Where did the exemption from “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” come from that allowed the creation of 501(c)3’s???
But -- not all 501(c) 3s are religious organizations; I'm a member of several small, local organizations that are 501 (c) 3s.
Just came from a meeting of our501 (c) 3 local Community Center -- an old schoolhouse that we're restoring and maintain -- as a meeting place where our isolated rural community can gather to play games, enjoy & participate in musical entertainments , learn & practice quilting, hold family reunions, gather after funerals, etc. We hold fish fries, BBQs, trades days, etc., the proceeds of which go to support our local volunteer fire department and to restore/maintain the schoolhouse.
Having 501 (c) 3 status probably makes the difference between our success and our demise...