Thursday, March 31, 2005

Concord Monitor Online-One beautiful tax reform plan

Concord Monitor Online: "
The power to tax involves, as Chief Justice John Marshall said, the power to destroy. So does the power of tax reform, which is one reason why Rep. John Linder, a Georgia Republican, has a 133-page bill to replace 55,000 pages of tax rules.
His bill would abolish the IRS and the many billions of tax forms it sends out and receives. He would erase the federal income tax system -personal and corporate income taxes, the regressive payroll tax and self-employment tax, capital gains, gift and estate taxes, the alternative minimum tax and the earned income tax credit - and replace all that with a 23 percent national sales tax on personal consumption. That would not only sensitize consumers to the cost of government with every purchase, it would destroy K Street. "

Deductions would unleash charitable giving

Deductions would unleash charitable giving: "Deductions would unleash charitable giving
Thursday, March 31, 2005
IN MY OPINION Greg Chaille
P resident Bush recently decided to withdraw his longstanding support for a new charitable tax deduction. It would have allowed 66 percent of taxpayers nationally -- the percentage who do not itemize their deductions -- to claim this benefit. In Oregon, the deduction would benefit two-thirds of taxpayers.
History shows that enacting this deduction would almost certainly increase charitable giving by 5 percent to 10 percent, if not more. During the 1980s, federal tax law allowed all taxpayers to deduct their charitable contributions. According to the Independent Sector, a national nonprofit resource center, non-itemizers contributed $9.5 billion to charity in 1985, when they were permitted to deduct 50 percent of their contributions. In 1986, when allowed to deduct 100 percent of their contributions, giving increased by nearly 40 percent, to $13.4 billion. "

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Bill Gates Sr. wants estate tax back on books in Washington

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Bill Gates Sr. wants estate tax back on books in Washington: "Taxing the estates of wealthy Washingtonians to provide essential services to the state 'is a very sensible, very socially responsible thing to do,' Bill Gates Sr. said Tuesday.
Gates, the father of Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates and co-chairman of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was joined by Democratic lawmakers and others who support restoring the state estate tax, which was overturned in February by the state Supreme Court."

Monday, March 28, 2005

DenverPost.com - BUSINESS Charities fear laws will be costly

DenverPost.com - BUSINESS: "Charities fear laws will be costly
Congress weighs tighter controls
By Will Shanley
Denver Post Staff Writer

Nonprofit leaders in Colorado support tightening controls over charitable organizations, but some say added federal regulations will divert money away from the people nonprofits help.
'Too much micromanagement from Washington would be a disaster for small nonprofits and private family foundations,' said David Wood, an attorney with the Colorado State University Foundation."

Bill’s new ‘SGOs’ could decimate charitable giving (S.C.)


Bill’s new ‘SGOs’ could decimate charitable giving

THE CHARITABLE interests in our community will tell you the last few years have been tough. The economy took a downturn. The dollars flowing into local charities’ coffers dwindled. There were horrific national and international tragedies — 9/11 and the tsunami being the most notable. They prompted unprecedented charitable outreach. But that aid went to communities outside of our own. Those laudable efforts diverted giving that might have stayed in the Midlands

Thursday, March 24, 2005

The NonProfit Times - New USPS Rules Threaten Huge Postage Costs for Nonprofit Mailers

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management - Weekly: "New USPS Rules Threaten Huge Postage Costs for Nonprofit Mailers
The item below was written by Neal Denton, executive director of The Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, Washington, D.C. Some items were included by NPT staff.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a final, new eligibility rule on June 1. The new rules govern what is considered 'personal' mail content and thus must be mailed at First Class postage rather than Standard postage rates. For many nonprofit fundraisers, educators, and those that use the mail to communicate with constituents for any purpose other than fundraising, the subtle changes to the new rules are very significant. "

The $70-billion sacred cow (Austrailia)

