Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Commission sets out ground rules for public service delivery by charities | eGov monitor

Commission sets out ground rules for public service delivery by charities | eGov monitor: "Commission sets out ground rules for public service delivery by charities
Source: Charity Commission
Published Wednesday, 29 June, 2005 - 15:10

Today the Charity Commission has published a policy statement which highlights the key considerations for charities that deliver public services. In this statement, the Commission outlines key legal principles that must be followed, raises important points to inform best practice and sets out its own position. The Commission neither encourages nor discourages charities from delivering public services, but reminds trustees of key issues to consider."

MPs check to see if charity is lawful - Business - Business - theage.com.au

MPs check to see if charity is lawful - Business - Business - theage.com.au: "MPs check to see if charity is lawful
By Leon Gettler
June 30, 2005


Following questions raised early this year about Australian companies donating money to tsunami victims, two inquiries are now under way to consider possible changes to Australia's Corporations Law to clarify whether largesse is lawful.

The Federal Government's corporate law panel, the Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee, is looking at whether the Corporations Act should be changed to allow directors to take into account the interests of specific classes of stakeholders or the broader community."

newsobserver.com | Politics-Loophole lets lobbyists pay for Price's travel

newsobserver.com | Politics: "Loophole lets lobbyists pay for Price's travel

By DAN KANE AND LYNN BONNER, Staff Writers

U.S. Rep. David Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, has landed on a 'Rogues Gallery' of congressmen who have benefited from a loophole in federal lobbying laws.

A joint report by the Center for Public Integrity, American Public Media and Medill News Service found that Price had accepted eight trips worth a combined $71,835 to places such as Barcelona, Moscow and Puerto Vallarta that were paid for by a nonprofit group that lists lobbyists as board members.

Price ranked ninth among the top ten lawmakers in terms of money spent on travel. He was the only member of North Carolina's congressional delegation in the gallery."

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - News from the Pennsylvania General Assembly

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - News from the Pennsylvania General Assembly: "News from the Pennsylvania General Assembly
6/28/2005, 7:32 p.m. ET
The Associated Press

(AP) — AUDITING NON-PROFITS: The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would raise the automatic contribution level that triggers an audit of a charitable organization. Under the measure, a charitable organization would have to get an independent audit if it takes in more than $250,000 in a year, instead of $125,000 under current law. The measure goes to the House."

DMNews.com | News | Article-Congress Passes Fax Bill to Create EBR Exemption

DMNews.com | News | Article: "Congress Passes Fax Bill to Create EBR Exemption
June 29, 2005

By: Scott Hovanyetz
Senior Reporter
scotth@dmnews.com

Congress passed a bill that would permanently allow an existing business relationship exemption for commercial faxes, a victory for business media and nonprofit organizations that say they need to fax subscribers and members.

The House of Representative's approval of the bill by voice vote yesterday followed the Senate's passage by unanimous consent June 24. It now remains for President Bush to sign the bill into law. According to American Business Media, a trade press association, Bush is expected to sign the bill this week."

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Charities fear losing tax-free status - National - smh.com.au (Austrailia)

Charities fear losing tax-free status - National - smh.com.au: "Charities fear losing tax-free status
By Stephanie Peatling
June 29, 2005
Page Tools
Attempts by the Australian Taxation Office to tighten the rules covering political advocacy and lobbying have left non-profit organisations fearful they could lose their charity status and some tax exemptions.

A draft ruling issued by the Tax Office this month gave thousands of non-profit organisations presently recognised as charities two weeks to respond to a 70-page document that, among other things, attempts to redefine what a charity is and does.

At least one organisation found out about the changes when it received a letter from the Tax Office telling it its charity status had already been revoked."

Return of the $1 Million Donor

Return of the $1 Million Donor: "Return of the $1 Million Donor


Friday, June 24, 2005; Page A30

ONE RELIABLE TEST for judging legislation these days is to look at the title; more often than not, you can assume that the measure will accomplish almost precisely the opposite of what its name boasts. A fine example of this is the 527 Fairness Act of 2005, a campaign finance bill that is about neither so-called 527s -- the outside groups that played such an influential role during the 2004 campaign -- nor fairness. In fact, the bill -- which has been approved by the House Administration Committee -- is about undermining the 2002 campaign finance law and again allowing megabucks donors to wield dangerous amounts of influence over politicians and political parties."

ADVANCE for Respiratory Care Practitioners | Editorial

ADVANCE for Respiratory Care Practitioners | Editorial: "Once upon a time, we could tell the difference between a non-profit and a for-profit hospital. Non-profits sported names like St. Luke's Hospital of the Prairie, Presbyterian Medical Center or Southern University Hospital. On a local level, non-profit community hospitals provided necessary medical services, and taxpayers dipped into the treasury periodically to keep their facility afloat.

