Sunday, June 1, 2014

LCHS finally earns official non-profit status

After many long years of working to achieve non-profit status, the Lawrence County Historical Society (LCHS) has finally been recognized by the U. S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.  That official blessing came on May 13, 2014, according to LCHS President Norma Kraemer.

LCHS President Norma Kraemer
"It means that money we receive as contributions, whether as bequests, devises, transfers or gifts, are tax deductible for the donor," said Kraemer.

"It also means that we may apply for grants to accomplish our own projects from organizations that require us to be a 501 (c)(3) organization."  

"While it took the IRS 17 months to act on our application, it was a much longer process by the board of directors of the Lawrence County Historical Society.  It involved incorporation under the laws of South Dakota while our President was Jerry Bryant.  The incorporation was guided by David Wolff and Larry Miller."

The next step, according to Kraemer, was IRS paperwork, which would not have been possible without the work of Treasurer Jacke Mitchell.

"The data she provided me to complete the application was concise, making it easy to fill out the IRS application," Kraemer said.

The LCHS board of directors welcomes proposals for projects.  Kraemer says they've set up guidelines to make it an easy process.  Persons with proposals are asked to contact President Norma Kraemer at nkraemer@q.com to start the process.

The Lawrence County Historical Society strives to bring together people interested in preserving, protecting, and promoting the history of Lawrence County and South Dakota.  Membership in the society is open to all and now totals about 145 persons.