Legislation Introduced To Block IRS’s Donor SSN Rule - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times

Legislation Introduced To Block IRS’s Donor SSN Rule - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times: "A bipartisan House bill could pull the rug out from under a proposed amendment to Income Tax Regulations that has drawn the ire of nonprofits.

The Charitable Giving Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 4281), introduced on Thursday by Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA) and Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY), would prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from requiring or accepting Social Security numbers of donors from organizations. T"



'via Blog this'

Land Trust Alliance Praises Congressional Deal Backing Major Conservation Legislation | Land Trust Alliance

Land Trust Alliance Praises Congressional Deal Backing Major Conservation Legislation | Land Trust Alliance:



'via Blog this'

Collecting Social Security Numbers from Donors | Exceptional Boards

Collecting Social Security Numbers from Donors | Exceptional Boards: "As the president and CEO of BoardSource, the leading organization dedicated to strengthening nonprofit board leadership and governance, I am very concerned about this proposed regulation which invites nonprofit organizations to begin collecting social security numbers from their donors."



'via Blog this'

California’s New Regulations: The Start of a New Problematic Trend in State Charity Oversight? | Nonprofit Quarterly

California’s New Regulations: The Start of a New Problematic Trend in State Charity Oversight? | Nonprofit Quarterly: "California’s new charity oversight regulations, which include personal Director liability and forced asset transfer provisions, among others, could represent the beginning of a trend of more forceful state regulation of charities, particularly as states struggle with enforcing charitable registration requirements. On October 27, 2015, the California Office of Administrative Law approved amendments proposed by the California Attorney General’s Office (the “AG’s Office”) to the regulations regarding enforcement of the California Supervision of Trustees and Fundraisers for Charitable Purposes Act (the “Act”). The final amendments to the regulations are to become effective on January 1, 2016."



'via Blog this'

Vogel: Smart Philanthropy | Vermont Public Radio

Vogel: Smart Philanthropy | Vermont Public Radio: "A recent report from Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell shows that on average, 70 percent of the money raised by professional fundraisers for Vermont charitable groups goes to the fundraiser, and only thirty percent goes to the nonprofit. So it’s easy to become cynical.

On the other hand, the needs that nonprofits try to address are critical. A recent study by the Vermont Community Foundation found that one in four Vermonters are not earning enough to make ends meet. And one in five Vermont families pays more than 50% of their income for housing."



'via Blog this'

The Year Ahead: 2016 What To Expect - Fundraising | Third Sector

The Year Ahead: 2016 What To Expect - Fundraising | Third Sector: "The year ahead will bring increased regulation, continued media scrutiny and a reduced capacity to communicate with donors.

But at least it will also bring clarity about how the new regulatory system will operate.

Once the chief executive of the new Fundraising Regulator has been appointed by Lord Grade, the sector should get a sense of whether it will be more closely aligned with the expectations of government or those of charities."



'via Blog this'

Contact Congress TODAY to Reinstate and Make Permanent the IRA Rollover - Press - AFP

Contact Congress TODAY to Reinstate and Make Permanent the IRA Rollover - Press - AFP

OP-ED: The Regulatory Creep of Grassroots Lobbying Public Disclosure Regimes | Nonprofit Quarterly

OP-ED: The Regulatory Creep of Grassroots Lobbying Public Disclosure Regimes | Nonprofit Quarterly: "Requiring public disclosure of an organization’s grassroots lobbying efforts may not be a new concept, but San Francisco’s recently adopted Proposition C is a reminder of the regulatory creep of lobbying disclosure regimes on nonprofit organizations across the nation. San Francisco is the latest of many jurisdictions demanding public disclosure of grassroots lobbying campaigns, and, despite the protestations of nonprofit organizations, these jurisdictions are routinely demanding disclosure regardless of the speakers’ means, methods, or modi operandi. In its haste to uncover the interests behind astroturf campaigns and to force disclosure on anyone who amplifies their voice with money’s assistance, government instead creates minefields of regulatory traps for the unwary and provides the public with almost uniformly useless information."



'via Blog this'

Fundraising expertise must be at the heart of self-regulation - Institute of Fundraising

Fundraising expertise must be at the heart of self-regulation - Institute of Fundraising: "Sir Stuart Etherington’s report, Regulating Fundraising for the Future, set out a road map: the establishment of a new, more effective, regulator with universal reach across the sector and ability to use stronger sanctions on charities breaching fundraising standards – all things that our members told us that they wanted, and that we pushed for in our submissions to the review. "



'via Blog this'

New IRS Gift Substantiation Guidelines Opposed by National Council of Nonprofits | Nonprofit Quarterly

New IRS Gift Substantiation Guidelines Opposed by National Council of Nonprofits | Nonprofit Quarterly: "A new voluntary gift substantiation regime proposed by the IRS is being opposed by the National Council of Nonprofits as well as a number of individual state associations of nonprofits.

The system would provide an alternative to the “contemporaneous written acknowledgements” now in use by providing 501(c)(3) nonprofits with the option to report gifts over $250 to the IRS by the donor’s social security number. Though it is not intended to be mandatory, it is seen as being confusing, unnecessary, and potentially injurious to giving. NCN’s statement reads:"



'via Blog this'

Bill Gates 'Hopeful' China Will Amend Laws to Boost Philanthropy - Bloomberg Business

Bill Gates 'Hopeful' China Will Amend Laws to Boost Philanthropy - Bloomberg Business: "hina should amend legislation to make it easier for philanthropy to grow, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates said in an television broadcast Saturday.
“Certainly the status quo is not ideal,” Gates said in an interview with state-owned China Central Television. He said his charity foundation had shared its thoughts with the country’s ministry of civil affairs and had hired consultants to report on the issue."



'via Blog this'

Changes to lottery law | Third Sector

Changes to lottery law | Third Sector: "The government has laid before parliament a draft order to amend schedule 11 to the Gambling Act 2015 to make it easier for small-scale lotteries to be used to raise money for charities and other good causes. If approved, the Legislative Reform (Exempt Lotteries) Order 2016 will come into force on 6 April next year.

The proposals include allowing incidental lotteries to take place at both commercial and non-commercial events. Fundraising lotteries could then be offered by, for example, pubs, clubs, shops, concerts, festivals and trade fairs at their events. It would also become possible for private society, work and residents' lotteries to be promoted for purposes other than private gain."



'via Blog this'

Election Results Mean New Public Policy Opportunities for Philanthropy - Press - AFP

Election Results Mean New Public Policy Opportunities for Philanthropy - Press - AFP: "On Nov. 4, Justin Trudeau was sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minster of Canada, along with his 30-member Cabinet. His election, and the new MPs leading the government, means many new opportunities for AFP, the fundraising profession and the philanthropic sector.

The previous Conservative government had been in power for almost a decade. With a Liberal Cabinet now in place, fundraisers have a unique opportunity to connect with the new leadership team just as they are starting up their portfolios. There are also many new MP’s and Senators that AFP members can meet with and discuss the importance of fundraising and philanthropy."



'via Blog this'

You need a plan for your UBTI -The Nonprofit TImesThe NonProfit Times

You need a plan for your UBTI -The Nonprofit TImesThe NonProfit Times: "Many organizations seek to fundraise by means other than the traditional ones, and such alternative sources can be quite helpful. They can also be quite effective in raising red flags with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state regulators, resulting in close scrutiny of an organization’s finances and severe penalties when lines have been crossed."



'via Blog this'

A Veterans Day Call for Cleaning Out the Scamming Veterans Charities | Nonprofit Quarterly

A Veterans Day Call for Cleaning Out the Scamming Veterans Charities | Nonprofit Quarterly: "The stories of crummy veterans charities ripping off charitable donors under the guise of helping veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars continue to pile up. Stories abound of various players purporting to help veterans setting up 501(c)(3) public charities and sometimes 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations ostensibly established to help the men and women returning from this nation’s overseas military engagements, but operating with little or no direct benefit to veterans and often significant misinformation to the public and to government agencies and officials."



'via Blog this'

T3010 Quick Prep | Imagine Canada

T3010 Quick Prep | Imagine Canada: "T3010 Quick Prep
The T3010 Quick Prep tool is the only free charity information return software for charities in Canada. It helps charities better understand and complete the Canada Revenue Agency’s T3010 Registered Charity Information Return."



'via Blog this'

Will changes in fundraising regulation be fair to smaller charities?

Will changes in fundraising regulation be fair to smaller charities?: "Changes to charity fundraising practices may be positive, says James Appleton, but will the people developing the new regulations give enough attention to their impact on smaller charities?

In the wake of the scandal around charity fundraising, the recommendations of Sir Stephen Etherington’s report have been widely welcomed by both those within the sector and those on the outside."



'via Blog this'

PA Budget Standoff: Trauma for Nonprofits and Attempts to Stop the Bleeding | Nonprofit Quarterly

PA Budget Standoff: Trauma for Nonprofits and Attempts to Stop the Bleeding | Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'

New Head of Key Congressional Committee Seen as Friend to Nonprofits - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

New Head of Key Congressional Committee Seen as Friend to Nonprofits - The Chronicle of Philanthropy:



'via Blog this'

Put a sock in it: Let’s focus less on who technically lobbies and more on who lobbies effectively | nfpSynergy

Put a sock in it: Let’s focus less on who technically lobbies and more on who lobbies effectively | nfpSynergy: "Our research with MPs shows that the top organisations impressing MPs are more financially independent than the charity sector average, suggesting that effective lobbying requires voluntary income. Every six months for the last 15 years, as part of nfpSynergy’s Charity Parliamentary Monitor, we have asked a representative sample of 150 MPs to spontaneously name the charities that have impressed them, and to give the reasons why."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofits Ask Supreme Court to Hear Landmark First Amendment Case to Protect Donors' Confidentiality - NonProfit PRO

Nonprofits Ask Supreme Court to Hear Landmark First Amendment Case to Protect Donors' Confidentiality - NonProfit PRO: "The U.S. Supreme Court will consider this week whether to hear a potentially landmark First Amendment case on donations to nonprofit groups, marking a flashpoint in a battle over money and free speech increasingly taking place in courts instead of legislatures."



'via Blog this'

Los Angeles OKs Paying Full Cost Of Contracted ServicesThe NonProfit Times

Los Angeles OKs Paying Full Cost Of Contracted ServicesThe NonProfit Times: "In a first-in-the-nation move, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors yesterday approved a motion to develop new guidelines regarding reimbursement of administrative costs to nonprofits that are contracted to deliver services on behalf of government."



'via Blog this'

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Votes to Adopt the OMB Uniform Guidelines to Pay Nonprofits Full-Cost Reimbursement | Nonprofit Quarterly

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Votes to Adopt the OMB Uniform Guidelines to Pay Nonprofits Full-Cost Reimbursement | Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'

Northampton Nonprofits Asked to Increase Voluntary Payments

massnonprofit news ::: "November 2, 2015 — Eleven Northampton nonprofits with property holdings valued above $1 million are being asked to make voluntary payments pegged to the value of their property, in lieu of taxes, much as Boston has done, starting a debate about the role of nonprofits in that city.

The payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program, commonly referred to as PILOT payments, proposed by Mayor David J. Narkewicz last month, which expands an existing PILOT program, would be phased in over three years."



'via Blog this'

Bob Smucker Dies: A Founding Father Of Nonprofit AdvocacyThe NonProfit Times

Bob Smucker Dies: A Founding Father Of Nonprofit AdvocacyThe NonProfit Times: "Smucker was vice president for government relations at Independent Sector (IS) from 1980 to 1988. “Bob was one of IS’ principal architects and he left a lasting mark on both the organization and the communities we service,” IS leaders said via a statement after his passing. “The board and staff of Independent Sector extend our condolences and gratitude for a wonderful legacy to Bob’s family.”"