In the background, silver-haired volunteers sold raffle tickets for a prize of a hand-made quilt or a sporty automobile, with proceeds earmarked for new hospital X-ray equipment or bassinettes for the NICU. The facilities thrived because local residents worked hard to ensure health care services would be available for all.

In addition to their periodic bail-outs to shore up budget deficits, communities granted property tax exemptions to non-profits and provided free fire and police protection. A top-notch hospital became a source of civic pride, spurring inter-community rivalry to see who could provide the best."

Monday, June 27, 2005

(From AHA) Nonprofit panel offers Final Recommendations

: "Nonprofit panel offers final recommendations
June 27, 2005
A panel of nonprofit leaders charged with considering reforms for the nonprofit sector last week recommended more than 120 steps for nonprofit organizations, Congress and the Internal Revenue Service to improve the governance, transparency and accountability of charitable organizations and private foundations. The report calls on charitable organizations to strengthen oversight and reporting of their activities and finances. The AHA provided input to improve the panel's recommendations. James Tinker, "

Journal Gazette | 06/26/2005 | Lawmakers hardly laughing at Daniels’ latest jokes

Journal Gazette | 06/26/2005 | Lawmakers hardly laughing at Daniels’ latest jokes:

snip snip>
"written by his Republican colleagues – which he describes in this way:

Senate Bill 569 – “which requires the state to distribute information telling adults to tell kids to stop playing ball during thunderstorms.”

Senate Bill 382 – “which will send every bartender in the state for classes on I’m not sure what. How to spot a drunk, or that the legal drinking age is still 21. Or something.”

Senate Bill 140 – “which clarifies the rules around charity duck (rubber, not feathered) racing. Don’t ask.”"

Welcome to AJC! | ajc.com-High-rolling not for Nonprofits

Welcome to AJC! | ajc.com: "OUR OPINIONS: High-rolling not for nonprofits
Staff
Monday, June 27, 2005

Without question, the world of nonprofit hospitals has changed since the 1950s, when they were first defined by the IRS as charitable institutions, deserving of tax exemption, if they accepted patients without regard for their ability to pay. That was, at the time, the dividing line between not-for-profit and for-profit hospitals, which were mostly owned and operated by physicians as an extension of their private practices.

Flash forward 50 years --- and marvel at a world of nonprofit hospitals where executives establish offshore insurance subsidiaries, luxuriate in hotel rooms that cost $570 a night for 17 people while spending $538 for beverages and smoking cigars costing $249 at one meal."

djournal.com- Congress looking at nonprofit regulations

djournal.com: "Congress looking at nonprofit regulations

6/26/2005 11:43:55 AM
Daily Journal


By Sandi P. Beason
Daily Journal

TUPELO Nonprofit organizations could see a dramatic change in the way they do business if Congress adopts a series of regulations proposed by a national panel.

The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, a collaboration among leaders of Americas charitable organizations, this week offered a comprehensive series of recommendations intended to strengthen the ability of the nations 1.3 million charities and foundations to serve as good stewards of the publics money.
"

Friday, June 24, 2005

Library Boy: Ontario's Freedom of Information Law Not Good Enough

Library Boy: Ontario's Freedom of Information Law Not Good Enough: "Ontario's Freedom of Information Law Not Good Enough
In her annual report, Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian says hundreds of publicly-funded organizations escape full public scrutiny because they fall outside the jurisdiction of provincial or municipal freedom-of-information acts.

Exempt institutions include hospitals and children's aid societies.

Cavoukian is calling for amendments that would bring virtually all organizations that are primarily funded by government dollars under freedom of information legislation for the purposes of transparency and accountability."

Durango Herald Online

Durango Herald Online: "



June 23, 2005
IRS cracks down on land easement values

Protected land doubled in five years
By Dale Rodebaugh
Herald Staff Writer

Tami Graham, left, an Animas Conservancy board member; Jeanne Trupiano, center, Animas Conservancy executive director; and landowner Betty Yost look over Yost's land southwest of Durango. Yost put 245 of her 255 acres into a conservation easement on Dec. 22.

The La Plata Mountains rise in the background of Yost's land.
Although the federal government is questioning land values claimed by people who put their property beyond development forever, the director of a Southwest Colorado land trust thinks her organization's holdings pass muster.
'I think we've done really good deals here,' said Katharine Roser, director of the La Plata County Open Space Conservancy. 'If the government disagrees with any aspects of our projects, we'll know what to look for in the future.' "

Independent Sector | Statement by IS Statement on Senate Tax Proposal on Tsunami Donations

Independent Sector | Statement by IS Statement on Senate Tax Proposal on Tsunami Donations: "Nonprofit Panel Recommends More than 120 Actions to Strengthen Transparency, Governance, and Accountability in the Charitable Community

(Washington, D.C., June 22, 2005) – The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, a collaboration among leaders of America’s charitable organizations, today offered a comprehensive series of recommendations intended to strengthen the ability of the nation’s
1.3 million charities and foundations to serve as responsible stewards of the public’s generosity.

In the report it presented to Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, and Ranking Member Max Baucus (D-MT), the Panel recommended more than 120 actions to be taken by charitable organizations, by Congress, and by the Internal Revenue Service, which together would strengthen the sector’s transparency, governance, and accountability. Representing the collective expertise of hundreds of nonprofit leaders, these recommendations, if implemented, would constitute the most sweeping changes to the governance, operations, and regulation of charities and foundations in three decades."

Nonprofits Fight for Air

Nonprofits Fight for Air: "Nonprofits Fight for Air
PBS Advocates Combat Politics, Cuts

By Brooks Boliek

Brooks Boliek writes for The Hollywood Reporter.

For more news from The Hollywood Reporter, click here.
(Editor's note: The political struggle expands over the philosophical direction and funding of public television, a major avenue for bringing both classical and modern arts performances to audiences nationwide.)

WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers and public interest groups are attempting to derail the selection of a new president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, accusing the board's chairman of trying to ram through a GOP political operative in order to give public broadcasting a right-wing bias.

Common Cause, the Center for Digital Democracy and Free Press delivered 150,000 petitions to CPB on Monday urging board chairman Kenneth Tomlinson to stop efforts to influence programming on PBS and NPR. MoveOn.org, Action for Children's television, the National PTA and Children NOW are planning a Wednesday rally and are scheduled to present a 900,000-signature petition to Congress to undo spending cuts that could slash federal funding to public broadcasting by nearly 50%."

WebCPA | Tools and Resources for the Electronic Accountant

WebCPA | Tools and Resources for the Electronic Accountant: "Nonprofit Panel Recommends Sweeping Changes

Washington (June 24, 2005) - The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, a collaboration of leaders of America's charitable organizations, presented its final report to Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.
The report contains more than 120 actions to be taken by charitable organizations, Congress and the Internal Revenue Service, which together would strengthen the sector's transparency, governance and accountability.
If implemented, these recommendations would be the most sweeping changes to the operation and regulation of charities and foundations in three decades.
Among its proposals, the panel recommended that: "

StandardNET/Standard-Examiner-Huntsman wants 'flatter, fairer' taxes

StandardNET/Standard-Examiner:
snip snip>
"The charity deduction is seen as important in a state where most residents belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and tithe 10 percent of their income. Utah's tax code hasn't been significantly overhauled since 1958. "

Thursday, June 23, 2005

The Standard - Charities' perks under US scrutiny - World Section

The Standard - Charities' perks under US scrutiny - World Section: "Charities' perks under US scrutiny

June 24, 2005

Amid attention to excesses at nonprofit organizations, the US Senate Finance Committee chairman has rebuked the board of the J Paul Getty Trust, saying it failed to curb chief executive Barry Munitz's lavish pay, perks and travel.
``Charities shouldn't be funding their executives' gold-plated lifestyles,'' said Senator Charles Grassley. His committee is considering the first major overhaul of laws governing charities in 30 years.
``I'm concerned that the Getty board has been spending more time watching old episodes of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous than doing its job of protecting Getty's assets for charitable purposes,'' he said."

Reuters AlertNet - U.S. needs tougher charity tax laws-advisory panel

Reuters AlertNet - U.S. needs tougher charity tax laws-advisory panel: ".S. needs tougher charity tax laws-advisory panel
22 Jun 2005 21:22:42 GMT

Source: Reuters

Background CRISIS PROFILE: Afghanistan still the �sick man� of Asia


MORE
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) - Congress should require U.S. charities to improve transparency by hiring outside accountants, filing electronic government information returns and disclosing executive compensation more clearly, an advisory panel said on Wednesday.
The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, made up of charitable group leaders, is advising the Senate Finance Committee as it prepares to draft the first major overhaul of tax laws governing charity since 1969."

The Chronicle, 6/22/2005: Congress Urged by Nonprofit Groups to Take Action Against Abuses by Charities, Donors, and Foundations

The Chronicle, 6/22/2005: Congress Urged by Nonprofit Groups to Take Action Against Abuses by Charities, Donors, and Foundations: "Congress Urged by Nonprofit Groups to Take Action Against Abuses by Charities, Donors, and Foundations
By Brad Wolverton
Washington
A new report from an influential group of nonprofit leaders calls on Congress to enact strict new rules to fix problems with donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, abusive tax shelters, and many other nonprofit activities -- and to come up with hundreds of millions of dollars to help enforce the proposed legal changes.
The report offers more than 100 ideas for ending nonprofit abuses and helping charities and foundations become more transparent to the public. But it does not deal with several controversial topics that lawmakers have raised during their yearlong inquiry into nonprofit organizations, including problems at credit-counseling groups, changes in charitable-solicitation guidelines, and a proposal to accredit charity programs that was floated by Senate staff members a year ago."

Report urges financial reforms by charities - The Boston Globe - Boston.com - Business

Report urges financial reforms by charities - The Boston Globe - Boston.com - Business: "Report urges financial reforms by charities
By The Washington Post June 23, 2005
WASHINGTON -- A group of charities and other nonprofits yesterday offered Congress and the Internal Revenue Service a list of more than 120 ways to stem abuses by tax-exempt entities, including greater public disclosure of organizations' finances, more coordination between state and federal authorities, and tougher requirements for certain types of charities.

The report by the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector follows a series of disclosures of abuses by nonprofits ranging from self-dealing and excessive compensation of officials to participation in improper tax shelters. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, who received a copy of the report, has been pushing for broad tightening of the rules on behavior of charities."

Senator Rebukes Getty

Senator Rebukes Getty: "Senator Rebukes Getty
Finance panel chief says the trust hasn't curbed CEO Barry Munitz's lavish expenses.

By Jason Felch and Robin Fields, Times Staff Writers


Amid national attention to excesses at nonprofits, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee has rebuked the board of the J. Paul Getty Trust, saying it has failed to curb Chief Executive Barry Munitz's lavish pay, perks and travel.

'Charities shouldn't be funding their executives' gold-plated lifestyles,' Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) said this week in a statement to The Times. His committee is considering the first major overhaul of laws governing nonprofit organizations in 30 years."

More light thrown on lobbyists' tribal 'scam'

More light thrown on lobbyists' tribal 'scam': "More light thrown on lobbyists' tribal 'scam'
McCain blasts acts of 'insatiable greed'
Billy House and Jon Kamman
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM
WASHINGTON - What Sen. John McCain described as a multimillion-dollar 'scam' of casino-rich Indian tribes by a lobbyist and his partner continued to unfold Wednesday with details of how the duo funneled money to bogus charities, a training program for Israeli snipers, a Jewish boys school and pet GOP front organizations."

Panel Says Abramoff Laundered Tribal Funds

Panel Says Abramoff Laundered Tribal Funds: "Panel Says Abramoff Laundered Tribal Funds
McCain Cites Possible Fraud by Lobbyist
By Susan Schmidt and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, June 23, 2005; Page A01
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff used money from a Mississippi tribal client to set up bogus Christian anti-gambling groups and to fund pet projects including gear for a 'sniper school' in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to documents released yesterday by Senate investigators.
The revelations came in e-mails and testimony made public yesterday by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee at its third hearing on the activities of Abramoff and Michael Scanlon, a public relations executive and former spokesman for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.)."

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Final Report of the Panel � Panel on the Nonprofit Sector

Final Report of the Panel � Panel on the Nonprofit Sector: "Final Report of the PanelDocument Actions
The Panel has released its comprehensive series of recommendations intended to strengthen the ability of the nation�s 1.3 million charities and foundations to serve as responsible stewards of the public�s generosity.
Download a copy of the Panel's Final Report (.pdf, 740 kb)

Obtain a printed copy of the Final Report.


This final report (.pdf, 740 kb), which has incorporated input from thousands of people across the charitable community provided through field hearings and national conference calls, proposes a carefully integrated package of actions from charitable organizations, from Congress, and from the Internal Revenue Service. It recommends more than 120 actions to be taken by charitable organizations, by Congress, and by the Internal Revenue Service, which together would strengthen the sector�s transparency, governance, and accountability. "

USATODAY.com - Lobbyists showing Congress the world

USATODAY.com - Lobbyists showing Congress the world: "Lobbyists showing Congress the world
By Jim Drinkard, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON � A lobbyist can't legally pay for members of Congress to spend a lavish weekend in California's wine country � but a group of lobbyists apparently can.


If they form a tax-exempt group, a fairly easy exercise under IRS rules, lobbyists and their employers can get around congressional ethics regulations that forbid lobbyists to pay directly for such trips. That's the model used by America's Trust, a non-profit group formed last year that appears to be financed primarily by lobbyists and other interests with a stake in issues before Congress. Every member of its 12-person board of directors is a Washington lobbyist."

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

ThirdSector-Reform group turns up the heat on charity VAT

ThirdSector: "Reform group turns up the heat on charity VAT
The Charities Tax Reform Group has abandoned its 'softly softly' approach and is to mount a high-profile campaign for changes to VAT for charities, timed to coincide with Britain's presidency of the European Union from next month.

The change stems from disillusion with its earlier methods of lobbying quietly behind the scenes. It feels this has produced some administrative changes but no significant action from ministers, while more outspoken campaigners such as Bob Geldof have achieved results. "

The Victoria Advocate-Non-profits could see changes

The Victoria Advocate: "Non-profits could see changes
Local organizations will listen to proposals on donations, audits
E-mail Story to a Friend Printer Friendly
June 21, 2005

Representatives of local nonprofits on Friday can listen to proposals to tighten laws on not-for-profit organizations across the country.

The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector is convening a nationwide telephone conference call Friday beginning at 2 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more about the potential changes.
More than 320 organizations in the Victoria area could be affected should the recommendations be made into law.
This week the panel is expected to present its comprehensive recommendations to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee to strengthen the accountability, governance and ethics of nonprofit organizations."

ICT [2005/06/21]��IRS guidance for tribes found wanting

ICT [2005/06/21]��IRS guidance for tribes found wanting: "IRS guidance for tribes found wanting Email this page Print this page
Posted: June 21, 2005
by: Philip Burnham / Indian Country Today


WASHINGTON - America's tribes believe they are getting insufficient guidance and unfair enforcement in matters ranging from tax-exempt bonds to tribally chartered corporations, said a report unveiled at Internal Revenue Service headquarters June 8.

''Current enforcement efforts by the IRS,'' said the report, ''some of which are viewed by tribes as unfair and at odds with how the IRS treats state and local governments - coupled with a lack of progress on promulgation of past promised guidance - threatens to undermine the positive work that has been done.''

The report, entitled ''Survey and Review of Existing Information and Guidance for Indian Tribal Governments,'' was one of four projects sponsored this year by the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT), an IRS public forum devoted to contemporary tax issues. It specifically cited the need for guidance on tribal businesses and tribal trusts, and clarification on the nature of ''essential government functions'' in Indian country. "

Monday, June 20, 2005

FTC Issues Report to Congress

FTC Issues Report to Congress: "FTC Issues Report to Congress
Requiring ADV Labeling for Commercial E-Mail Won't Reduce Spam
In a report to Congress required by the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM Act), the Federal Trade Commission says it does not recommend requiring unsolicited commercial e-mail to include a label in the subject line as a means to reduce spam.
CAN-SPAM directed the FTC to prepare a report that sets forth a plan for requiring commercial electronic mail to be identifiable from its subject line . . . or an explanation of any concerns the Commission has that cause the Commission to recommend against the plan. A subject line labeling requirement would compel senders of unsolicited commercial e-mail (UCE) to include specific characters, such as ADV:, in the subject lines of their messages. The idea is that subject line labeling could make it easier for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to identify and screen out unwanted UCE, and for consumers to block or segregate UCE, or to tell at a glance whether individual messages that reach their in-boxes are commercial"

Hospitals may need to justify tax exemptions - Jacksonville - MSNBC.com

Hospitals may need to justify tax exemptions - Jacksonville - MSNBC.com: "Hospitals may need to justify tax exemptionsBy M.C. Moewe
The Business Journal of Jacksonville
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET June 19, 2005JACKSONVILLE -- A push under way at the federal level could change how the area's nonprofit hospitals justify their tax-exempt status.
advertisement

The United States Government Accountability Office has questioned whether nonprofit hospitals perform 'sufficiently different' public services to be tax exempt.
A GAO report released in late May suggested that standards could be established requiring nonprofit hospitals to document community benefits after finding that they often provide similar amounts of uncompensated care to that provided by for-profit counterparts. For-profit hospitals pay millions in income, sales and property taxes while nonprofit groups are exempted from those charges. "

Friday, June 17, 2005

Editorial: Saving land/Go slow on easement reforms

Editorial: Saving land/Go slow on easement reforms: "Editorial: Saving land/Go slow on easement reforms
June 17, 2005 ED0617



The U.S. Senate Finance Committee must be careful to separate the baby from the bath water as it ponders changes in tax treatment of conservation easements this summer.
There is cause to believe some landowners have abused the laws that have allowed them, for three decades or so, to give up specified development rights in return for a tax break sized to the property value they forfeit. The favored anecdotes concern easements obtained for golf courses, back yards and the like"

ThirdSector-Non-profits could see changes

ThirdSector: "Commission strategy paper provokes revolt
The Charity Commission is facing a backlash over its proposal to take on a broader role as a promoter and champion of the voluntary sector.

The revolt comes in reactions from umbrella bodies to the commission's policy document, Charity Working at the Heart of Society, which sets out its plans for the next three years. "

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Union: Hospital tax breaks lopsided

Union: Hospital tax breaks lopsided: "Union: Hospital tax breaks lopsided
Report says nonprofits get 4 times their charity-care spending
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Sarah Treffinger
Plain Dealer Reporter
Three weeks after the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee asked 10 nonprofit hospitals nationwide, including the Cleveland Clinic, to account for their charitable activities, Ohio's health care union is releasing a report about the tax breaks such hospitals receive.
The report, developed by Care for Ohio, a project of the Service Employees International Union District 1199, estimated the value of Ohio nonprofit hospitals' tax benefits in 2003 was $898 million - more than four times the $219 million they spent on uncompensated care. "

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Rocky Mountain News: Business-Congress uneasy over easements

Rocky Mountain News: Business: "Congress uneasy over easements
Abuses cited in use of tool to reduce taxes while preserving land
By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News
June 14, 2005
Conservation easements, which offer landowners tax breaks for giving up development rights on their properties, are among the charitable deductions facing scrutiny in Congress.
The tax-planning technique has grown increasingly popular in Colorado, where dozens of land trust groups and government agencies handle donations for property owners. But while the easements can protect open space, ranches and farms from future development, lawmakers say it's an area that's become ripe for abuse. "

Monday, June 13, 2005

SouthBendTribune.com: Nonprofits seek access to FBI database

SouthBendTribune.com: Nonprofits seek access to FBI database: "Nonprofits seek access to FBI database
By JEFF PARROTT
Tribune Staff Writer
Those who work with South Bend-area Little Leaguers are subject to an Indiana criminal background check, but what if they have moved in from another state?
League officials must rely on the volunteer to be honest about previous addresses and then pay to run checks for those locations.
A federally funded pilot project wants to eliminate that margin of error.
A 2002 congressional bill would have spent $100 million to create a national center where local nonprofit organizations that serve children, the elderly and disabled could access the FBI's fingerprint-based national criminal database to screen potential employees and volunteers.
The bill cleared the Senate but died in the House. In 2003, the federal PROTECT Act authorized an 18-month pilot project with three groups, the National Council of Youth Sports, the Boys and Girls Clubs and MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership."

Philanthropy Journal-New regulations State governance of nonprofits grows, study says.

Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change - newsarticle: "New regulations


State governance of nonprofits grows, study says.
06.13.2005 -

State regulation of nonprofits is increasing throughout the U.S., with 15 states introducing 24 new oversight bills this year, a new study says.
The study, conducted by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, says the legislation was spurred by a variety of factors, including tight state budgets, high-profile scandals within the nonprofit sector and federal business oversight legislation passed in 2002 that is having ripple effects in the sector."

Marin Independent Journal - News - Marin-Non-profits could see changes

Marin Independent Journal - News - Marin: "Congress questions Sutter policies
Richard Halstead
Jong Sup Kim's three-hour visit to Marin General Hospital's trauma center after being hit by a car on June 1, 2004, cost him $20,339 - even though the Novato resident suffered no serious injuries.
Because he had been laid off from his job shortly before the accident, Kim had no health insurance. The annual income of his household, which includes his wife and teenage son, was about $25,200, considerably less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline.
That is significant because Marin General has a policy to completely write off the bills of uninsured patients earning less than 200 percent of the poverty guideline. But no such offer has been made to Kim. The hospital initially attempted to collect its entire portion of the bill: $18,354. It put Kim on a $50-a-month payment plan.

Helping out charities with legislation

Helping out charities with legislation: "Helping out charities with legislation
Zong HeChina Daily Updated: 2005-06-13 05:53
There is a lot of potential to develop charities in China, but legislation needs to improve if that is to happen.
Charities are not an alien concept to China where helping others is a time-honoured tradition.
But those sorts of charitable activities were mostly carried out among relatives or neighbours or in a community.
Charities, in the sense of a well-organized sector, developed relatively late in China. "

Nonprofit audit act brings high-profile clash to O.C.

Nonprofit audit act brings high-profile clash to O.C.: "Nonprofit audit act brings high-profile clash to O.C.
Attorney general and charities spokeswoman differ over effectiveness of new law aimed at higher-funded groups.
By ERIKA TORRES
The Orange County Register
IRVINE � Attorney General Bill Lockyer and a top official from the California Nonprofits Association squared off Friday over the practicality of a new law mandating that charities with annual gross revenue of more than $2 million submit independent audits.
The Legislature approved the Nonprofit Integrity Act in response to concerns about some organizations' mishandling of finances and false advertising.
'We try to get the bad apples out of the barrel,' Lockyer said. 'That's basically what (the act) is all about"

Friday, June 10, 2005

Nonprofit Federation - Home Re NonCash Gifts

Nonprofit Federation - Home: "Does your organization receive non-cash gifts? Items such as: medical supplies, food, water, toys, books, home building supplies, clothes, tents, household supplies, school supplies, land preservation contributions or any other non-cash donations? If we do not act quickly, Congress will be successful in either eliminating or carving away at this extremely important tax deduction that supports numerous nonprofit organizations. Why? It is seen as a new way to raise funds for the U.S. Treasury. Click here to learn more and send our sample letter."

Bill would give tax credits for donating computers - 2005-06-09

Bill would give tax credits for donating computers - 2005-06-09: "Bill would give tax credits for donating computers
Legislation has cleared the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee that would create tax credits for individuals or companies that donate used computers to certain nonprofit organizations.


The credit, offered against the personal or corporate income tax, would be equal to the fair market value of the used computer multiplied by the rate of tax imposed. The credit, which is being sponsored by Rep. Doug Reichley, R-Berks/Lehigh, would not exceed the amount of the tax due. "

Thursday, June 09, 2005

IRS Starts Team on Easement Abuses

IRS Starts Team on Easement Abuses: "IRS Starts Team on Easement Abuses
By Joe Stephens
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 9, 2005; Page A06
The Internal Revenue Service has established a team dedicated to tracking down abusive tax breaks claimed through conservation easements.
The team is searching for patterns of abuse and for individuals who promote tax schemes related to land conservation, according to Steven T. Miller, the IRS commissioner for tax-exempt entities."

Curb abuses, not charity

Curb abuses, not charity: "Curb abuses, not charity

Our view

While trying to tighten restrictions on charitable giving, Congress must keep in mind the underlying purpose for conservation easements.

What do you think?

We welcome viewpoints from our readers on this and other issues.
Federal laws concerning charitable giving may require an overhaul, but Congress needs to ensure that the changes don't eliminate the incentives for such gifts.

For nearly two years, the Senate Finance Committee, of which Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., is a member, has been conducting an investigation regarding The Nature Conservancy, conservation easements and other forms of charitable giving."

Maine Texas Hold'em Bill Passes in State House

Maine Texas Hold'em Bill Passes in State House: "Maine Texas Hold'em Bill Passes in State House
9 June 2005
This Tuesday, the Maine House of Representatives voted in favor of the 'Texas Hold'em Bill,' a bill allowing for high stakes charity poker games. "

Democrat & Chronicle: Essays-Legislation would help nonprofits get funding on time

Democrat & Chronicle: Essays: "Legislation would help nonprofits get funding on time

By Peter Carpino and Ray Samson

(June 9, 2005) Imagine heading off to work each day only to find out that you aren't going to be paid for three to four months! It happens every year to thousands of agencies that receive state funding.
Every business person knows that to stay in business, prompt payment from customers is necessary.

So what happens if the many nonprofit organizations that provide services to our most vulnerable citizens go for months without "

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Laws Shake-Up Reintroduced

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Laws Shake-Up Reintroduced: "Charity Laws Shake-Up Reintroduced

By Amanda Brown and Anthony Looch, PA Lords Staff


A Government move to shake up the charity laws was reintroduced into the Lords today.
The Charities Bill, which was extensively debated in the last Parliament, �died� under the procedure rules when the General Election was called.

The legislation modernises the law and provides a clear definition of charity with the emphasis on public benefit."

LDS Church and tax decuctions :: The Daily Herald, Provo Utah

LDS Church and tax decuctions :: The Daily Herald, Provo Utah: "LDS Church and tax deductions

The Daily Herald
The state's plans for reforming income tax is hitting some opposition. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants the state to keep the Utah Income Tax deduction for charitable contributions -- not because donations to the church would be affected, it says, but because it believes it would suppress charitable giving in general.
The Legislature's Tax Reform Task Force is considering the idea of creating a flat income tax in Utah with a single standard deduction. The plan, first proposed by former Gov. Olene S. Walker, would eliminate deductions for children and for charitable contributions.
Deductions are a touchy matter if one assumes the whole system continues to be structured the way it is today, and that change is therefore bad. That's a faulty assumption. Yet when Utah's predominant church weighs in, some legislators may be discrouraged from pursuing an overall tax scheme that makes more sense than the status quo. "

Senate panel scrutinizes easements

Senate panel scrutinizes easements: "Senate panel scrutinizes easements
By BRODIE FARQUHAR
Star-Tribune correspondent Wednesday, June 08, 2005



LANDER -- Before this morning's U.S. Senate Finance Committee public hearing on charitable land donations and the federal tax code, the committee released an extensive report Tuesday about past business practices of The Nature Conservancy, reforms developed by the conservancy and Finance Committee staff recommendations.

The report, today's public hearing and recommended reforms were sparked by a May 2003 investigative series by the Washington Post, which documented questionable practices and tax breaks afforded to conservancy board members and their associates.

The three-day series explored the conservancy's cozy relationships with Fortune 100 corporations, as well as tax breaks enjoyed by favored friends.

Monday, June 06, 2005

No posts were made Monday June 6 or Tuesday June 7th

No posts were made to the AFP Blogs on June 6 or 7. Posting resumed June 8th.
Thanks for your continued readership.

Friday, June 03, 2005

House Panel Inquires Into City Hospital - June 3, 2005 - The New York Sun - NY Newspaper

House Panel Inquires Into City Hospital - June 3, 2005 - The New York Sun - NY Newspaper: "House Panel Inquires Into City Hospital
BY LUIZA Ch. SAVAGE - Staff Reporter of the Sun
June 3, 2005

WASHINGTON - Congress is yet again asking New York-Presbyterian Hospital to provide detailed information about its operations. This time, a House panel is scrutinizing how the nation's largest hospitals bill their uninsured patients and people injured in automobile accidents."