BRW Magazine > Article: "The $70-billion sacred cow
God knows what Australia's charities and religious groups do with their tax-free money.
By Adele Ferguson
BRW. 24 March 2005
Are you sick of paying tax? Is your entrepreneurial drive being held back by over regulation? Would you like regular government assistance in expanding your business? Sizable corporate and private donations - no questions asked? Would you like to see your competition operate at a disadvantage?
If you answer yes to any of these questions and see yourself as compassionate and charitable, send your application to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to start your own charity or religion. You will be joining more than 700,000 other like-minded organisations in a sector that turns over more than $70 billion a year (almost 10% of the country's GDP) in tax-free dollars and is the last bastion of the economy that is left largely to its own devices. "

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Urgent Alert Regarding USPS Personalization Rule

Urgent Alert Regarding USPS Personalization Rule: "March 22, 2005

To: Nonprofit Organizations, Fundraisers & Friends

From: (alphabetically by organization)
Neal Denton, Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers
Paulette V. Maehara, Association of Fundraising Professionals
Senny Boone, Direct Marketing Association - Nonprofit Federation
Tracy Lea, Direct Marketing Association of Washington DC
Thomas Daubert, Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association
Sr. Georgette Lehmuth, National Catholic Development Conference

Re: URGENT: New USPS Personalization Rule

If you are personalizing your Nonprofit Standard mailings now-you have a problem today!

Do you include any data fields in your Standard mailpieces other than the date and the name and address of the recipient? If so, your mailings may need to pay First-Class rates beginning on June 1.

A seemingly innocuous set of USPS rule changes, scheduled to take effect on that date, could disqualify your mailings from Nonprofit Standard rates if you use common and long-accepted techniques of mailpiece personalization. Even now-less than six weeks before the new rules take effect-the USPS has not answered some of the most obvious and basic questions about what the new rules permit and forbid."

PublicTechnology.net -Radical new future for Charity Commission is unveiled

PublicTechnology.net: "Radical new future for Charity Commission is unveiled


The results of the Charity Commission's radical rethink about its future were announced at its open Board meeting yesterday.

These far-reaching changes in structure, principles and priorities are the result of the Commission's wholesale strategic review of everything from its governance to its service delivery."

Nonprofit crack down - PittsburghLIVE.com-Bill would crack down on nonprofits

Nonprofit crack down - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Bill would crack down on nonprofits
Tools Print this article
By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, March 23, 2005

A bill will be introduced to Congress next month to crack down on the nation's 1.3 million nonprofit groups if they don't do a better job of regulating themselves.
'If we are not prepared to regulate ourselves to deal with these issues, they will,' warned Diana Aviv, president and CEO of the Independent Sector, an umbrella group of the nation's largest charities and foundations.
'Legislation is a very blunt instrument,' she said. 'It's not like a scalpel. It's more like a sledgehammer"

KRT Wire | 03/22/2005 | Congress looking at foundation's role in pushing for tribe's casino

KRT Wire | 03/22/2005 | Congress looking at foundation's role in pushing for tribe's casino: "Congress looking at foundation's role in pushing for tribe's casino

BY MARIA RECIO

Knight Ridder Newspapers


WASHINGTON - (KRT) - Three years after its casino was shut down by Texas authorities, the Tigua Indian tribe of El Paso, Texas, is at the center of a widening scandal that reaches into the top levels of Congress.
The Senate Finance Committee is investigating the activities of a tax-exempt foundation controlled by Jack Abramoff, a powerful Washington lobbyist and former movie producer who represented the tribe, and his wife."

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

OMB Watch - Bush Budget Fails to Support Non-itemizer Deduction

OMB Watch - Bush Budget Fails to Support Non-itemizer Deduction: "
Promoting and protecting nonprofit advocacy for a stronger democracy
Home : Nonprofit Issues : Nonprofit Issues:

Published: 03/21/2005
Bush Budget Fails to Support Non-itemizer Deduction
The Bush Administration has indicated that it will no longer push for passage of the non-itemizer deduction, even as a new study shows the provision would increase charitable giving. However, the non-itemizer provision remains a centerpiece of legislation introduced by Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) and a priority for Republican leadership. "

Monday, March 21, 2005

Philanthropy Journal-Watchdog group criticizes Bush's faith-based agenda

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

Via Philanthropy Journal

Watchdog group criticizes Bush's faith-based agenda.
03.21.2005 -

A national philanthropy watchdog group is asking the nonprofit sector to speak out against what it calls the dangers of President Bush's faith-based agenda.
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, based in Washington, D.C., is asking nonprofits to fight the administration's plans, which the committee says drastically cut funding for social services while increasing government and charitable spending to religious groups.
The administration's goal, the committee says, is to court the group of voters Republicans need to maintain power in the federal government."