'via Blog this'

NY AG Settles with For-Profit Over Alleged Charity Scam - WNYC

NY AG Settles with For-Profit Over Alleged Charity Scam - WNYC: "A for-profit company based in Yonkers has agreed to pay $650,000 to two Westchester County charities, to settle allegations from the New York attorney general's office that the company was operating a charity scam.

Assistant District Attorney Gary Brown said Thrift Land USA used the names of two other charities — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County and I Love Our Youth, Inc. — on its collection bins, without disclosing that donated items were not going to those organizations."



'via Blog this'

I Am a Witness: Advocacy Through Emoji: Associations Now

I Am a Witness: Advocacy Through Emoji: Associations Now: "With its latest advocacy campaign, the Ad Council and its many partners have learned to speak emoji. The goal of the I Am a Witness campaign? To bring attention to and discourage bullying in all forms."



'via Blog this'

What Makes a Charity Tax-Exempt? Issues for Government Oversight and Due Diligence | Nonprofit Quarterly

What Makes a Charity Tax-Exempt? Issues for Government Oversight and Due Diligence | Nonprofit Quarterly: "Assisted by Uncle Gene, Hana has composed a very competent review of the requirements for entities to receive 501(c)(3) designations and, as she puts it, “whether governmental authorities are appropriately enforcing those requirements.”

After very helpfully reviewing Treasury regulations what it means to be “charitable” or “educational,” two of the possible purposes for 501(c)(3) status, Hana and Gene perceptively note that some critics have suggested that “it’s too easy to pass the requirements for furthering a ‘charitable’ or ‘educational’ purpose” and that this “anything goes” approach “has only been made worse by the new Form 1023-EZ” that the IRS started using last year for “streamlined” 501(c)(3) applications. The 1023-EZ form, a three-page application that simplifies qualification for 501(c)(3) status down to answering 11 basic questions about proposed activities, makes the IRS review process of the past look like an insuperable obstacle course in comparison."



'via Blog this'

Role of Donor-Advised Funds Prompts Heated Debate - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Role of Donor-Advised Funds Prompts Heated Debate - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Congressional calls to force people with donor-advised funds to distribute money to charity speedily have exposed fault lines among nonprofit leaders over what constitutes a charity and whether the federal government should draft tax policies that treat classes of nonprofits differently.

Proponents of increased regulation and fans of keeping the status quo squared off Friday at a forum held by the Boston College Law School Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. The event was organized by Ray Madoff, professor at Boston College Law School and a frequent critic of donor-advised funds."



'via Blog this'

Do 9 out of 10 Nonprofits Fail as Ben Carson Asserts? No, Says Factcheck.org | Nonprofit Quarterly

Do 9 out of 10 Nonprofits Fail as Ben Carson Asserts? No, Says Factcheck.org | Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'

N.Y. State Shutters Pet Hospice Supported by Celebrities - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

N.Y. State Shutters Pet Hospice Supported by Celebrities - The Chronicle of Philanthropy:



'via Blog this'

Swelling College Endowments Draw Scrutiny on Capitol Hill - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Swelling College Endowments Draw Scrutiny on Capitol Hill - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Swelling College Endowments Draw Scrutiny on Capitol Hill
A New York congressman is drafting legislation that would require institutions of higher learning to steer a portion of their investment earnings into tuition relief as a condition of maintaining their endowments' tax-free status, Bloomberg Business reports."



'via Blog this'

White House-Backed Kickstarter Campaign Raises Refugee Aid - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

White House-Backed Kickstarter Campaign Raises Refugee Aid - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "At the request of the Obama administration, crowdfunding site Kickstarter is hosting its first humanitarian campaign, aimed at raising money to help Syrian refugees, The New York Times reports. The weeklong fundraising event for the United Nations refugee agency was launched Tuesday, and by Wednesday morning had surpassed its initial $735,000 goal, an amount the agency said would provide immediate assistance to 3,000 people."



'via Blog this'

Collateral Damage to Nonprofits Gets Serious as State Budget Impasses Continue | Nonprofit Quarterly

Collateral Damage to Nonprofits Gets Serious as State Budget Impasses Continue | Nonprofit Quarterly: "October 6, 2015; Champaign News-Gazette and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

October has begun, and we still can report on the governmental gridlock in Pennsylvania and Illinois. For political junkies, the battle between each state’s governor and legislative leaders over government priorities and taxation is a gripping story. But for the schools, social service agencies, and healthcare organizations funded by the states, and the people who depend on them, the lack of an approved budget threatens their health and welfare.

The situation in Illinois is particularly dire. Madeleine Doubek, writing for Reboot Illinois, describes the state’s woeful condition."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofits Proliferate but Not the Staffs That Regulate Them, Says Report - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Nonprofits Proliferate but Not the Staffs That Regulate Them, Says Report - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Despite the growing number of nonprofits in recent years, states are doing little to hire new regulators to police charities, according to a new report’s preliminary findings.

The report, which was previewed Monday at a conference of state charity officials, showed that 53 percent of state charity offices have not increased staffing since 2008. Another 13 percent have thinned their ranks of lawyers, paralegals, investigators, and accountants."



'via Blog this'

Institute of Fundraising surveys members' attitudes to Fundraising Preference Service proposal | Third Sector

Institute of Fundraising surveys members' attitudes to Fundraising Preference Service proposal | Third Sector: "The Institute of Fundraising has begun polling members on the proposal to set up a Fundraising Preference Service, which would allow people to opt out of receiving marketing calls and mail from charities.

The idea was put forward by Sir Stuart Etherington in his review of fundraising self-regulation, which also proposed that the Fundraising Standards Board should be replaced by a new body that would also take over stewardship of the Code of Fundraising Practice from the IoF."



'via Blog this'

Opinion: Don't Let the States Trample on the Right to Donor Anonymity - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Opinion: Don't Let the States Trample on the Right to Donor Anonymity - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "he possibility of self-dealing and conflict of interest on any nonprofit’s board is a classic reason for regulators to investigate. Whether such concerns surround Carnegie Hall or any other group, regulators should seek to learn more when there is reason for suspicion.

