IRS CHURCH QUALIFIER FORM

IRS CHURCH QUALIFIER FORM
Church/Religious Organization Name*
Due to IRS regulations concerning donated food, SHFBSW can partner with 501(c3) non-profit organizations incorporated to serve the ill, needy, or children, or with religious houses of worship matching the IRS definition of a church (which is broadly applicable across all religious houses of worship Fiscal and legal sponsorship from a qualifying organization allows us to build community partnerships and serve programs that do not have their own 501(c3) designation.

The Internal Revenue Service uses 14 characteristics to determine whether an organization qualifies as a church.

All applicants applying as a church should provide a letter from the church on its letterhead. It should be signed by its chief executive officer affirming that the organization is, in fact, a church and essentially meets the spirit of the 14 criteria employed by the IRS in defining a church.

Please attach examples that demonstrate the 14 point criteria. Demonstration of 10 criteria is required, the first 6 are mandatory.
MANDATORY CRITERIA

Must upload documentation for each of the 6 criteria.
1. A distinct legal existence (i.e. articles of incorporation filed with the state and/or letter from IRS showing Employer ID number)*

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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2. A recognized creed and form of worship (i.e. Articles of Incorporation, By Laws, church bulletin)*

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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3. A definite and distinct ecclesiastical government (i.e. Articles of Incorporation, By Laws, or Organization Chart with titles and positions) *

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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4. Established places of worship (i.e. church bulletin, Newsletter)*

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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5. Regular congregations (i.e. church bulletin, Newsletter)*

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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6. Regular religious services (i.e. church bulletin, Newsletter)*

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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SELECTED CRITERIA (choose 4)

Must upload documentation for 4 of the 8 selected criteria options.
1. A formal code of doctrine and discipline (i.e. Articles of Incorporation, By Laws)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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2. A membership not associated with any other church or denomination (i.e. statement of mission, objectives and goals of the church signed by the pastor and three others)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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3. A distinct religious history (i.e. a brief written history)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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4. A complete organization of ordained ministers ministering to their congregations (i.e. church bulletin or other published document listing the ministers, copy of ordination certificates)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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5. Ordained ministers elected after completing prescribed courses of study (i.e. Copy of Ordination and diploma)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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6. A literature of its own (i.e. Newsletter or Sunday morning program)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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7. Sunday schools for religious instruction of the young (i.e. church bulletin, newletter)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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8. Schools for the preparation of its ministers (i.e. copy of diploma with school name or list of school names)

Please upload as a Word or PDF file.
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DECLARATION
As a duly authorized officer of church name , I certify that this organization meets the requirements indicated for identification as a church and has not applied to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status and been denied, or has not had its 501(c)(3) status revoked by the IRS.
(Signature) Executive Director, Pastor, Etc. *

Clear
(Print Name)*
Should be Empty:

IRS CHURCH QUALIFIER FORM

MANDATORY CRITERIA

SELECTED CRITERIA (choose 4)

DECLARATION