Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HLSR Community Coalition's purpose?

The HLSR Community Coalition advocates for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's future to ensure the organization's long-term viability and year-round impact.

This coalition will work with policymakers to secure the resources and support needed to ensure the Rodeo's long-term success.
HLSRCC is a long-term commitment of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). It will be the voice of advocacy for the four pillars of the organization—agriculture, education, entertainment, and Western heritage—for years to come.

What is the difference between the community coalition and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?

501(c)(3) operates for charitable, religious, educational, or preventative purposes. Donations made to these organizations are tax-deductible for the donors. These organizations are prohibited from any political or lobbying work. They may engage in limited advocacy work related to their mission.

The HLSR Community Coalition is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that has a broader purpose and operates exclusively to promote social welfare. The HLSRCC advocates for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's future to ensure long-term viability and year-round impact. It has more flexibility in activities and is allowed to engage in lobbying and limited political campaigns activities to further its purpose. Donations to a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

What can a 501(c)(4) organization do?

A 501(c)(4) organization has significantly more flexibility in its activities compared to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
A 501(c)(4) organization can engage in unlimited lobbying activities and can advocate for policies, positions, or candidates so long as those political activities are not its primary purpose.
A 501(c)(4) organization can put on events or fundraisers for individual candidates for public people but is limited in its ability to fundraise or donate to an individual's campaign. It can also conduct [voting-related] educational activities to inform the public.
A 501(c)(4) organization can also pay for surveys in specific markets that would raise questions that could influence a certain voter outcome.

What are the donation levels?

Donations starting at $50 will receive a Donor pin.

Donations starting at $1,000 will receive a Founder pin.
Donations starting at $10,000 will receive an annual Lifetime Founder pin.

Contributions to HLSRCC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.

Where will the donations go, and how will they be used?

The Community Coalition must be independently funded and not the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Donations will make it possible for the HLSRCC to advocate and educate on initiatives relating to agriculture, education, our facilities and the future of the Rodeo. To ensure the future of our Rodeo and advocate for the community, the HLSRCC must work together with legislators and community leaders.

HLSRCC does not sell or maintain memberships.

Why should donors give money to C4 instead of, or in addition to, HLSR?

When someone donates to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, they are supporting the Rodeo’s mission to empower students and to celebrate Western heritage

When someone donates to the HLSR Community Coalition, they are actively participating in shaping and guiding the future of the Rodeo. The donations will provide vital support for Rodeo's future to ensure it continues to change lives and support the community for another 90 years. Donations help support initiatives that advocate for the interests and growth of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

HLSR has never been involved in politics, why a change? Why now?

Many organizations like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have established a 501(c)(4) to allow for advocacy work that supports the original organization's mission. Creating this type of organization is common practice and will support the future of the Rodeo.

What are the next steps?

The HLSRCC was formed in Texas, and we secured funding for its initial operations, about how to get involved as the organization begins and continues to carry out its purpose.

More about HLSRCC

The HLSR Community Coalition will (i) advocate for the encouragement and promotion of breeding, raising, and marketing better livestock and farm products, the education and support of Texas youth, and the preservation of Western heritage with elected representatives, policy makers, and their staff persons, (ii) advocate for the promotion and maintenance of research and educational functions within the livestock industry, (iii) encourage agricultural scholarships, educational endowments, agricultural research projects, and other similar programs, and (iv) encourage direct local, state, and federal governmental support for necessary resources and public expenditures addressing the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of facilities (capital additions and improvements) that support and further its advocacy goals.