Greetings, this is an invitation to serve on the board of directors of an Indiana veterans’ organization. Please see below to assist your decision, as well as contacting 812-340-5210.
This effort is developing; the Indiana Secretary of State approved and filed Articles of Incorporation, the IRS assigned an EIN # and is processing Form 1024(tax-exempt organization application), and a business bank account is open.
During the 1024 processing time, we will continue to operate according to 501(c)(19) requirements. We don’t need to be approved before functioning, but do need to stay within the rules so the exemption is granted smoothly.
What to do now
Maintain core membership requirements(below 1.)
Operate according to our stated purposes(below 2.)
Keep clean records Minutes, membership rolls, financials, fundraising records, and activity logs will matter if the IRS asks for clarification.
Follow our bylaws and state requirements Hold meetings, elect officers, and keep our corporate status active with the state.
Avoid private benefit- No earnings can go to individuals except for legitimate program services.
Portions of the 1024, such as budget narratives, sustainability plans, etc. were estimated since this is a new venture. We expect the IRS to request clarification in the determination letter. It would be great if during the review period we could start doing some things in an official capacity and be ready to respond with solid documentation.
Thank you for taking time to consider if serving on the board is something you can do.
Duty, Honor, Country
one‑sentence definition: A 501(c)(19) is a tax‑exempt veterans’ organization composed primarily of past or present U.S. Armed Forces members, created to provide social, charitable, mutual assistance, and recreational activities that support veterans and their families.
more formal definition: A 501(c)(19) veterans’ organization is a federally tax‑exempt nonprofit entity whose membership consists predominantly of current or former members of the United States Armed Forces, along with certain eligible family members, and whose primary purposes include promoting the welfare of veterans through social support, charitable programs, insurance benefits, and recreational activities that foster community, morale, and mutual assistance.
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501(c)(19) membership rules, based on IRS requirements:
Core Membership Requirements (1.)
At least 75% of members must be past or present U.S. Armed Forces members.
Up to 25% may be non‑veterans, but only if they are spouses, widows/widowers, ancestors, or lineal descendants of eligible veterans or cadets.
No more than 2.5% of total membership may be individuals outside those categories.
No part of net earnings may benefit any private individual.
Purpose of a 501(c)(19) Organization (2.)
A 501(c)(19) exists to:
Support veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
Provide social and recreational activities for veterans
Offer insurance or financial assistance to veterans and their dependents
Promote patriotism and community service
Conduct activities that benefit veterans, active‑duty service members, and their families
The IRS doesn’t mandate specific titles, but most states and nonprofit governance standards expect these core roles:
Commander, Vice Commander, Adjutant, Quartermaster, Sargent-at-Arms, Chaplain, Trustees
What the Board of Directors Does for a 501(c)(19)
Ensures IRS compliance
Oversees finances and accountability
Sets mission and strategic direction Defines goals, programs, and priorities that support veterans, service members, and their families.
Approves and evaluates leadership
Maintains governance and bylaws
Ensures ethical and legal operations
Represents the organization Acts as ambassadors to the community, donors, partners, and veteran networks.
Supports fundraising and programs Helps secure resources and ensures programs align with the organization’s mission and IRS‑approved purposes.
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Vetpark.org Winter 2026 Active Projects
MISSION- create a space where public goodwill, faith-based and secular charities, government mandate and the free market come together to help local veterans
1. Residential A. Description
maintain 3 residential units→ notify Volunteers of America(I&O) and Rural HUDVASH of openings→ accept provided candidate with minimal review → create enforceable rules of engagement → provide assistance in the form of resources, accountability, and leniency within reason
Residential A. Needs
reserve funds for general upkeep and to cushion tenet “fumbles”, facilitate unit improvements to include Americans with Disabilities Act modifications
2. Residential B. Descriptions
maintain 3 full or partial hookup RV sites, two designated for the intake period(period before VOA caseworker/VA social worker involvement complete) and one held for temporary use by Vetpark allies
Residential B. Needs
developing/(Lawrence Co. Navy vet- rating Electrician’s Mate) is helping with the main service panel
3. Co-op A. Description
maintain an outdoor themed cooperative to provide social and recreational opportunities for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families; especially the families of deployed Indiana National Guard
4. Co-op B. Description
fundraise for R.A, R.B, and C.A through the sale of outdoor themed recreational co-op memberships and daycamps. C.B’s goal is to provide financial security for the veterans programs
Co-op A. and B. Needs
supply/augment the park’s 7 emphasis areas: camping, canoeing/kayaking, biking, land navigation, frontier trail, caving, homesteading
5. NextGen Description
provide a structure for veterans to teach local youth about patriotism and the constitution, the unique skill sets worked into the architecture of America’s all-volunteer military, what it’s like to take the Oath of Enlistment or Oath of Office, drill and ceremony, physical training, etc.
NextGen Needs
the board will draft a curriculum, find the legal way to use park resources, and decide if a delivery platform is already established, such as scouting groups, or if one should be created
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MISSION- create a space where public goodwill, faith-based and secular charities, government mandate and the free market come together to help local veterans- the board should assess its performance in relation to this
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Open Board Positions
Chair:
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Tech:
Treasurer: