[OMS_MANAGERS] 501c6?

[Main Street Cascade Locks]

We restructured to do this last July. We've always been a c(3), but only
have a max total of 10 businesses in our designated district to support our
work so created a new non-voting neighbor level of membership which
literally doubled our total membership in less than a two months.

Instead of charging membership fees or dues, we set suggested donation
amounts for both levels, counted all volunteer/inkind as that donation,
didn't require either for non-voting neighbor membership, and made it clear
that we were just looking for whatever support we could get ... even if it
was just advice/suggestions, sharing our posts with family/friends, or
spending an hour putting up flyers or setting up an event.



*Main Street Cascade Locks*

*A community for our downtown and a downtown for our community*


PO Box 174,Cascade Locks, OR 97014

Voice: 971.208.5598 . Website: mainstreetcascadelocks.org

On Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 4:45 PM Quinn Haase <quinn at astoriadowntown.com> wrote:

> We’re in the process of changing our funding structure from memberships to
> more of a donation base. But we already are a c3. We hope to increase our
> possible supporters from the 200 or so max possible businesses downtown, to
> anyone and everyone who loves Astoria and supports the work we do.
>
> -Quinn
>
> Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> on behalf of
> steve at cateringbydeangelos.com <steve at cateringbydeangelos.com>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, February 17, 2026 4:28:09 PM
> *To:* 'Oregon Main Street Network Members' <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
> *Subject:* Re: [OMS_MANAGERS] 501c6?
>
>
> Biggest difference is c-3 allows for grant acquisitions where c-6 is more
> of a member based entity (like a chamber)
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> Steve DeAngelo,
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> Tigard Downtown Alliance
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> Past  President, Founding Member, Design Committee
>
> Tigard, Or 97223
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> *From:* OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> *On Behalf Of
> *Jessica Hand
> *Sent:* Tuesday, February 17, 2026 3:51 PM
> *To:* Oregon Main Street Network Members <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
> *Subject:* Re: [OMS_MANAGERS] 501c6?
>
>
>
> We recently went through this whole process and the board ultimately
> decided to apply for both. Happy to chat further about our experience and
> the legal advice we were given.
>
> Jess Hand, MPH
>
> *EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR*
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> Personal Pronouns (she/her)
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> *A:* 556 SE Jackson Street, Roseburg OR 97470
>
> *P:* 541.816.1726
>
> *W:* www.thriveumpqua.com
>
> *E:* jessica at thriveumpqua.com
>
> *Schedule a Meeting
> <https://www.cloudhq.net/meeting/jessica@thriveumpqua.com>*
>
>
>
> <http://www.instagram.com/thriveumpqua>
> <http://www.facebook.com/thriveumpqua>
> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnbBk4vR4Q8JytxAFS8WKkw>
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> On Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 3:43 PM Juliana Allen <
> juliana at downtownoregoncity.org> wrote:
>
> Curious about everyone's thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of
> establishing a 501(c)(6), membership-based revenue model in addition to the
> 501(c)(3) status?
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> Juliana Allen (she/her)
>
> Executive Director, Downtown Oregon City Association
> ------------------------------
>
> 814 Main Street
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/814+Main+Street+Oregon+City,+OR+97045?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> Oregon City, OR 97045
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/814+Main+Street+Oregon+City,+OR+97045?entry=gmail&source=g>
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