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MENSK goes legit
BY SIMON PETERSON
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Even those with just a passing knowledge of the tax code are likely familiar with this five-digit combination: 501c3. It’s the portion of the code that regulates non-profit organizations. Local underground non-profit MENSK, responsible for last year’s roof-top films series and the annual Flow event that takes people out to Brownfield, is now very familiar with that code. They found out last month that their application had been accepted by the IRS. What’s that mean? Three basic things. First, donations to MENSK are now tax-deductible. Second, they don’t have to pay taxes on money they take in, and there are a large number of organizations that only grant to 501c3s. Third, they can act as a fiscal agent for other local groups who are looking for funding but don’t have that tax-deductible donation status and so have a harder time getting people to donate money. Why is this good? Because MENSK’s mission is "to inspire and support personal, local, and regional action for the development of creative and sustainable communities," and that means they’re looking to ward off what many see as the increasing gentrification of downtown Portland. Remember the Earth Day events last year? That was them. For more on what they’re planning — or to give them money — email info@arapidhub.com
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