it would be a battle to become a 501(c)3...but you might be able to sneak in under a 501(c)7. Not quite as good (donors don't get to write it off) but it might open up a few things for you. My advice would be to pay for an agency to apply for you. I've done both...and paying for it done is totally worth it. Depending on your state's specific fees...it's going to be a little different - but a 501(c)3 including the fed ap, all the state aps and fees and for that agency to handle the follow-up (oh, and they guarantee approval btw) came to $1,004.