Iranian Association of Boston
The Iranian Association of Boston (IAB) is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Certification of Registration No. 25633) with tax-exempt status (Section 501C(3)) granted by Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the Internal Revenue Code, all sections of 501 C(3) organizations are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in political activities. It specifically states that violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status. Many individuals incorrectly believe that such restrictions do not apply to IAB and that it refers only to 501C(3) organizations for political campaigns in the United States.
However, many other cultural organizations from different countries that seek non-profit status submit their Article of Organizations and they specifically require to state their rules and regulations in order to qualify for this status. IAB filed its Article of Organization also known as Assasnameh in 1989 and signed by eight individuals, who cared to promote Iranian culture and heritage. This document consists of several articles that clearly determine the IAB’s position, power, and limitation. Article 2 of this document states the following points:
Articles of Organization
- To promote and advance Iranian culture and traditions including the use of the Persian language.
- To facilitate communication and cooperation among various segments and age groups.
- To assist Iranian in need.
- To promote better understanding between the Iranian community and groups with other cultural backgrounds.
- The association will not affiliate with religious or political organizations nor adopt specific religious or Persian political positions.
- The association will not affiliate with religious or political organizations nor adopt specific religious or Persian political positions.
- To engage generally in any activity that may lawfully be carried on by a corporation formed under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws and determined to be exempt from federal taxation under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Mission & Purpose
IAB provides services and cultural events for the community under the above umbrella over the past 37 years since its inception. IAB was also faced with several challenges during this period, some of which related to the political movements and unfortunate disasters that occurred in our beloved country Iran. The current situation is of concern to our community and certainly affected the IAB Council and the President as well. We are all supporting human rights and supporting democracy. Many past and present IAB members showed solidarity with the community based on their own personal ideology and belief, but not on behalf of IAB. The council members try their best to find ways to accommodate the needs of the community and at the same time to maintain their status. One important step taken by IAB has been news distribution by CityNews, which has a disclaimer allowing it to provide important information to the community.
IAB is currently organizing events and programs as well as seeking other ways to assist the requests of the community. Please read our full message regarding the ongoing struggle of the Iranian people for basic human rights and democracy here.