UPI Asia Online - Society & Culture - Commentary: China must legalize charity

UPI Asia Online - Society & Culture - Commentary: China must legalize charity: "Commentary: China must legalize charity BEIJING, Sep. 27 HU XINGDOU Column: China Issues The city government of Shouguang in China's Shandong province recently banned an organization of volunteers. Members of this group visited lonely and widowed elderly people and helped children who could not continue their education. The group had grown from three people to over 150 people in just three months. While the group's activities were greatly appreciated by local citizens, it failed to find a government body willing to act as its sponsor. This meant it could not legally register and was forced to disband."

Napa Valley Register | Wiggins' wine bill benefits nonprofits

Napa Valley Register | Wiggins' wine bill benefits nonprofits: "Wiggins' wine bill benefits nonprofits AddThis Social Bookmark Button Thursday, September 27, 2007 Wineries and the charitable groups that count on wine tastings and giveaways to support their good deeds got good news Wednesday, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger passed a measure expanding the types of organizations that can sell wines through such events. The measure, SB 108, was sponsored by state Sen. Patricia Wiggins, D-Santa Rosa."

The Journal

The Journal: "State rewards donors to charity By LAUREN HOUGH / Journal Staff Writer MARTINSBURG — To make up for the fact that West Virginia historically has had one of the lowest charitable giving rates in the nation, the state Legislature created a program in 1996 designed to reward its residents’ generosity come tax season. That program has since had quite an impact on the amount of donations received by charitable organizations, said Lisa Wells, community development representative with the West Virginia Development Office."

APP.COM - Nonprofits must file pay-to-play donor reports by Oct. 30 | Asbury Park Press Online

APP.COM - Nonprofits must file pay-to-play donor reports by Oct. 30 | Asbury Park Press Online: "Nonprofits must file pay-to-play donor reports by Oct. 30
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 09/26/07 BY GREGORY J. VOLPE GANNETT STATE BUREAU

TRENTON — Nonprofit organizations that contract with government got a month's reprieve Tuesday from new pay-to-play rules. The ruling by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission came after questions again arose whether nonprofits were meant to follow the same disclosure rules as for-profit businesses. Starting this year, organizations that receive more than $50,000 worth of contracts from all levels of government must report certain political donations made by the organization, some officials, owners and their spouses. The forms are supposed to be filed in March, but all groups were given until September this year because it's the first year they're due."

GuideStar Urges IRS to Take Time on Form 990 Revision :: PNNOnline ::

GuideStar Urges IRS to Take Time on Form 990 Revision :: PNNOnline ::: "GuideStar Urges IRS to Take Time on Form 990 Revision Posted by: GuideStar on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Topic Expert Opinion
GuideStar, the leading provider of nonprofit information, submitted its comments on the draft revision of IRS Form 990 to the IRS.

Form 990 is an information return that most secular exempt organizations with incomes above $25,000 are required to file annually with the IRS. “GuideStar’s comments are based on our role as a provider of nonprofit data—only some of it from the 990—to a broad array of users,” said Bob Ottenhoff, GuideStar’s president and CEO. “Our users include individuals, board members, media, and service providers, as well as highly sophisticated nonprofit experts. From our perspective, the data found in the 990 are often confusing and misleading. It is also important to remember that the 990 is only one way people learn about a nonprofit organization, since there is a growing marketplace of voluntary disclosures.” Rather than providing a line-by-line analysis, GuideStar’s comments on the draft 990 focus on the larger picture and present four key points:"

Nashuatelegraph.com: Editorials- Charity-poker option not without its risks

Nashuatelegraph.com: Editorials: "t should come as a surprise to no one that charity-poker games have emerged in recent years as an intriguing option for charities that are constantly on the lookout for new ways to raise money for their cherished causes. The popularity of Texas Hold 'em – including the high-stakes tournaments readily available for viewing on cable TV – has given charitable organizations another tool besides bingo, raffles and auctions when it comes time to put together their annual fundraising plan."

San Jose Mercury News - Almaden group revives poker tournament fundraiser

San Jose Mercury News - Almaden group revives poker tournament fundraiser: "Almaden group revives poker tournament fundraiser By Lydia Sarraille MediaNews Article Launched: 09/13/2007 12:05:25 PM PDT It seems Lady Luck is smiling once more on the Almaden Business Association as it attempts to resurrect a poker tournament fundraiser it was forced to cancel last year only a few days before the event was to take place. The association is cashing in on a recent change to California state law that enables nonprofits to temporarily circumvent anti-gambling regulations."

Have a say in changes to nonprofit tax form | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Have a say in changes to nonprofit tax form | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Have a say in changes to nonprofit tax form LIZ HEATH Published: September 12th, 2007 01:00 AM
It’s IRS time. No, don’t panic. We haven’t fast forwarded to April 15 – or even to Oct. 15 for those of us who put off the paperwork until the last minute. Friday is the deadline to submit comments to the IRS about proposed changes to the Form 990. There are many things to be said about these proposals."

Tri-Cities, Tennessee Personal News and Media Center

Tri-Cities, Tennessee Personal News and Media Center: "Some county commissioners have proposed randomly auditing the finances of two of the organizations each year to “make sure those expenditures serve their intended purpose.” The latest development, which may make that proposal a moot point: state law already requires each of the nonprofits to submit an annual audit, or description of its financial statements, to the county clerk’s office."

States employ creative oversight

States employ creative oversight: "States employ creative oversight Novel tactics keep solicitors on toes By Andrew Wolfson awolfson@courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal In South Carolina, the secretary of state's office issues a list of 'Angel' and 'Scrooge' charities each year to help donors make more informed decisions about giving. Scrooges are so designated for spending little or none of the money they raise on their charitable mission."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Ruling Opens Door To CFC Campaign New regulations were judged a substantive change By Mark Hrywna A court ruling has opened the door for several charities to get into the 2007 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) after initially being denied access. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will accept organizations that are tax-exempt and receive tax-deductible contributions, regardless of whether they are classified as a public charity or a public foundation, as long as they meet 'all other eligibility requirements and public accountability standards for admission.'"