To become a 501(c)(3) organization, you must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. Additionally, the organization must not be an action organization, i.e. it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates. To learn more about how to make sure your organization is classified as a non-profit by HUD, check out HUD’s guide to becoming a non-profit.