organizations, a category which, of course, includes many socially redeeming organizations, but includes tax-exempt political organizations posing as non-partisan think-tanks and as "charities", but are diligently working to influence politics and advance political agendas daily, i.e., the Heritage Foundation, the Council for National Policy, the Council on Foreign Relations ... these groups influence and affect long-term, as well as, current policy, and the people affiliated with these organizations back certain specific candidates and political parties who tow their line ...
one may be long term vs. short term but 501s still are active in the 'big picture' campaign
or no?
Lynne Cheney works for the Heritage Foundation, I believe, while being part of "The White House".
We see "experts" from these organizations used on network/cable 'news', and, they use the time to advance political memes.
"To be tax-exempt as an organization described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes set forth in IRC Section 501(c)(3) and none of the earnings of the organization may inure to any private shareholder or individual.
In addition, it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate at all in campaign activity for or against political candidates." http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.htmlhttp://www.heritage.org One contributes to the Heritage Foundation as if it was a charity:
"If you are a federal employee or in the military you can give to The Heritage Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The National Capitol Area kick-off for this annual fund-raising drive is October 1st and will be conducted right in your work place. Each year the CFC raises millions of dollars that benefit thousands of non-profit charities. To make Heritage the beneficiary of your donation sign up today."
http://www.heritage.org/support/1973 - "The Heritage Foundation founded, Feb. 16, 1973 with backing from Joseph Coors, Richard Scaife and Edward Noble, with Paul Weyrich as President and Ed Feulner as member of the board of trustees; to move national public policy in a conservative direction, primarily by working with Congress and its staff."
http://www.heritage.org/Support/about.cfm"... the IRS fined the Heritage Foundation for allowing Bob Dole, then a Presidential candidate, to sign a widely-distributed fundraising letter which recited much of Dole’s campaign platform as the Foundation’s agenda, in encouraging gifts to the Foundation. The letter made no reference to Dole’s status as a candidate or the upcoming election, and the mailings raised substantial donations to the Foundation. Nevertheless, the Foundation’s mailing helped Dole’s campaign, according to the IRS. See TAM 200044038."
http://www.npaction.org/filemanager/download/27/c3ElectnIssues.pdf/