Nonprofit Groups Question Motive for Federal Actions | theledger.com

Nonprofit Groups Question Motive for Federal Actions | theledger.com: "Nonprofit Groups Question Motive for Federal Actions

By STEPHANIE STROM
New York Times

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is locked in a standoff with the Internal Revenue Service, preferring to risk its tax exemption rather than hand over documents for an I.R.S. review that the civil rights group contends is politically motivated.

While it is rare for an organization to defy the I.R.S. openly, the N.A.A.C.P. is not the only group that believes it is being made a government target for its positions on issues."

TIME.com: Charity, D.C. Style -- Mar. 28, 2005-

TIME.com: Charity, D.C. Style -- Mar. 28, 2005: "Charity, D.C. Style
Are some nonprofits really in the lobbying business? TIME looks at a U.S.-Korea group now under scrutiny
By MASSIMO CALABRESI AND KAREN TUMULTY

Sunday, Mar. 20, 2005
You might have thought KimSeung-Youn had everything a business titan could want. He sat atop his family's multibillion-dollar Hanwha Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates, running an empire of chemical, finance and energy firms and a chain of resorts. He had his own baseball team, the Hanwha Eagles, and loved to sip soju, a fiery libation, as he and his employees watched them play. But apparently one thing was missing: international prestige. So Kim turned to Republican heavyweight Tom DeLay's former chief of staff, Ed Buckham, in early 2001 to develop what Buckham's lobbying firm described as a 'work plan.' The goal, according to the first sentence of that five-page proposal, was nothing short of establishing 'Chairman Kim as the leading Korean business statesman in U.S.-Korean relations"

Herald.com | 03/21/2005 | IRS probes politics at church

Herald.com 03/21/2005 IRS probes politics at church: "IRS probes politics at church

BY ANDREA ROBINSON
arobinson@herald.com

The IRS has notified a Liberty City church that it is under investigation for possibly engaging in political activity -- putting its tax-exempt status into question.
The probe is related to an appearance last October by Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry and several black leaders, including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami, the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson."

Friday, March 18, 2005

Life under a national sales tax - Mar. 15, 2005

Life under a national sales tax - Mar. 15, 2005: "March 15, 2005: 11:55 AM EST
By Krysten Crawford, CNN/Money staff writer

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Imagine a world where April 15 is just another spring day.
In this new world there would be no income taxes and no Internal Revenue Service. Instead, there would be a national sales tax on everything you buy.
Sound far-fetched? It's not. "

Probe of Abramoff and Nonprofits' Money Opens (washingtonpost.com)

Probe of Abramoff and Nonprofits' Money Opens (washingtonpost.com): "Probe of Abramoff and Nonprofits' Money Opens
Senate Finance Committee Seeks Records on Trips by Reps. DeLay and Ney, Donations to Indian Tribes
By James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 17, 2005; Page A04
The Senate Finance Committee yesterday opened an investigation into allegations that lobbyist Jack Abramoff used nonprofit organizations to pay for a variety of improper activities, including overseas trips for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Tex.) and another Republican lawmaker.
Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Max Baucus (Mont.), the panel's top Democrat, faxed a letter to Abramoff's attorney seeking information from the Capital Athletic Foundation, a charity he created. The committee wants financial records and receipts for travel, which would include a 2002 trip to Scotland by House Administration Committee Chairman Robert W. Ney (R-Ohio) and lobbyist and former "

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Would FairTax benefit some more than others?

