That same year the Trust appealed a decision by the Charities Commission to refuse registration as a charitable entity.

Skeptical Science is affiliated with no political, business, or charitable entity.

In 1990, the Italian Government instituted a system whereby taxpayers could earmark .8 percent of their taxes for a variety of charitable entities.

Members should ask their tax preparer, specialist or the IRS about donation write-offs and charitable entities.

The association aims to become one of the first charitable entities to be self-sustaining in terms of funding and actively seeks economically beneficial opportunities.

The main advantage of charitable entities is that donors can deduct gifts to them, whereas donations to political groups are taxed.

"We are a charitable entity," Mr. Stein said.

"We are a charitable entity, and the I.R.S. has determined that," he said.

RIMS represents more than 3,500 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and governmental entities.

The singer founded The Britney Spears Foundation, a charitable entity set up to help children in need.