1) RAND does far more actual number-crunching than I think we're willing to get into here. But I'm willing to hear otherwise from someone who says, "I *want* to do statistical analysis for this project." Unfortunately for your IRS review letter, you have to allow yourself to be pigeonholed, so if we dodge the political bullet, what are we? Rand says, "RAND Corporation seeks to strengthen the nation's economy, maintain national security, and improve the quality of life in the United States." IOW, they are either gunning for the 501c4 (social welfare org), or they see themselves as charitable 501c3. They declare 501c3 on their docs, btw. "Charitable" includes:
- Relief of the poor
- Advancement of education or science
- Lessening the burdens of government
- Elimination of prejudice
- Defense of human or civil rights
So as long as we can show we are formed to be beneficial to the public interest, we would be a charity. You don't have to be a public charity, you can be a private foundation and still be a charitable org.
2) If you normally have gross receipts under $5000/yr, you don't have to file jack and you can call yourself whatever you want. So to me the decision would be between no-income-total-freedom, and high-income-high-responsibility.
Coupla points
