Council for Military Spouse Clubs

We’ve Launched! 🎉 The Council for Military Spouses’ Clubs now has a new look online at councilformsc.org! Explore our new website to: ✅ Find resources for military spouses’ clubs ✅ Learn about upcoming events ✅ Connect with our community Visit us today and let us know what you think! 💻✨ Carolyn Crissman, PMP / CNP Rhonda Fingal Heather Alvarado Melissa (Missy) Clampitt, MBA Teyaka Booker Elizabeth Houser Jaime Waterbury Karly Gadell

Something exciting is coming! 🎉 Stay tuned for the big reveal on 1 January! • About Us • Resources • Meet the Team • News • Contact Us

🎄✨ Happy Holidays from All of Us! 🎉❄️ As the holiday season surrounds us with warmth, joy, and connection, we want to extend our heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones. No matter how you celebrate this season—whether it’s with traditions old and new, gathering with family and friends, or simply finding moments of peace—we hope it’s filled with happiness and love. 💖 Let’s carry the spirit of kindness, community, and gratitude into the new year ahead. Cheers to a season of togetherness and joy! 🕊️🌟 #HappyHolidays #SeasonOfJoy #TogetherWeThrive #CommunityAndConnection

🌟 Practicing Inclusivity During the Winter Holidays 🌟 The holiday season is a time of celebration, reflection, and connection. While we often see Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrated around military installations, it’s important to remember that members of our community may be honoring other meaningful traditions as well. Recognizing and respecting the diverse holidays and traditions observed during this time helps create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and a true sense of belonging. ✨ How can we support inclusivity? -Share and celebrate the importance of the various holidays and traditions observed within your club and community. -Highlight diverse stories, customs, and experiences to foster understanding and connection. -Encourage open dialogue and participation from all members. Let’s make this holiday season welcoming and joyous for everyone in our community! 🫶 Find the entire document on the Council website: https://lnkd.in/g5W-ThtE? #InclusiveHolidays #CommunityBelonging #CelebrateDiversity

Missed Our Latest Episode of Uncomfortable Conversations? Watch Now! ✨ The 501c3 vs. 501c7 Dilemma: Understanding Nonprofit Designations ✨ Are you unsure about the differences between 501c3 and 501c7 IRS nonprofit classifications? Confusion ends here! 📚 In this episode of the Uncomfortable Conversations Series, we break down what these designations mean, how they impact your club, and how to choose the right path for success. What you'll learn: ✔ Key differences between 501c3 and 501c7 ✔ How to align your goals with the proper designation ✔ Real-life Q&A insights from experts 🔗 Watch now: https://bit.ly/4gbx5nF Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your club with the right tools and knowledge for success! #NonprofitLeadership #501c3 #501c7 #SpouseClubs #LeadershipTools #UncomfortableConversations #LetsTalkLegal

Let’s talk about a common misconception within nonprofit circles: Can a 501(c)(7) social club act like a 501(c)(3) charitable organization? The truth is… No. While both types of organizations are nonprofits, their purposes, restrictions, and tax benefits are entirely different: ✅ 501(c)(3): • Focused on charitable, educational, or religious purposes. • Can fundraise publicly and offer tax-deductible donations. • Bound by strict rules ensuring its mission benefits the public. ✅ 501(c)(7): • Created for social or recreational activities (e.g., spouses’ clubs). • Revenue must come from members, not public donations. • Fundraising is limited to benefiting club operations, not charitable outreach. If you’re a spouses’ club (501(c)(7)) wanting to give back to the community, you must partner with a 501(c)(3) or explore setting one up separately. Blurring these lines can lead to IRS audits, revoked status, or fines. Bottom line: Know your status. Protect your mission. 📆 Registration Required: https://bit.ly/3OhE0zp

🌟 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰? 🌟 Non-profit organizations fall under different categories based on their purpose and mission: ✅ 𝟓𝟎𝟏(𝐜)𝟑 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 focus on serving the public through charitable, educational, or religious activities. Their work is designed to make a positive impact on communities and society at large. ✅ 𝟓𝟎𝟏(𝐜)𝟕 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, on the other hand, prioritize creating connections for their members. These social clubs provide opportunities to foster relationships and build camaraderie among their members. Understanding the distinction ensures that your organization's goals align with its mission and tax-exempt status. 💡 Are you part of a military spouse club? Join the 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛'𝐬 discussion on the difference between these two designations and a few thoughts on what your organization can legally do within those designations.  #NonProfitLeadership #501c3 #501c7 #CommunityBuilding #MissionDriven #MilitarySpouses #SpouseClubs 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: https://bit.ly/3OhE0zp Carolyn Crissman, PMP / CNP Bobbie J. Collins, Esq., LL.M. (Tax) Rhonda Fingal Teyaka Booker Karly Gadell Heather Alvarado Jaime Waterbury Alysia M. Damin, MSED, MS, L. CCC-SLP Elizabeth Houser Melissa (Missy) Clampitt, MBA

𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟓𝟎𝟏𝐜𝟑 𝐯𝐬. 𝟓𝟎𝟏𝐜𝟕 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐦𝐚: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 In the next installment of our Uncomfortable Conversations Series, we will be hosting "Let's Talk Legal" as we dive into the common misconceptions between 501c3 and 501c7 nonprofits to help clubs understand how to successfully navigate these IRS nonprofit designations. Three Council members will present an overview, followed by an open session of Q&A. We look forward to having you join us for this detailed discussion! 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: https://bit.ly/3OhE0zp

Still on the fence about joining? Here’s why you should! Joining your local spouses' club isn’t just about adding another membership to your list. It’s about gaining access to a supportive network, new friendships, and opportunities that help you grow personally and professionally. Don’t miss out on being part of something meaningful. Join and start making memories, building skills, and giving back. Your future community is waiting! #CommunityImpact #CommunityMatters #MakeADifferenceNovember

November Planning for Spouses’ Clubs: Balancing Community and Connection As we move into November, it’s an ideal time for spouses clubs to plan activities that bring members together while making a meaningful impact. Here are some ideas for both enjoyable events and nonprofit initiatives that reflect the spirit of the season. Community-Building Activities: • Friendsgiving Gathering: Host a potluck to strengthen bonds and celebrate the season together. • Creative Workshop: Organize a seasonal craft event, such as wreath-making or DIY holiday decor, to encourage creativity and connection. • Outdoor Fall Excursions: Plan a group nature walk or hiking event to enjoy the autumn scenery. Opportunities to Give Back: • Thanksgiving Basket Initiative: Organize a food drive and assemble holiday meal baskets for local families in need. • Volunteer Day: Arrange a group volunteer day at a community shelter or soup kitchen to support those less fortunate. • Care Packages for Service Members: Coordinate a care package drive to send essentials and treats to deployed service members or veterans during the holiday season. By blending camaraderie with community service, you can make November a memorable and impactful month for our members and the broader community. Let us know what’s on your agenda this month! #SpousesClub #NovemberInitiatives #CommunityImpact #SeasonOfGiving