Mount Shasta Herald, Weed Press, Dunsmuir News - Mt. Shasta News: "Would FairTax benefit some more than others?
By Paul BoergerUpdated: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 4:39 PM PST


It's difficult to imagine a world without the Internal Revenue Service, but Republican Congressional Representative John Linder of Georgia has sponsored a bill that would eliminate the IRS and establish a 23 percent national sales tax.
Dubbed the FairTax plan, it would eliminate all federal payroll deductions including Social Security and Medicare and create a tax on personal consumption"

Monday, March 14, 2005

Some nonprofits could be taxed - 2005-03-14 Austin

Some nonprofits could be taxed - 2005-03-14: " number of nonprofits could be on the verge of doing something they've never had to do: fork over payroll taxes.

As state lawmakers consider ways to finance public schools, yet reduce property taxes, some legislators are calling for a payroll tax on any nonprofit not classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3). That would leave traditional nonprofits, such as the Capital Area Food Bank, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Goodwill Industries, unscathed. "

2theadvocate.com: News - Breaux taking on a taxing task 03/13/05

2theadvocate.com: News - Breaux taking on a taxing task 03/13/05: "Breaux taking on a taxing task

By GERARD SHIELDS
gshields@theadvocate.com
Washington bureau

For former U.S. Sen. John Breaux, it's as if he never left the Senate. Breaux could be recently found behind the dais, receiving testimony from witnesses as vice chairman of President Bush's new tax reform commission.
The commission has held two meetings and will hold its third on March 23 in New Orleans before holding hearings in Chicago, San Francisco and Tampa.
Breaux acknowledges that his task is a little tougher than when he sat on the Senate Finance Committee or Special Aging Committee. Bush has asked the nine-member panel to revamp the nation's complicated 17,000-page tax code, while placing parameters on how far the panel can go.
Bush insists that the recommendations, due July 31, can't cost taxpayers more than they are now paying. In addition, the president wants to maintain mortgage interest deductions and charitable giving. Plus the president wants to make his 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent."

Death tax must die, and do it quickly - Fosters

Death tax must die, and do it quickly - Fosters
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Death tax must die, and do it quickly
Greed of the federal government should not reach into the grave
It’s something we would expect to see in a Stephen King horror movie — Uncle Sam reaching into a grave to pull the last few dollars from the pocket of a corpse.

Contrary to what many believe, the death tax — or inheritance tax, as the politically correct refer to it — was simply put on sabbatical during President George Bush’s first term in office.

As part of the president’s tax repair package, the federal death tax is being phased out. If you can wait until 2010 to die you won’t pay a dime. But, if you have the unfortunate luck to live until 2011, you could pay the price — 55 percent of your company’s worth.

Friday, March 11, 2005

Belfast Telegraph-Fundraisers greet plans for new charity legislation

Belfast Telegraph: "Fundraisers greet plans for new charity legislation


By Marie Foy
11 March 2005
The Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland has welcomed the Government's announcement that it is consulting on new charity legislation for the province.
Paul Kane, from the institute, said: 'This legislation will bring charity law here into the 21st century"

Clinton Presidential Bid Bolstered by Appointment of Ickes - March 11, 2005 - The New York Sun

Clinton Presidential Bid Bolstered by Appointment of Ickes - March 11, 2005 - The New York Sun: "Clinton Presidential Bid Bolstered by Appointment of Ickes
BY JOSH GERSTEIN - Staff Reporter of the Sun
March 11, 2005
The installation of one of Senator Clinton's closest political advisers, Harold Ickes, at the helm of the best funded independent political group in Washington could bolster Mrs. Clinton's chances of winning the White House in 2008, but in the short term, it leaves her with a difficult dilemma.
In the next few months, Mrs. Clinton may have to vote on whether Mr. Ickes's organization, America Coming Together, will, in essence, be put out of business.
Senator McCain of Arizona and Senator Feingold of Wisconsin are sponsoring a bill that would dramatically restrict the operations of so-called 527 organizations, which are named for the section of the tax code under which they were established. In the last election cycle, some 527 groups raised several million dollars at a time from wealthy donors like investor George Soros. Senators McCain and Feingold denounced the practice, as did President Bush."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Beyond the boundaries

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Beyond the boundaries
Beyond the boundaries

Charities are being given an ever greater role in delivering public services, writes Hélène Mulholland

Friday March 11, 2005

The Charity Commission seemed to be lagging behind the times when it announced its "landmark decision" that charities could lawfully deliver statutory services on behalf of councils.

