Stonebridge Ponds Update:
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates regarding The Friends of Stonebridge Ponds and invite you to join us in shaping the future of our community’s beloved ponds. After careful consideration and planning, we have decided to establish The Friends of Stonebridge Ponds as a 501(c)(4) organization. This significant step will enable us to advocate for the common interests of our community, including the management and maintenance of our ponds.
Why Establish a 501(c)(4)?
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, The Friends of Stonebridge Ponds will have the legal framework necessary to advocate on behalf of our community and engage in activities that promote our shared interests, including advocating for pond maintenance and improvements. This designation will provide us with the flexibility and resources needed to effectively represent the interests of Stonebridge residents.
Opening a Bank Account:
In conjunction with establishing our nonprofit status, we plan to open a dedicated bank account to handle pond household fees and manage vendor payments. This bank account will serve as a central hub for financial transactions related to pond maintenance and improvements, ensuring that funds are allocated responsibly and in accordance with our mission and objectives.
Organization Expenses:
It’s important to note that there will be minimal ongoing costs associated with maintaining The Friends of Stonebridge Ponds organization, ensuring that the majority of funds raised can be directed towards our mission of preserving and enhancing the beauty of our ponds and community.
Volunteer Opportunities:
As we move forward with these initiatives, we are seeking dedicated volunteers to fill positions within our organization. So far George Crane has volunteered to be President, Dave Hartmann as Secretary and Vivian Sangunett as Treasurer. Here are some roles where you can make a difference. Please let us know if any of these speak to you:
- President (George Crane): Provide leadership and strategic direction for the organization, oversee operations, and represent The Friends of Stonebridge Ponds in community engagements.
- Vice President: Assist the president in their duties, oversee specific projects or committees, and step in to fulfill the president’s responsibilities in their absence.
- Secretary (Dave Hartmann): Maintain accurate records of meetings and correspondence, handle administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with organizational bylaws.
- Treasurer (Vivian Sangunett): Manage the organization’s finances, including budgeting, financial reporting, and oversight of bank accounts and transactions.
- Legal Advisor: Provide guidance on legal matters, ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and tax laws, and review contracts or agreements related to the organization’s activities.
- Communications: Manage communication efforts both internally and externally, including maintaining the website, social media accounts, and sending out newsletters or updates to members.
How to Get Involved:
If you’re passionate about preserving the beauty and vitality of our ponds and are interested in volunteering for a leadership position or contributing in other ways, we encourage you to reach out to us at by clicking the “Contact Us” button on our website. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our organization, and we welcome your participation with open arms.
Join Us Today:
Visit our website at https://www.stonebridgeponds.com to learn more about The Friends of Stonebridge Ponds and stay updated on our latest news and initiatives. Together, we can make a positive impact on the future of our ponds and our community.
Thank you for your support and commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Stonebridge.
501(c)(3) vs. 501(c)(4): Understanding the Difference
501(c)(3) organizations are typically nonprofit organizations that are organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. These organizations are eligible for federal tax exemption, and donations made to them are usually tax-deductible for the donors. Examples of 501(c)(3) organizations include charities, educational institutions, and religious organizations.
501(c)(4) organizations, on the other hand, are social welfare organizations that are primarily focused on promoting the common good and general welfare of a community. While they are also eligible for federal tax exemption, donations made to them are generally not tax-deductible for the donors. Examples of 501(c)(4) organizations include advocacy groups, civic leagues, and community associations.
In summary, the main difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations lies in their primary purpose and the tax treatment of donations. 501(c)(3) organizations are focused on charitable, educational, or religious activities and typically receive tax-deductible donations, while 501(c)(4) organizations are focused on social welfare activities and may receive tax-exempt donations, but they are not tax-deductible for the donors.