But two of the most prominent state regulators are taking a different and wrong-headed approach to transparency. They are demanding information about the donors of any and all nonprofits, whether there is reason for suspicion or not. Their approach should worry any organization that wants to protect the identities of donors. The attorneys general in California and New York, ostensibly concerned about the influence of political money on nonprofits, have set the groundwork for a battle over donor anonymity that may well be headed to the Supreme Court for consideration in the term that starts on Monday."



'via Blog this'

Trump Tax Plan Mixed on Charitable Giving - Press - AFP

Trump Tax Plan Mixed on Charitable Giving - Press - AFP: "Proposal Would Keep Charitable Deduction Intact, While Keeping Tax on Gifts from Wealthy Donors

(Arlington, VA.) – In response to presidential candidate Donald Trump’s tax reform plan, Andrew Watt, FInstF, the president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), released the following statement:

With AFP’s mission to increase and enhance charitable giving, I am encouraged to see that Donald Trump’s tax plan does not directly limit the charitable deduction, which is one of the key foundations of America’s great tradition of philanthropy."



'via Blog this'

NYC Mayor Opposes Requirement for COI Filings by Nonprofit CEOs | Nonprofit Quarterly

NYC Mayor Opposes Requirement for COI Filings by Nonprofit CEOs | Nonprofit Quarterly: "New York’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, is opposing a bill to require CEOs of nonprofits receiving funding from the city to fill out conflict of interest and financial disclosure forms, according to the Politico New York website. The proposal is being considered by the City Council."



'via Blog this'

California Gets New Fundraising Disclosure LawThe NonProfit Times

California Gets New Fundraising Disclosure LawThe NonProfit Times: "New legislation enacted in California will clarify regulations surrounding fundraising counsel as well as custody or control of funds, among other definitions related to charities.

A.B. 556 was signed into law yesterday by Gov. Jerry Brown after unanimously sailing through the Senate and Assembly this summer. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2016."



'via Blog this'

Where the parties stand on charities’ political activities | Toronto Star

Where the parties stand on charities’ political activities | Toronto Star: "Where the parties stand on charities’ political activities
Charities calling on the federal government to modernize the rules on how they contribute to public policy debates released a report showing where the parties stand."



'via Blog this'

Bush Tax Plan Preserves Charitable Deduction - Press - AFP

Bush Tax Plan Preserves Charitable Deduction - Press - AFP

Opinion: Corrected: Jeb Bush’s Tax Plan Would Preserve Charitable Deductions – Including Those for the Rich - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Opinion: Corrected: Jeb Bush’s Tax Plan Would Preserve Charitable Deductions – Including Those for the Rich - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that Jeb Bush's tax plan would cap the charitable deduction for the rich. His plan would keep the charitable deduction and eliminate other breaks for people with high incomes.

Editor's Note: This post has been updated with a comment from the Alliance for Charitable Reform."



'via Blog this'

Sen. Grassley Worries Payout Rule for Donor-Advised Funds Would Backfire - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Sen. Grassley Worries Payout Rule for Donor-Advised Funds Would Backfire - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Mandatory payouts or deadlines for donor-advised funds and endowments could limit, rather than encourage, giving, Sen. Charles Grassley said. The longtime charity hound has no plans to push for such regulation."



'via Blog this'

IoF appoints first independent Chair of its Standards Committee - UK Fundraising

IoF appoints first independent Chair of its Standards Committee - UK Fundraising

Charity Commission sets out plans for the annual return 2016 - Press releases - GOV.UK

Charity Commission sets out plans for the annual return 2016 - Press releases - GOV.UK: "The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, is setting out its plans for the annual return 2016 which all registered charities must complete. The information provided in the annual return is used by the commission in its regulatory work, and helps populate a charity’s details on the online charity search – an important tool for accountability to the public."



'via Blog this'

Britain's biggest charities admit fund-raising 'failed to live up' to high standards - Telegraph

Britain's biggest charities admit fund-raising 'failed to live up' to high standards - Telegraph: "Some of Britain's biggest charities have admitted fund-raising practices have "failed to live up" to high standards amid concerns about the tactics used on vulnerable donors.
The heads of 17 charities - including the RSPCA, the Royal British Legion and Oxfam - have signed an open letter in which they insisted "no one should ever feel pressurised into giving"."



'via Blog this'

California Approves Charity Raffles At Major League Sports Events « CBS Los Angeles

California Approves Charity Raffles At Major League Sports Events « CBS Los Angeles: "SACRAMENTO (AP) — California’s major league sports clubs could conduct charitable gambling at professional sports venues under legislation approved Wednesday."



'via Blog this'

New Charity Platform/Fact Sheet Available for Chapters, Members to Highlight Sector - Press - AFP

New Charity Platform/Fact Sheet Available for Chapters, Members to Highlight Sector - Press - AFP:



'via Blog this'

Judge: Huguette Clark Estate Cannot Reclaim Hospital Gifts - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Judge: Huguette Clark Estate Cannot Reclaim Hospital Gifts - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "A Manhattan court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Huguette Clark's estate in a bid to recover more than $4 million the reclusive copper heiress donated to the hospital where she spent her last two decades, The New York Times reports."



'via Blog this'

The AFP Blog: Board Engagement Beyond Fundraising

The AFP Blog: Board Engagement Beyond Fundraising: "Board Engagement Beyond Fundraising
We’re fundraisers. Our goal is to inspire people to engage with our charities, typically leading to gifts of money and time.

But that engagement can lead to other important activities as well—such as advocacy and lobbying. We cannot forget the impact that public policy can have on our organizations, and in turn, the impact of grassroots support from our donors and supporters."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofits Ask Obama to Reverse Rule Allowing Religious Groups to Discriminate - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Nonprofits Ask Obama to Reverse Rule Allowing Religious Groups to Discriminate - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Nonprofits Ask Obama to Reverse Rule Allowing Religious Groups to Discriminate
By Alex Daniels
In a letter sent today, a group of 130 nonprofits urged President Obama to rescind an administration policy they say gives blanket protection for discrimination by religious groups that receive federal money."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofit Revitalization Act One Year Later | New York Law Journal

Nonprofit Revitalization Act One Year Later | New York Law Journal: "One year has passed since the Nonprofit Revitalization Act, the most sweeping reform of New York's nonprofit laws in decades, took effect, and the early indicators are positive. Nonprofits are adapting to the new statute, implementing necessary governance reforms while benefiting from a more streamlined and modernized regulatory framework. Helpful guidance from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau and some recent amendments, passed but not yet signed into law, will further aid the transition. But the real test is still to come: Will the cultural change within boardrooms that the new law was intended to prompt be realized?"



'via Blog this'

Senate Report Cites I.R.S. Mismanagement in Targeting of Tea Party Groups - The New York Times

Senate Report Cites I.R.S. Mismanagement in Targeting of Tea Party Groups - The New York Times: "ASHINGTON — A Senate committee on Wednesday closed a two-year investigation with unanimous agreement that mismanagement at the Internal Revenue Service led it to improperly target conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status. But a report by the panel did not suggest that any laws were broken, and Republicans and Democrats were divided over whether White House politics was behind the problems."



'via Blog this'

Record Donations to Scholarship Programs Boost School Choice in Arizona | Heartlander Magazine

Record Donations to Scholarship Programs Boost School Choice in Arizona | Heartlander Magazine: "Two Arizona tax credit scholarship programs reached their funding cap limits within a week of each other in early July.

The programs expand school choice for Arizona children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend private schools."



'via Blog this'

ICO must offer 'absolutely clarity' on telephone fundraising rules

ICO must offer 'absolutely clarity' on telephone fundraising rules: "The Institute of Fundraising has said the Information Commissioner's office must provide "absolute clarity" about telephone fundraising rules, and the two bodies will work together to produce clearer guidance.
The IoF said it will meet with the Information Commissioner’s Office to feed into a review of its Direct Marketing Guidance in the wake of Friday’s Telephone Fundraising Summit - a meeting including representatives from the ICO, the Direct Marketing Association and the Telephone Preference Service last week."



'via Blog this'

Review of fundraising self-regulation opens for evidence - UK Fundraising

Review of fundraising self-regulation opens for evidence - UK Fundraising:



'via Blog this'

FASB Sees Dissent on Nonprofit Accounting Changes | Accounting Today News

FASB Sees Dissent on Nonprofit Accounting Changes | Accounting Today News: "FASB Sees Dissent on Nonprofit Accounting Changes
NORWALK, CONN. (JULY 31, 2015)
BY MICHAEL COHN
The Financial Accounting Standards Board is beginning to hear from not-for-profit organizations and their accountants about the far-reaching changes it has proposed in reporting by nonprofits, and finding there are some disagreements, even among FASB’s own leaders."



'via Blog this'

SOI Tax Stats - Charities & Other Tax-Exempt Organizations Statistics

SOI Tax Stats - Charities & Other Tax-Exempt Organizations Statistics: "SOI Tax Stats - Charities & Other Tax-Exempt Organizations Statistics"



'via Blog this'

Senate Working Groups Highlight Charitable Giving Incentives in Tax Reform “Exploration” - Press - AFP

Senate Working Groups Highlight Charitable Giving Incentives in Tax Reform “Exploration” - Press - AFP

Opinion: Why Taking Legal Action Against Charity Fraud Is So Hard - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Opinion: Why Taking Legal Action Against Charity Fraud Is So Hard - The Chronicle of Philanthropy:



'via Blog this'

IRS: Well Isn’t That Just “Special” - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times

IRS: Well Isn’t That Just “Special” - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times:



'via Blog this'

Changes To Combined Federal Campaign Pushed Off A YearThe NonProfit Times

Changes To Combined Federal Campaign Pushed Off A YearThe NonProfit Times: "New regulations for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) originally scheduled to take effect in January will be pushed back a year.

“The modernization of the CFC is reliant on an aggressive timeline for development of the tools needed to implement reform, including streamlined campaign administration and oversight as well as the development of new online applications and systems,”"



'via Blog this'

Bid to link sports and charity raffles divides California nonprofits | The Sacramento Bee

Bid to link sports and charity raffles divides California nonprofits | The Sacramento Bee: "n a rematch of a previous legislative fight, California is considering a bill allowing nonprofits associated with professional sports teams to conduct raffles at games and handsomely compensate the winner. The measure has divided charities and prompted questions about collapsing the line between giving and gambling."



'via Blog this'

Congress Thinks Before It Pinks: Breast Cancer Commemorative Coin Bill Pulled | Nonprofit Quarterly

Congress Thinks Before It Pinks: Breast Cancer Commemorative Coin Bill Pulled | Nonprofit Quarterly: "Sometimes you simply have to wonder what is going through the heads of our nation’s legislators, whether you agree or disagree with what they do. Did you know that there was a bill introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) to create commemorative $5, $1, and 50-cent pink coins to recognize breast cancer research—with the proceeds to go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and to Susan G. Komen"



'via Blog this'

Reform fundraising rules or Parliament will act, Grayling warns charities - Civil Society - Fundraising - News

Reform fundraising rules or Parliament will act, Grayling warns charities - Civil Society - Fundraising - News

Senate Working Groups Highlight Charitable Giving Incentives in Tax Reform “Exploration” - Press - AFP

Senate Working Groups Highlight Charitable Giving Incentives in Tax Reform “Exploration” - Press - AFP

House Spending Bill Would Protect Nonprofit Politicking - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

House Spending Bill Would Protect Nonprofit Politicking - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "A spending measure approved last week by the House Appropriations Committee would prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from forging new rules governing political activity by nonprofits, The Washington Post writes."



'via Blog this'

N.M. Charity Under Investigation Claims Abuse by Regulator - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

N.M. Charity Under Investigation Claims Abuse by Regulator - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "N.M. Charity Under Investigation Claims Abuse by Regulator
A New Mexico nonprofit that works with homeowners to prevent foreclosure has filed a lawsuit alleging that an assistant state attorney general assigned to oversee such groups bullied its staff and harassed a female employee, the Santa Fe New Mexican writes.

The case, filed Monday, comes as state officials wrangle with the United South Broadway Corp. over an audit of its spending of taxpayer funds, as reported by the Associated Press."



'via Blog this'

Nevada to tax music events as Vegas becomes festival mecca - The Washington Post

Nevada to tax music events as Vegas becomes festival mecca - The Washington Post: "Last month, state lawmakers voted to impose a 9 percent tax on admissions to most live entertainment events, replacing a two-tier tax rate. The original tax had so many exemptions and exclusions that it became a headache to enforce.

All events in venues with a capacity of 15,000 or more must pay the fee even if they have nonprofit status — a provision that aims to prevent organizers from avoiding the tax by claiming a 501(c)3 exemption.

The measure won’t take effect until October, months after this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival wraps up, but general admission passes that cost about $360 now could soon include a fee of about $32."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofits fear impact of NC Senate tax plan

Nonprofit news roundup, 06.19.15 « Philanthropy North Carolina: "Nonprofits fear impact of Senate tax plan

Charities, churches, hospitals, and colleges and universities say the North Carolina Senate plan to slash sales-tax refunds to nonprofits and cap deductions for donations would reduce services and charitable giving."



'via Blog this'

IRS Releases Tax Forms of 9 Nonprofits in Computer-Readable Format - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

IRS Releases Tax Forms of 9 Nonprofits in Computer-Readable Format - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "In a precedent that could help pry open a wealth of information about nonprofit activities, the federal government has turned over nine nonprofit tax forms in a format that computers can read — resolving a court battle waged by open-records activist Carl Malamud."



'via Blog this'

Fundraising bodies publish joint plan promising 'more robust' regulation

Fundraising bodies publish joint plan promising 'more robust' regulation: "Fundraising bodies have launched a new joint plan for “more robust” fundraising standards in the wake of the death of pensioner Olive Cooke.

The Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB), Institute of Fundraising (IoF), and Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) announced a joint action plan on Friday to “ensure the highest standards in fundraising activity across the country”. "



'via Blog this'

Boosting the tax benefits of charitable giving - Alice Echo-News Journal: Opinion

Boosting the tax benefits of charitable giving - Alice Echo-News Journal: Opinion: "From a tax standpoint, not all charitable gifts are created equal. A tax-efficient giving strategy can help you maximize the impact of your donations to your favorite charities and take advantage of tax savings. If you are age 70½ or older, you may have an opportunity to make donations to a qualified charity directly from traditional and Roth IRA distributions. In addition to creating tax advantages, these donations also can satisfy any IRA-required minimum distributions for the year."



'via Blog this'

Why the Business World Is Worried about China’s New Law to Regulate NGOs - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Why the Business World Is Worried about China’s New Law to Regulate NGOs - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "A draft law in China aimed at NGOs has businesspeople worried, according to the Wall Street Journal. The “Foreign NGO Management Law” was described by one expert as capable of fundamentally changing the way NGOs operate."



'via Blog this'

Why the Business World Is Worried about China’s New Law to Regulate NGOs - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Why the Business World Is Worried about China’s New Law to Regulate NGOs - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "A draft law in China aimed at NGOs has businesspeople worried, according to the Wall Street Journal. The “Foreign NGO Management Law” was described by one expert as capable of fundamentally changing the way NGOs operate."



'via Blog this'

Kremlin Declares Mogul's Science Charity a 'Foreign Agent' - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Kremlin Declares Mogul's Science Charity a 'Foreign Agent' - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "A Russian law ostensibly intended to prevent foreign interests from meddling in the country's internal affairs has ensnared a charity founded by a wealthy businessman to promote science education, Reuters writes. Russia's Justice Ministry has added Dynasty to a register of nonprofits designated as "foreign agents" under a 2012 law that had to date targeted human-rights groups and organizations critical of President Vladimir Putin."



'via Blog this'

Opinion: IRS the Wrong Place to Police Nonprofit Politicking - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Opinion: IRS the Wrong Place to Police Nonprofit Politicking - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Opinion: IRS the Wrong Place to Police Nonprofit Politicking
The government should leave the Internal Revenue Service to its job of collecting taxes and get the agency out of the business of monitoring nonprofit groups' election activity, a fellow with a group that promotes free political speech writes in a Wall Street Journal column."



'via Blog this'

Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill introduced - Press releases - GOV.UK

Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill introduced - Press releases - GOV.UK: "The Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 28 May 2015.

The bill would protect charities from people who present a risk of abuse, and give the Charity Commission for England and Wales new and tougher powers to tackle serious abuse of charities. The bill would also give charities a new legal power to invest their funds in a way that provides a financial return and furthers the charity’s aims."



'via Blog this'

IRS Names Seven New Members to ACT Advisory Panel; ACT will Submit Recommendations at June Meeting

IRS Names Seven New Members to ACT Advisory Panel; ACT will Submit Recommendations at June Meeting:



Members continuing to serve include AFP CEO Andrew Watt  (see below lists)

ACT Members Continuing on the Committee in 2015

Employee Plans

Alison Cohen, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center, Atlanta.

Stuart A. Sirkin, The Segal Company, Washington, D.C.

Christopher W. Shankle, Capitol One, Shreveport, La.

Matthew I. Whitehorn, Dilworth Paxton, Philadelphia.

Exempt Organizations

Virginia Gross, Polsinelli PC, Kansas City, Mo.

David Moja, Capin Crouse LLP, Orlando, Fla.

Amy Coates Madsen, The Excellence Institute, Baltimore

Andrew Watt, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arlington, Va.

