Should I register as a 501(c)3 - small alumni group?

Check out the form 1024 on irs.gov. Form 1023 is for a 501(c) 3. In order for you to be this type of organization, you have to be a church, a school for the community or a research organization such as the American Cancer ociation. You can be a non-profit that does set up events to raise for charity such as scholarships and mentoring for economically disadvantaged students. The form 1023 will be thorough on this plus the examiner in Cincinnati can call you and grill you on the phone regarding your mission and how you will accomplish your goals as a charitable organizations. If you get accepted, your organization can qualify under IRC 170 (d), donor's tax detectability. Go to nolopress.com and search the catalog for a book (usually with a disc) on non-profit. You also have to look at the state requirements. Among them is to file your articles of incorporation. Trademark your name if you have the funds. You probably will have a website of "dot" org.