Thursday, March 10, 2005

GovTrack: Senate Record: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 15--ENCOURAGING... (109-s20050308-40)

GovTrack: Senate Record: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 15--ENCOURAGING... (109-s20050308-40): "SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 15--ENCOURAGING ALL AMERICANS TO INCREASE THEIR CHARITABLE GIVING, WITH THE GOAL OF INCREASING THE ANNUAL AMOUNT OF CHARITABLE GIVING IN THE UNITED STATES BY 1 PERCENT
The United States Senate
Mar 8, 2005

Section 40
Official Record
Thomas (see section 40)Sen. Richard Santorum [R-PA]: Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution that encourages all Americans to increase their charitable giving with the goal of increasing charitable giving in the United States by 1 percent."

Nieves quiet about center's funding

Nieves quiet about center's funding: "Nieves quiet about center's funding
Thursday, March 10, 2005

By ALAN GUENTHER
Courier-Post Staff
CAMDEN

Councilman Israel Nieves renewed his call Wednesday for the city to investigate how nonprofit groups get public funds, but he has not yet answered questions about how his own group got money.
In a letter to City Council President Angel Fuentes, Nieves said he will ask the council to approve the hiring of a special investigator to probe 'a series of questionable and possibly illegal activities' involved in the allocation of $11 million in grants.
But it was a $65,000 grant awarded to Nieves' group, the Puerto Rican Culture and Arts Center, that first sparked scrutiny last week.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/10/2005 | Chamber seeks change in ethics bill

Philadelphia Inquirer 03/10/2005 Chamber seeks change in ethics bill: "Chamber seeks change in ethics bill

Mark S. Schweiker wrote to Council of 'unintended negative consequences,' such as harm to nonprofits.

By Angela Couloumbis
Inquirer Staff Writer

A group representing the city's business leaders yesterday poked holes in the only legislative proposal so far that seeks to curb the practice of awarding big government contracts to big campaign donors."

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Star Community Newspapers - Flower Mound Leader - 03/08/2005 - Burgess reintroduces his flat-tax plan

Star Community Newspapers - Flower Mound Leader - 03/08/2005 - Burgess reintroduces his flat-tax plan: "Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Flower Mound, introduced the Freedom Flat Tax Act of 2005 before the House of Representatives on Wednesday in Washington.
Again.
The bill is a reintroduction of Burgess' flat tax legislation, which he filed in April 2003 and died at the close of the 108th Congress on Dec. 9.
Made popular by Burgess' District 26 predecessor, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, as well as former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes, the flat tax would do away with the complicated, time consuming Internal Revenue Service tax code and institute a single tax rate for all taxpayers.
'If you're like most people, where the IRS code is a burden and takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money to comply with,' Burgess said. 'I think people would take the option to go to a much simpler and fairer system.'

SU joins effort to boost charities

SU joins effort to boost charities: "SU joins effort to boost charities
Maxwell School professor aids in legislative attempts to encourage more giving.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
By Frank Brieaddy
Staff writer
A Syracuse University associate professor who specializes in philanthropy took the stage Tuesday at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., to help launch a major effort to increase charitable giving in the United States.
Arthur Brooks, of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, joined Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and Rep. George Radanovich, R-Calif., in outlining their One Percent Plan, a multifaceted program to increase private philanthropy from 1.9 percent of the gross domestic product to 2.9 percent of the GDP. "

Faith and hope in charities - The Herald

Faith and hope in charities - The Herald: "Faith and hope in charities

Editorial CommentMarch 09 2005
Copyright � 2005 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited. All Rights Reserved

Charities depend on public trust and confidence. Scots are good at giving, topping the UK league of per capita donations. However, in recent years charitable giving has been declining, partly because the sector has been tarnished by a number of scandals. "

WDEF.com - News 12 - Beth Bible, Goodwill angry over a cap on contributions

WDEF.com - News 12 - Your Safe Families Station: "Beth Bible, Goodwill angry over a cap on contributions
Bryan Hahn
Mar 8, 2005 4:18 PM EST
A federal proposal to place a cap on charitable deductions for clothing and household goods worrries some local non-profit organizations.
They fear it will discourage people from donating.

From clothing, to books to furniture...organizers of this non-profit agency rely on the sale of these donations to create jobs for thousands each year.
But proposed federal legislation could threaten the program."

Newsday.com - National News-"Golf, and Playing by the Rules

Newsday.com - National News: "Golf, and Playing by the Rules
By Chuck Neubauer and Walter F. Roche Jr.
Times Staff Writers
March 9, 2005
WASHINGTON � A group of congressional figures has joined House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) under an ethics cloud stemming from foreign golf junkets arranged by a lobbyist facing influenc"

Charity changes could cost colleges millions - The Herald

Charity changes could cost colleges millions - The Herald: "Charity changes could cost colleges millions

ANDREW DENHOLM March 09 2005
Copyright � 2005 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited. All Rights Reserved

FURTHER education colleges across Scotland fear they could lose up to �15m a year as a result of changes in the law which could see them stripped of their charitable status"

KRT Wire | 03/09/2005 | Armey's advocacy blurring lines between lobbying and think-tank punditry

KRT Wire | 03/09/2005 | Armey's advocacy blurring lines between lobbying and think-tank punditry: "Armey's advocacy blurring lines between lobbying and think-tank punditry

BY DEIRDRE SHESGREEN
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
WASHINGTON - (KRT) - Last December, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey appeared on the cable network CNBC to tout generic drugs as a free-market solution to escalating prescription prices.
Armey was speaking as the co-chair of FreedomWorks, a conservative advocacy group - but his pitch went beyond the usual Washington punditry"

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

The Chronicle Online- Compassionate conservatism

The Chronicle Online - Compassionate conservatism: "Despite all of the varying opinions espoused about the ideal nature of a tax system, one thing seems clear: People do not particularly enjoy paying their taxes. Even liberals who are vehemently opposed to the Bush tax cuts don�t relish the thought of giving upwards of 30 to 40 percent of their income to federal, state and local governments. Although many see taxes as a social and moral imperative, there is still the widespread perception of the government itself as a bloated and wasteful bureaucracy that is not worthy of such a high level of financial support.
So naturally, regardless of political considerations, individuals tend to do anything that decreases their own tax bill, such as making charitable contributions to non-profit organizations (i.e. Duke).

Mariposa Republican George Radanovich wants Americans to dig deeper to help the needy.

MercedSun-Star.com :: Merced News, Homes, Jobs, Cars and more: "WASHINGTON -- Mariposa Republican George Radanovich wants Americans to dig deeper to help the needy.
In a new twist on the compassionate conservatism theme, Radanovich today is joining with GOP leaders in pushing an unusual congressional measure. The resolution, apparently the first of its kind, urges Americans to boost their charitable giving by upward of 50 percent."

Federal Proposal would increase accountability of charities

Dateline Alabama
Federal proposal would increase accountability of charities
Proposals before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee are designed to improve the accountability of charities, but some critics say safeguards are in place and the changes would just mean more paperwork.

A panel of nonprofit experts has proposed both changes in the law as well as voluntary moves by the nation's 1.3 million charities and foundations.

Sector should place its trust in new laws(Scotland)

Scotsman.com Business - Economy - Sector should place its trust in new laws
TALKING CHARITIES

ANDREW FULFORD


THE forthcoming Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill is set to introduce a root and branch review of the types of organisation that will be eligible for charitable status and the all-important tax allowances such status confers.

The key difference between how England and Scotland determine an organisation’s charitable status is that, south of the Border, a charity is defined as such by the Charity Commission while, north of the Border, it is the Inland Revenue that determines eligibility.

