This section defines several terms used in the subchapter, including “charitable organization,” “district employee charitable campaign,” “eligible charitable organization,” “eligible services,” and “federation or fund.”
Sec. 60.551. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Charitable organization" means an organization that: (A) is organized for charitable purposes under Chapter 22, Business Organizations Code, or holds a certificate of authority issued under that chapter; (B) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of that code and to which contributions are deductible for income tax purposes under Section 170 of that code; (C) complies with all applicable federal nondiscrimination law, including Chapter 21, Title 42, United States Code; (D) complies with all state statutes and rules relating to charitable organizations; (E) is not a private foundation; and (F) provides funds or programs for eligible services that directly or indirectly benefit the recipients. (2) "District employee charitable campaign" means a campaign conducted in communities or areas in which district employees solicit contributions to an eligible charitable organization. (3) "Eligible charitable organization" means a charitable organization eligible to participate in the district employee charitable campaign as provided by Section 60.561. (4) "Eligible services" means services provided by a charitable organization that: (A) benefit residents of this state, including children, youth, adults, elderly individuals, ill or infirm individuals, or individuals with a mental or physical disability, and consist of: (i) human care, medical or other research in the field of human health, education, social adjustment, or rehabilitation; (ii) relief for victims of natural disaster or other emergencies; or (iii) assistance to impoverished individuals in need of food, shelter, clothing, or other basic needs; or (B) benefit this state, and consist of activities to: (i) safeguard public health and the environment; or (ii) help solve environmental problems. (5) "Federation or fund" means a fund-raising entity that: (A) is a charitable organization; (B) acts as an agent for at least five charitable organizations; (C) is not organized exclusively to solicit contributions from district employees; and (D) is supported by voluntary contributions by the public and is: (i) incorporated in this state and has an established physical presence in this state in the form of an office or service facility that is staffed at least 20 hours a week; or (ii) incorporated outside this state, includes at least 10 affiliated charitable organizations, and has existed at least three years. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1027 (H.B. 2770), Sec. 17, eff. June 17, 2011.