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Can nonprofit charge “membership dues” as a fundraising activity?

Can a nonprofit corporation that has no members (according to its articles of incorporation and bylaws) charge “membership dues” as a fundraising activity?

Yes. It is done all the time by public radio and television stations, art museums, zoos and other organizations. It is a good idea to make clear in the fine print of your membership literature that the donors are “contributing members” and that the contributions do not convey any voting rights with the organization.

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