Federal, State and Local Governments

David P. Augustine, City/County of San Francisco, San Francisco.

Dean J. Conder, State of Colorado, Denver.

Vandee V. DeVore, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, Mo.

Indian Tribal Governments

Stefani A. Dalrymple, Yukon Accounting & Consulting, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Tino Batt, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall, Idaho

Tax Exempt Bonds

Floyd Newton III, King & Spalding, Atlanta

'via Blog this'

Tampa Charity Sues City Over Panhandling Restrictions - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Tampa Charity Sues City Over Panhandling Restrictions - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "A group serving the homeless in Tampa, Fla., has gone to court to block city laws that limit panhandling, saying the measures are unconstitutional and could put the charity out of business, the Tampa Bay Times reports."



'via Blog this'

Nurses and Hospitals Battle over California Charity Care Requirements - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Nurses and Hospitals Battle over California Charity Care Requirements - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "Nonprofit hospitals continue to be a sore thumb in the debate around nonprofit tax exemptions. Critics suggesting that nonprofit hospitals may not show the kind of “nonprofitness” the public expects of 501(c)(3) public charities abound, but the problem is that states and localities—and even the federal government—have struggled to define and pinpoint what those expectations ought to be.

California is the current epicenter of the battle over what nonprofit hospitals should be and do in order to qualify for their tax-exempt status. One group of critics is organized labor, particularly the California Nurses Association, which rallied at the headquarters of the California Hospital Association to demand that nonprofit hospitals do a better job accounting for the charity care they deliver."



'via Blog this'

Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of California Donor Disclosure Requirements - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of California Donor Disclosure Requirements - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "Without waiting to consult the full court, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy rejected an appeal from the conservative Virginia-based Center for Competitive Politics, which has sought to shield the names of its major donors in California, and refused to reveal their names to California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris."



'via Blog this'

Parliament Hill Day Builds Trust, Sets Stage for Future Advocacy - Press - AFP

Parliament Hill Day Builds Trust, Sets Stage for Future Advocacy - Press - AFP: "Last Thursday, May 14, 2015, more than 35 representatives from a variety of nonprofit organizations and associations, including AFP, participated in the first Hill Day in Ottawa to educate Parliament about the importance of Canada’s charitable sector and the impact it has upon society."



'via Blog this'

Litigation over donor disclosure will head to the Supreme CourtThe NonProfit Times

Litigation over donor disclosure will head to the Supreme CourtThe NonProfit Times: "The Center for Competitive Politics (CCP) will appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States a California Circuit Court decision that would require nonprofits to file un-redacted Schedule B forms with the California Attorney General’s Office."



'via Blog this'

Shumlin decries plans to limit deductions : Rutland Herald Online

Shumlin decries plans to limit deductions  : Rutland Herald Online: "But Shumlin says he has no interest in tinkering with deductions — especially charitable contributions. Doing so “would be really bad public policy for Vermont,” he said.

“I feel very, very strongly that Montpelier should not limit in any way Vermonters’ ability to give to charity both in and outside of Vermont,” the governor said. “"



'via Blog this'

IRS Scandal Still Simmers after Two Years - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

IRS Scandal Still Simmers after Two Years - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "Two years later, there are at least six independent government investigations of what has become known as the “IRS scandal,” and the investigations continue. NPQ has published more than 30 articles on various aspects of the IRS scandal since Lerner’s acknowledgement of the issue. (NPQ’s Rick Cohen was in the room with Lerner when the story broke.)"



'via Blog this'

Calls for Fixing the Tax Exemption Follow NFL’s Decision to Drop 501(c)(6) Status - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Calls for Fixing the Tax Exemption Follow NFL’s Decision to Drop 501(c)(6) Status - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'

Boards under Greater Regulatory Scrutiny for Lack of Care - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Boards under Greater Regulatory Scrutiny for Lack of Care - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "The result could be that increased scrutiny will be placed upon nonprofits that often fly under the radar. With nonprofits making up over five percent of America’s gross domestic product and nine percent of all wages, this could mean a big impact.

“I consider it my responsibility to promote and protect the nonprofit sector,” the New York Times recently quoted New York’s attorney general Eric T. Schneiderman as saying. “In part, we do that by aggressively investigating and prosecuting fraud. But we work just as hard to prevent mismanagement before it starts and, whenever possible, get troubled charities back on track.”"



'via Blog this'

As Clock Winds Down, VA AG Herring Offers Help to Sweet Briar College Stakeholders - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

As Clock Winds Down, VA AG Herring Offers Help to Sweet Briar College Stakeholders - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "A few days after Virginia’s governor publicly expressed a willingness to try to help resolve the situation at Sweet Briar College and lawmakers called for an AG investigation into the college, Attorney General Mark Herring has also publicly offered to facilitate a conversation between the board who voted to close the college and stakeholders who are trying to stop the implementation of that decision through litigation.

In the letter, Herring indicates that he had reached out previously for the same purpose, but at least in this case, it appears both the board and the stakeholder group Saving Sweet Briar have accepted the invitation."



'via Blog this'

Watchdog Says IRS Has Improved Handling of Tax-Exempt Status Requests - Oversight - GovExec.com

Watchdog Says IRS Has Improved Handling of Tax-Exempt Status Requests - Oversight - GovExec.com: "Nearly two years after the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found the Internal Revenue Service inappropriately targeted Tea Party and other organizations for scrutiny, the IG on Thursday released a report citing the tax agency’s progress in reducing roadblocks for such organizations seeking tax-exempt status."



'via Blog this'

Another Misuse of Nonprofits? Local and State Agencies “Transform” - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Another Misuse of Nonprofits? Local and State Agencies “Transform” - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "The trend to create nonprofit organizations to do work that had once been the responsibility of a government agency continues despite questions about effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. Recently, NPQ reported on a situation in San Diego where a development program is being questioned for its ability to spend public dollars on projects with no requirement to get approval or demonstrate that it fits an impact plan. Now, Illinois appears poised to join the ranks, considering creating a nonprofit agency that would replace the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, overseeing economic development in the state."



