The Public Support Test, Explained: How Schedule A Protects Your Nonprofits Tax Exempt Status

Every organization that applies for 501(c)(3) status starts out classified as a private foundation in the eyes of the IRS — a designation that comes with stricter rules, higher taxes, and less flexibility. Schedule A and the public support test are how your organization proves otherwise, demonstrating year after year that it's accountable to a broad public rather than a handful of funders. Here's how the test works, why one large gift won't disqualify you, and what's at stake if you fail it.