Looking into becoming a 501(c)(3) is definitely a good idea. But that takes some time and effort. There's a $750 fee, and preparing the paperwork isn't trivial. Even so, many of us on these Forums have done it successfully without professional assistance. It will take you awhile to get all the pieces together to file and then 6 weeks to several months for the IRS to process. And please look into the tools and resource available if you become a PTO Today member - they offer step by step guides.
But that doesn't really help you with your current issue. The gaming rules are determined by each state, so you must follow your state's rules. How closely aligned are you with the school? Is there any hope that THEY would get the license in their name and it could be a joint effort?
If you were a PTA you would be a 501 c 3 organization as determined by the IRS. Filing the paperwork and hiring an attorney to do that for you will most likely cost about $1500.
In Massachusetts, one needs a current "certificate of solicitation" which one gets by being current with all filings; in our case, the state filings ask if we're 501c3 or have applied (which we have). I'm sure it depends on your state law, and you'll have to ask your city/town/state for the actual gaming/raffle permit application and see what it actually says.
It will likely take you several months to fill out the 501c3 application, and then some amount of time for the IRS to review your application. (Ours went in in March, we got a reply in August saying we needed to provide some more info.)
You ought to apply for 501c3 in any case, but it may not help you for this year's gaming license.
We are considered a PTO. However we are not a 501(c)3 organization. It is my understanding that in order for us to get a gaming license in Kentucky we have to be a 501c3 organization and can then apply for gaming license. However I was told that if we were considered a noncommon school that we could be exempt and just apply for license. But we control our own checkbook and was told that since we control our funds and not the school that we have to apply for 501c3 status.
My question is is this so, or is there another way. We cannot hold a raffle until we get our gaming license and I am having trouble from our past treasure in getting old bankstatements. She keeps telling me that she dosen't have time to get them to me or that they are in different places.
HELP.
Thanks
