History Made: ELEVATE Secures 501 (c)(3) Tax Exempt Status
ELEVATE Northeast Makes History by Securing 501 (c)(3)
Tax Exempt Status
Supporters may now deduct contributions made to one of the nation’s first cannabis industry public charities
BOSTON, June 3, 2019 – Regional cannabis education and community outreach organization ELEVATE Northeast Events and Education (“ELEVATE”) is proud to announce that it has been qualified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. ELEVATE is now eligible to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code.
“Being a 501(c)(3) organization was ELEVATE’s goal from the start because it was something that the industry wanted and needed,” said Beth Waterfall, executive director at ELEVATE. “Now, we can provide a full circle of collaboration where the businesses that support ELEVATE can utilize a tax-saving benefit that charitable, non-cannabis businesses have always had access to.”
ELEVATE’s tax-exempt determination also marks a victory for the cannabis industry, as it signifies more normalization of the industry and acceptance of the proactive outreach needed to educate the public and end stigma. As such, ELEVATE will commence expansion immediately.
“ELEVATE’s 501(c)(3) status opens the door for ELEVATE to expand our educational offerings and team,” added Cara Crabb Burnham, director of education at ELEVATE. “We welcome anyone interested in contributing to ELEVATE’s mission to contact us to see how their experience and goals might align.”
“At the end of the day, we hope that our tax-exempt status serves as a validation of sorts, and makes it easier and less scary for our communities to learn about cannabis and the opportunities legalization presents,” added TaShonda Vincent-Lee, director of community outreach at ELEVATE.
About ELEVATE Northeast Events and Education
ELEVATE Northeast Events and Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to support the regional cannabis industry’s need for workforce and community education, advocacy and networking in a professional and inviting atmosphere. And because cannabis businesses cannot succeed without inclusion of multiple perspectives, an educated community, and informed customer base, ELEVATE’s mission is to empower underrepresented populations to work and lead in the cannabis industry, and to empower our communities to be educated customers and responsible consumers. Learn more at elevatene.org.
