👩🏾‍⚖️ap us government review

501(c)(4)

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

A type of tax-exempt nonprofit under the Internal Revenue Code that is organized to promote community or civic welfare and may engage in unlimited lobbying and limited political campaign activity so long as electioneering is not its primary purpose. Such organizations can accept unlimited corporate and individual contributions without federal donor disclosure, making them significant conduits of “dark money” in elections.

AP course connection

Topic 5.6: 5.6 Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making

Unit 5

"501(c)(4)" also found in: