Public charity
A public charity is a 501(c)(3) that receives support from a broad base of donors and the public — the most common type of charitable organization.
Public charities must pass an IRS 'public support test' showing they aren't funded by just one or a few sources. Churches, hospitals, schools and most community nonprofits are public charities.
They enjoy the most generous donor deduction limits and lighter rules than private foundations.
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Related terms
- Private foundation — A private foundation is a 501(c)(3) typically funded by a single source — a family, individual or corporation — that often makes grants rather than running its own programs.
- 501(c)(3) — A 501(c)(3) is a U.S. tax-exempt organization operated for charitable, religious, educational, scientific or similar purposes, to which donations are generally tax-deductible.
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