Number: RL30340
Title: Congressionally Chartered Nonprofit Organizations ("Title 36 Corporations"): What They Are and How Congress Treats Them
Authors: Kevin R. Kosar, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The chartering by Congress of nonprofit organizations with a patriotic, charitable, historical, or educational purpose is essentially a 20th century practice. There are currently some 93 nonprofit organizations listed in Title 36 of the U.S. Code. This report discusses the history, legal basis, and accountability issues associated with congressionally chartered organizations as well as the continuing debate over whether the chartering process serves the public interest.
Pages: 18
Date: July 14, 2008