Community Council votes to reorganize as 501(c)(4) organization

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 2, 2022

The Vashon-Maury Island Community Council passed a resolution at its February meeting concerning the council’s reorganization as a 501(c)(4)organization.

Currently, the organization operates as a 501(c)(3), a different classification of nonprofit status which does not allow activities to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities or participation in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

The resolution, proposed by Diane Emerson, read as follows:

“The Vashon-Maury Island Community Council is to begin the process to create a new community council with 501(c)(4) status. The current board of directors shall act as the interim board of the new council, until elections are held for a new board in October of 2022. Because of the importance of this action, this motion shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote to pass.”

The motion passed unanimously.

According to the IRS, 501(c)(3) organizations must be “operated exclusively to promote social welfare … to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community (such as by bringing about civic betterment and social improvements).”

Emerson, who has taken the lead on the reorganization, explained the reasons for the action, as follows:

(a) Remaining a 501(c)(3) is administratively difficult.

(b) 501(c)(4) status would give the Council more freedom to advocate for legislation and projects that benefit the island.

(c) Being able to take tax-exempt donations is of little benefit to the Council, since no one really donates to it anyway.

The council heard updates from its Equity Committee and the Affordable Housing Committee.

Danielle De Clerq, King County’s Deputy Director of Local Services, made announcements about an upcoming town hall on March 17, and invited islanders to look for a mailer this week that provides guidance on how to submit their ideas to the county community needs list.

VMICC board member Camille Reeves resigned from her position and was thanked for her hard work. Anyone interested in filling this Board vacancy can contact Diane Emerson at diane@VMICC.net.

The next Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21. Vashon’s King County Sheriff’s Office precinct commander will be on hand to give updates and answer questions. Find the zoom link to the meeting at VMICC.net.

— Beachcomber Editor Elizabeth Shepherd added clarification to this report on the difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) status.