I have belonged to a quilt group and 2 car clubs that all had tax exempt status with the IRS. I helped with the paperwork for one of the car clubs and agree with dunster and quiltingshorttimer -- we did not need lawyers or extensive paperwork. The quilt guild by-laws included having one meeting where we made charity quilts (though most of us made them all year). The by-laws can be changed so you can check on it.