As a club we are organized as a 501C4 which are more for non-profit social organizations. 501C3 are non-profit charitable organizations. It is harder to organize a snowmobile club as a 501C3. The IRS web site states:
"To be tax-exempt as a social welfare organization described in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501(c)(4), an organization must not be organized for profit and must be operated exclusively to promote social welfare. Pursuant to changes enacted as part of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2, the earnings of a section 501(c)(4) organization may not inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any managers agreeing to the transaction."
While I am no lawyer, it is saying that the profits cannot be distributed to shareholders or individuals. So what it is saying, you cannot not give your profits from your fundraisers to members (shareholders). It maybe be possible to have some paid positions like large charities, however I don't know of any clubs that do that.
Think of it this way, how else would a club be able to afford a new Tucker at a cost of over $100,000 with out saving up a fair amount of money? BTW, our club does donate a significant amount of money each year to various organizations and charitable events.