Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Impact and the Texas Impact Education Fund

Are you tax-exempt?

Texas Impact is a public interest advocacy organization and is tax-exempt under section 501c4 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Texas Impact Education Fund is a public education organization and is tax-exempt under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Is my individual membership in Texas Impact tax-deductible?

Because Texas Impact is an advocacy organization, membership dues are not tax-deductible. Contributions to the Texas Impact Education Fund ARE tax-deductible and are not used for lobbying.

Is my congregation’s membership in Texas Impact tax-deductible?

Congregations are already tax-exempt, and their membership dues in Texas Impact are therefore already not taxed.

Are there other organizations like Texas Impact in other states?

Many other states have “Impact” organizations or other statewide, interfaith bodies that lobby as 501c4 organizations on behalf of religious social concerns. In some states, the state “council of churches” includes non-Christian faiths and fulfills an interfaith lobbying function.

Are there any other organizations like Texas Impact in Texas?

Texas Impact is the only statewide interfaith organization in Texas whose members include the governing bodies (judicatories) of Christian denominations.

Who sets Texas Impact’s positions?

Texas Impact’s board of directors is a delegation of representatives from our organizational members. The board sets a legislative agenda every two years by unanimous vote. The executive director takes positions on specific legislation on an as-needed basis based on the legislative agenda and in consultation with the board’s executive committee.

How often does the board meet? Is there an annual meeting for Texas Impact members?

The board meets three times a year in Austin. There is not a tradition of an annual membership meeting, but there could be one in the future.

If I don’t live in Austin, how can I stay plugged into Texas Impact and the Legislature?

Texas Impact board members live all over the state, and are available to serve as conveners for local events or speak at congregations in their area.

In addition, many organizational members of Texas Impact (such as United Methodist Women, National Council of Jewish Women, and the Freedom and Justice Foundation) have local chapters. Texas Impact works to keep local chapter leaders informed and provides them with materials and information to pass on to their local members.