Thursday, June 02, 2005

On Charitable Money and the Uses of Research:� Part II

On Charitable Money and the Uses of Research: Part II:
snip snip>>
" Now it is true, as its defenders point out, that charitable funding for reform has never been hidden. Nor is this funding somehow an offense against the tax laws that set favorable conditions for tax-exempt activity. It is not objectionable in these ways, but it is questionable in others. The interests driving the research, the uses made of its results, and the choices made to fund some scholars and approaches and not others, are all within the realm of fair and sometimes justifiably harsh criticism. "

Chesapeake Bay Journal: Critical tool to protect farmland, open spaces in jeopardy - June 2005

Chesapeake Bay Journal: Critical tool to protect farmland, open spaces in jeopardy - June 2005: "Critical tool to protect farmland, open spaces in jeopardy

By Scott Faber
Congressional tax policy experts have proposed to sharply limit tax deductions for farmland easements, eliminating a powerful tool to curb the conversion of farmland into development.
If enacted, the recommendations of the professional staff of the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation would stymie efforts to reach a goal set by Bay watershed officials and advocates-to protect one-fifth of the farmland and other open spaces in the Bay watershed from development by 2010. "

Black caucus retreats on 527s - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - June 02, 2005

Black caucus retreats on 527s - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - June 02, 2005

baltimoresun.com - Panel looks at hospitals' costs

baltimoresun.com - Panel looks at hospitals' costs: "Panel looks at hospitals' costs
Draft aims to quantify community benefits Md. nonprofit facilities offer
By M. William Salganik
Sun Staff
Originally published June 2, 2005
In a first effort to quantify how much Maryland's nonprofit hospitals are providing in community benefits, the Health Services Cost Review Commission released yesterday a draft report that put the total at more than half a billion dollars.
Commission Chairman Irvin Kues described it as an initial effort that 'will be refined over time.' The report does not, for example, subtract the amount hospitals receive through the state's rate-setting system for caring for the uninsured or for training doctors. "

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

NAACP Legal Defense Fund receives $1 million gift from Deltas

NAACP Legal Defense Fund receives $1 million gift from Deltas: "NAACP Legal Defense Fund receives $1 million gift from Deltas

WASHINGTON, D.C. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has pledged a million dollars to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) to support its voting rights work.
Sorority President Louise Rice made the presentation to LDF Director-Counsel and President Theodore M. Shaw on May 17, the 40th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark case argued by LDF founding Director-Counsel Thurgood Marshall before the U.S. Supreme Court. The gift was presented at the Delta headquarters in Washington, D.C. and awarded in the name of Shaw's predecessor and Delta member Elaine R. Jones.

OMB Watch - OMB Watch Comments on Combined Federal Campaign Anti-Terrorist Certification

OMB Watch - OMB Watch Comments on Combined Federal Campaign Anti-Terrorist Certification: "
Home : Publications : The OMB Watcher : OMB Watcher Vol. 6: 2005 : June 1, 2005 Vol.6, No.11 : June 1, 2005 Vol.6, No.11:
Published: 05/31/2005
OMB Watch Comments on Combined Federal Campaign Anti-Terrorist Certification
OMB Watch has filed comments on the Combined Federal Campaign's (CFC) proposed anti-terrorist financing certification for fiscal year 2006 (FY06) that support CFC's shift away from its FY05 requirement that participating charities check employee names against government terrorist watch lists. The CFC is the federal government's workplace charitable giving program. The comments suggest ways the proposed certification can be improved to provide clearer guidance and suggest that CFC develop procedures for organizations to cure any noncompliance discovered during the program year. OMB Watch is one of 12 nonprofit plaintiffs that have challenged the current certification in federal court "

Tax legislation: From good to bad to plain foolish

Tax legislation: From good to bad to plain foolish:
snip snip>>>
"Legislators also indexed the standard income tax deduction for inflation, and eliminated a so-called marriage penalty relating to income tax credits for charitable contributions to help the working poor and for private and public schools. In practice, that means that married taxpayers can direct a larger share of their tax liability to favored causes rather than the state's General Fund - itself a dubious tax policy."

Examiner-Charity regulation laws put on the back-burner (Irish Examiner)

Examiner: "Charity regulation laws put on the back-burner
By Cormac O�Keeffe
LONG-AWAITED legislation designed to regulate charities has been put back to spring of next year, it was confirmed yesterday.

The news follows revelations that up to �60,000 had been taken from the Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) in suspected fraud.

The Charities Regulation Bill which has been in gestation for a number of years was due to be published this year. "