Monday, March 07, 2005

FCC Clarifies Telemarketing Rules

Contact Center Today - Business Briefing for Contact Center Professionals - FCC Clarifies Telemarketing Rules: "Business Briefing for Contact Center Professionals
FCC Clarifies Telemarketing Rules

March 7, 2005 11:42AM

The FCC declined to change its rules requiring telemarketers to ensure that any technology used to dial telephone numbers abandons no more than 3 percent of calls answered by a person and requiring telemarketers to deliver a prerecorded message identifying the telemarketer's name and telephone number. "
DenverPost.com - Legislature: "Colorado eyes tax boost for charities
By Colleen Slevin
The Associated Press
State lawmakers are considering allowing all taxpayers to deduct their donations to charities - a move expected to cost the state about $3.3 million in lost tax revenue the first year but result in an additional $70 million for nonprofit groups. "
Christian News - The Christian Post | Evangelicals Push for the House of Worship Free Speech Act: "Evangelicals Push for the House of Worship Free Speech Act
Evangelical and conservative Christians applauded the reintroduction of the bill in Congress that would protect the tax-exempt status of religious leaders who wish to endorse political candidates at their pulpits.
Friday, Mar. 4, 2005 Posted: 6:29:11PM EST
Evangelical and conservative Christians applauded the reintroduction of the bill in Congress that would protect the tax-exempt status of religious leaders who wish to endorse political candidates at their pulpits. "

Thursday, March 03, 2005

The Herald-Mail ONLINE: "Witnesses say new law would hurt charities
by TAMELA BAKER

tammyb@herald-mail.com
ANNAPOLIS - Representatives of the county's gaming office and its fire and rescue companies flocked to the capital Wednesday to testify about proposed legislation that would have the state comptroller's office monitor charitable gambling in Maryland.
Their message was, in a word, 'don't.' "
WebCPA | Tools and Resources for the Electronic Accountant: "Feingold Measure Seeks to Step Up Tax Abuse Penalties

Washington (March 3, 2005) - Federal penalties for taxpayers accused of tax evasion, failure to file a return, or making false statements to the Internal Revenue Service could increase dramatically later this year if Congress approves legislation being pushed by Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., to sweeten tax deductions for charitable volunteers. "
Welcome to the Birmingham Post-Herald: Nation/World: "Bush still pushing faith initiative
By BILL STRAUB
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
WASHINGTON � President Bush assured religious leaders Tuesday that he remains committed to his faith-based initiative � which would funnel more federal funds to church programs providing social services � despite congressional apathy and criticism from some that he hasn't done enough to push the agenda. "
House eases faith-based hiring rule - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - March 03, 2005: "House eases faith-based hiring rule
By Amy Fagan
THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The House yesterday approved legislation that would allow faith-based groups to receive federal job-training money while continuing to hire workers only of a particular religious faith.
The hiring language prompted a lengthy floor fight yesterday from Democrats who said it amounts to discrimination. "
Putting a Brave Faith on GOP 'Compassion' (washingtonpost.com): "Putting a Brave Faith on GOP 'Compassion'
Bush Abstains, Democrats Jeer and Santorum Carries Torch for Charities
By Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 3, 2005; Page A05
Give Sen. Rick Santorum credit for persistence: The Pennsylvania Republican soldiers on with President Bush's 'compassion' agenda even when Bush himself retreats.
In his speech Tuesday about his efforts to help the poor, Bush made no mention of what was once the cornerstone of his 'compassionate conservatism' -- an $85 billion tax break to spur charitable giving. This was no oversight: Bush's new budget drops the whole idea. "

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Commentary: The Virtue of Nonprofits

The Virtue of Nonprofits
by Karen Woods

The cultural assumption of late has been that Sarbanes-Oxley was necessary; the corporate agenda is greed and CEO indulgence. Similar revelations have surfaced among charities such as National Capital Area United Way and “questionable” nonprofits collecting millions for tsunami relief.

