The organization was designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a membership based organization with 162 members, funding comes from various local, public, and private contributors and foundations, in addition to grant support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and federal government for specific projects. Funds may not be used for the benefit of or be distributed to members, directors, officers, or private persons. Fay-Penn???s mission is to maintain and increase employment opportunities (jobs) in Fayette County in an effort to improve the quality of life for all of its residents. This mission is met through a comprehensive strategy of specific economic development objectives.