of HacDC, Noisebridge, etc. 
* Very few 501(c)(3) apps are turned down. They will reply with questions or request clarification rather than deny you. Some examiners always ask questions, regardless of the application.
* Always file a 990 form, even if you don't have to, because your group will be added to public lists of non-profit groups and this can bring fringe benefits.
* Narrative description
** Answer the questions that they ask in the narrative
** Cover all of the time you operate. E.g., Describe what the group is doing each day of the week. 
** Use the space itself as an overarching project 
* When talking about fund raising , keep it simple and constrained to what you're actually doing. Don't need to speculate about what you might do in the future.