So in the naive belief that virtuous decisions can be legislated—and despite the onerous cost of Sarbanes-Oxley—the rush to more charity oversight began. The United States Senate and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are at the forefront; the benefit to the uniquely generous and often sacrificial compassion sector remains in question.
Charities, Nonprofits Propose Steps to Curb Tax Abuse (washingtonpost.com): "Charities, Nonprofits Propose Steps to Curb Tax Abuse
By Albert B. Crenshaw
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 2, 2005; Page E02
A group of charities and nonprofits from across the country yesterday handed Congress a list of steps that the group said could help improve legal compliance with tax rules and weed out fraud in their industry. "
The Chronicle, 3/2/2005: Bush Administration Will Not Ask Congress to Pass a Giving Incentive Many Charities Sought: "Bush Administration Will Not Ask Congress to Pass a Giving Incentive Many Charities Sought
By Grant Williams
The Bush administration no longer supports legislation that would provide a charitable deduction to people who do not itemize their deductions on their tax returns because it decided Congress was 'not going to budge,' according to the White House."
baltimoresun.com - Nonprofits seem in no big hurry to fix their problems: "Nonprofits seem in no big hurry to fix their problems
Jay Hancock
Originally published Mar 2, 2005
Jay Hancock
WASHINGTON - The nonprofit-industrial complex knows it has a problem.
Impropriety and opacity at multiple charities involving millions of dollars have tarnished the reputation of all nonprofits and probably prompted more than a few would-be donors to stay their hands.
But as Congress considers reforms, nonprofits don't seem to want to do much about it. Recommendations delivered yesterday by the cream of nonprofit leadershi"
Nonprofits' Panel Urges Enhanced Oversight of Charities, Increased Transparency: "Nonprofits' Panel Urges Enhanced Oversight of Charities, Increased Transparency
March 2, 2005
The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, a Washington, D.C- comprised of nonprofit organizations across America, has proposed to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee a series of recommendations to open up the financial operations of charitable organizations to more public scrutiny and improve the federal government's oversight of nonprofits.
The panel called upon the nation's 1.3 million charities and foundations to improve their governance and financial disclosure. It also suggested enhancing government oversight of charitable organizations through actions by Congress and the Internal Revenue Service."
The Chronicle, 3/1/2005: Coalition of Charities and Foundations Makes Recommendations on Nonprofit Accountability to Senate: "Coalition of Charities and Foundations Makes Recommendations on Nonprofit Accountability to Senate
By Brad Wolverton
Washington
A coalition of nonprofit leaders today pledged to members of the U.S. Senate that charities and foundations would take steps to tighten their financial operations, and recommended changes in federal law they believed could prevent legal abuses in the nonprofit world. But the report steered clear of some of the most divisive issues in the nonprofit world, including whether nonprofit groups should be limited in how much they can pay their top executives and whether new rules are needed to crack down on fraudulent fund-raising solicitations."
Boston.com / News / Nation / Nonprofits outline plans for reform: "Nonprofits outline plans for reform
By Beth Healy and Michael Rezendes, Globe Staff | March 2, 2005
Leaders of the nation's nonprofits, singed by news reports of self-dealing and extravagant spending, unveiled a sweeping list of reforms yesterday designed to force greater accountability and boost penalties for misuse of funds at 1.3 million private foundations and public charities across the country."
KRT Wire | 03/01/2005 | Bush announces increase in funds for faith-based groups: "Bush announces increase in funds for faith-based groups

BY MARK SILVA

Chicago Tribune


WASHINGTON - (KRT) - The Bush administration has boosted federal money going to religious organizations that deliver social services for the needy, despite President Bush's failure to win congressional support for his vision of 'rallying the armies of compassion.'
'It is said that faith can move mountains,' Bush said Tuesday in announcing that $2 billion in federal grants had gone to 'faith-based' organizations during the 2004 budget year. 'Here in Washington, D.C., those helping the poor and needy often run up against a big mountain - called bureaucracy.'"
Bush pushes his faith initiative - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - March 02, 2005: "President Bush yesterday called for the expansion of his multibillion-dollar faith-based initiative, urging Congress to increase funding and pass 'one of the tests of character for America.' "
USATODAY.com - Non-profit reforms aim for tougher penalties: "Non-profit reforms aim for tougher penalties
By Edward Iwata, USA TODAY
The non-profit sector � troubled by financial scandals in recent years � could face tougher regulation if Congress likes the sweeping reforms called for Tuesday by charity watchdogs and the head of the Senate Finance Committee."