The
Internal Revenue Service has approved World’s Greatest Hobby Inc.
(WGH) as a non-profit public charity, giving it 501(c)(3) status. The
new status means contributions to the entity are tax-deductible.
WGH executive director Dave Swanson says he thinks the charitable
status will be useful in several ways. It will allow
“individuals, companies and organizations to make tax-deductible
contributions which will be used to promote model railroading.”
Additionally, it will allow the organization to purchase media and
supplies at a discount and may convince media outlets of the value of
covering a story on the WGH, because of the increased credibility a
non-profit charity project.
He adds, “Lastly, I think the formation of a corporation with
charitable status gives a permanence to the program, so that it will be
around for many years helping create new model railroaders.”
WGH president Terry Thompson said, “On behalf of the board, I
would like to thank Dave for all his help with this process.
We’re very pleased to have reached this milestone, which will
open the door to other opportunities. World’s Greatest Hobby
remains a unique example of an industry and its customers working
together to promote a hobby.”
WGH works with associations, clubs and hobby stores to promote model
railroading to the public. Its outreach efforts include the
World’s Greatest Hobby On Tour shows and greatesthobby.com. The
program’s primary sponsors are Atlas Model Railroad Co., Bachmann
Trains, Kato, Wm. K. Walthers and Kalmbach Publishing Co. (publisher of
Model Railroader). Additional sponsors include Digitrax and Caboose
Industries.
