Many established nonprofits use this same dual-entity model. It allows an organization to pursue both direct charitable programs and broader advocacy, partnerships, and movement-building efforts without mixing the two.
Overview
One Mission. Two Aligned Entities.
Ready & Forward is a veteran-led civic movement built to honor service, restore Camp Lockett, and strengthen communities for generations to come. To fulfill this mission in full, we operate through two separate but aligned legal entities, each with a distinct role, governed by its own rules and responsibilities.
2
Legally Separate Entities
1
Shared Mission & Vision
501(c)(3) + 501(c)(6)
Pending Federal Approval
Our Structure
Meet the Two Entities
Each entity has its own legal identity, its own bank accounts, and its own IRS filing requirements. They are aligned by mission, but operated completely independently.
501(c)(3)
Ready & Forward Foundation
Charitable Nonprofit Corporation | California
IRS Approval Pending
Focus Areas
- Veteran services, wellness, and support
- Youth development and education programs
- Historic preservation initiatives
- Community benefit programming
- Charitable components of Legacy Fest and future events
Once IRS approval is finalized, donations to the Foundation will be tax-deductible for donors.
501(c)(6)
Ready & Forward, Inc.
Nonprofit Corporation | California
IRS Filing In Progress
Focus Areas
- Advocacy and movement-building
- Strategic partnerships and sponsorships
- Community and business alignment
- Large-scale events and activations
- Legacy Fest: marketing and partnership operations
This entity handles business promotion, brand partnerships, and advocacy. Sponsorship contributions flow through here as marketing investments.
Why Two Entities
Built This Way for a Reason
Charitable Integrity
The Foundation (C3) must be kept legally separate to protect its charitable purpose and maintain eligibility for tax-deductible giving and grants. Mixing charitable and non-charitable funds in one entity would violate IRS guidelines.
Broader Impact
The C6 entity allows us to pursue partnerships with businesses, conduct advocacy, and run large-scale events in ways that a strictly charitable entity cannot. Together, the two entities can do more than either one alone.
Legal Compliance
IRS rules require these types of activities to be managed through separate, legally distinct entities with separate banking and accounting. Operating this way is not just best practice. It is required.
Public Trust
A clear, transparent structure reassures donors, partners, and community members that their contributions are being used appropriately. Separation signals accountability, not complexity.
How Funding Works
Where the Money Goes
Different kinds of financial support flow to different entities, by design and by requirement.
Charitable Entity
Ready & Forward Foundation
501(c)(3) | Pending IRS Approval
Donations
Gifts made to support our charitable mission: veteran programs, youth initiatives, historic preservation, and community benefit work.
Grants
Foundation grants from institutions and philanthropic organizations supporting our direct impact programs.
Tax-deductible once IRS approval is finalized.
Advocacy & Movement Entity
Ready & Forward, Inc.
501(c)(6) | Filing In Progress
Sponsorships
Brand partnerships and event sponsorships structured as marketing and business promotion investments.
Business Partnerships
Strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations that advance shared advocacy and community goals.
Not tax-deductible as charitable gifts.
Quick Reference Guide
Want to support the mission?
→ Donate to the Foundation (C3)
Tax-deductible once IRS approval is finalized. Funds go directly to charitable programs.
Tax-deductible once IRS approval is finalized. Funds go directly to charitable programs.
Want brand exposure or marketing?
→ Sponsor through Ready & Forward, Inc. (C6)
Structured as business promotion. Ideal for brands aligned with our mission.
Structured as business promotion. Ideal for brands aligned with our mission.
Legacy Fest
How Legacy Fest Funding Works
Legacy Fest is our flagship event, a first-of-its-kind national gathering at Camp Lockett on June 13, 2026. Because the event spans both charitable and commercial activity, funding flows through both entities with clear separation.
Type of Support
Category
Goes Through
Entity
Details
What This Means
Charitable Giving
Donations
Ready & Forward
Foundation (C3)
Donations to support Legacy Fest's charitable mission (veteran services, youth programs, historic preservation) go through the Foundation. Tax-deductible once IRS 501(c)(3) approval is finalized.
Business Partnership
Sponsorships
Ready & Forward
Inc. (C6)
Brand sponsorships, marketing partnerships, and event activations flow through the C6 entity. These are structured as business promotion and marketing investments, not charitable gifts. Great for brands seeking community alignment and audience reach.
All funds are handled in strict alignment with IRS guidelines and each entity's designated purpose. Funds are never commingled between entities.
Current Status
Where We Stand Right Now
We want to be fully transparent about what is and is not yet approved. Here's a snapshot as of April 2026.
Ready & Forward Foundation
501(c)(3) Charitable Entity
IRS Approval Pending
Current Standing
- Formed as a California nonprofit corporation in 2026
- IRS 501(c)(3) application submitted, awaiting approval
- Operates at the state level; federal exemption not yet confirmed
What This Means
- Donations can be accepted and are being held for charitable purposes
- Tax-deductible status for donors applies only once IRS approval is finalized
- No grants requiring 501(c)(3) status can be accepted until approved
Ready & Forward, Inc.
501(c)(6) Advocacy Entity
IRS Filing In Progress
Current Standing
- Formed as a California nonprofit corporation
- Not yet recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(6)
- Currently exists at the state level only
- No federal tax-exempt status yet
Next Step
- File with the IRS for 501(c)(6) Business League status
- Upon approval, becomes the primary advocacy, event, and partnership entity
- No active revenue or business operations to date
Our Transparency Pledge
We will keep this page updated as our IRS applications progress. We will not misrepresent our approval status to donors, partners, or the public. When approvals are granted, we'll update this page promptly. Until then, we operate with full awareness of our current standing and communicate that clearly to everyone we work with.
Get Involved
Ready to Move Forward With Us?
Whether you want to support the mission through a donation, partner with us as a sponsor, or simply learn more. We are here and transparent every step of the way.