Each separate corporate subsidiary has to apply for and obtain IRS recognition of 501(c)(3) status. Being a non-profit corporation does not automatically make it a charitable tax exempt corporation.
Thanks for the info. Does what you say imply that a non-charitable subsidiary can "poison" the tax exempt status for contributions to the parent foundation? Do you know if all contributions to the Clinton family of foundations were routed through the parent foundation, or did the subsidiaries take in contributions as well?
I can see the problem if the top level entity--the Clinton Foundation--is the one funnel, and the subsidiaries aren't checked for charitable status.