'via Blog this'

Legislators Request that AG’s Office Investigate Sweet Briar - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Legislators Request that AG’s Office Investigate Sweet Briar - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "Yesterday, a bipartisan group of four Virginia legislators announced that they are circulating a letter in the general assembly to be sent to Attorney General Mark Herring asking that the AG’s office investigate the grants that were allocated to Sweet Briar College students for the current academic year under the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG). Apparently, they are concerned that the school allowed around $770,000 in VTAG money to be allocated to 250 students when discussions about closing were already in progress."



'via Blog this'

Recent court decision supports better open data on America's nonprofits - Sunlight Foundation Blog

Recent court decision supports better open data on America's nonprofits - Sunlight Foundation Blog:



'via Blog this'

Canadians unsure of charitable tax credits - Brandon Sun

Canadians unsure of charitable tax credits - Brandon Sun: "(Special) - Canadians are a philanthropic people, giving generously each year to their favourite causes and charities, but many may not be aware of the tax benefits associated with charitable donations and may not file a claim for them on their tax returns.
A report by H&R Block has found that most Canadians are not aware of the new first-time donor tax credit which was introduced in the 2013 federal budget."



'via Blog this'

Ottawa to match personal donations to Nepal earthquake fund | CTV News

Ottawa to match personal donations to Nepal earthquake fund | CTV News:



'via Blog this'

FASB Proposes Major Changes in Nonprofit Accounting | Accounting Today News

FASB Proposes Major Changes in Nonprofit Accounting | Accounting Today News: "The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued a proposed accounting standards update to improve the information provided in not-for-profit financial statements and notes to financial statements that could have major implications for nonprofit organizations."



'via Blog this'

Lessons Learned from Recent Natural Disaster Relief Funds: Part 1 of 3 | Planned Giving Design Center

Lessons Learned from Recent Natural Disaster Relief Funds: Part 1 of 3 | Planned Giving Design Center: "With the United States’ emergence from the Great Recession, Americans’ giving to charity has increased over the last four years. In 2013, individuals contributed more than $240 billion (Giving Institute, 2014). With population, urbanization, world economies and the frequency of natural disasters all increasing, established relief organizations are expanding and new charities are popping up after every event."



'via Blog this'

New tax rules expected to be a boon for charities - News - News, commentary and analysis from The Globe and Mail

New tax rules expected to be a boon for charities - News - News, commentary and analysis from The Globe and Mail: "Malcolm Burrows, head of philanthropic advisory services at Scotia Private Client Group, said some of the greatest wealth in Canada is held in private companies and in real estate investments. Proposed tax changes in the federal budget will be “very significant” in helping more of it flow to charities as people move into retirement and sell their assets, he said."



'via Blog this'

Tax Proposals for Exempt Organizations to Watch in 2015 - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Tax Proposals for Exempt Organizations to Watch in 2015 - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "We are only through the first quarter, and 2015 has already seen a slew of legislative proposals that could considerably impact exempt organizations. From the president’s FY 2016 budget proposal, to last year’s Tax Reform Act of 2014 (TRA 2014), to a new proposal requiring that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) give exempt organizations notice before their exempt status is revoked for non-filing, nonprofits are in the midst of a legislative landscape potentially poised for reform.

As we look to the weeks and months ahead, there are several major pieces of legislation that nonprofits should be monitoring:"



'via Blog this'

Are the Changes to Michigan’s Nonprofit Governance Rules Improvements? - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Are the Changes to Michigan’s Nonprofit Governance Rules Improvements? - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'

AFP Submits Comments to Senate on Tax Reform, Charitable Incentives - Press - AFP

AFP Submits Comments to Senate on Tax Reform, Charitable Incentives - Press - AFP: "AFP Submits Comments to Senate on Tax Reform, Charitable Incentives
AFP has submitted comments to the Community Development and Infrastructure Working Group of the Senate Finance Committee, calling on the Senate to keep the charitable deduction in its current form and look for other incentives to encourage charitable giving, including the IRA Rollover Provision."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofits study law changes, including expansion of liability protection to paid directors - Crain's Detroit Business

Nonprofits study law changes, including expansion of liability protection to paid directors - Crain's Detroit Business: "A trio of new laws amending the state's Nonprofit Corporation Act has nonprofits and their lawyers wading through a raft of provisions to figure out their effect.

Public Acts 557-559, which took effect in January, made updates to reflect current nonprofit practices and also made the act more closely parallel the state's Business Corporations Act."



'via Blog this'

Editorial: Call a tax hike what it is

Editorial: Call a tax hike what it is:



'via Blog this'

CTG attacks HMRC for breaking promises over implementation of 20 per cent tax on direct mail

CTG attacks HMRC for breaking promises over implementation of 20 per cent tax on direct mail: "harities have been left unsure how to obey tax rules after HM Revenue & Customs failed to publish guidance explaining how it will implement changes in VAT on direct mail, the Charity Tax Group said today.

HMRC said last year that from the start of this month, charities would have to pay 20 per cent VAT on up to £400m of “single-sourcing” contracts for direct mail. Charities had previously believed these contracts were zero-rated for VAT."



'via Blog this'

Canada’s New Rules on Estate Administration – Is Your Charity Ready? - Resource Center - AFP

Canada’s New Rules on Estate Administration – Is Your Charity Ready? - Resource Center - AFP: "As part of its Economic Action Plan, the federal government introduced legislation impacting estate donations in October 2014. These new rules, which apply starting in 2016 are expected to have a significant impact on Canada’s charities and donors—and not all of it is good"



'via Blog this'

GR Update: Parliament Hill Day and "Friends in High Places" - Member News - Member - AFP

GR Update: Parliament Hill Day and "Friends in High Places" - Member News - Member - AFP: "The Public Policy Dialogue, a coalition of charities and associations including AFP, will hold a lobbying day on Parliament Hill in mid-May to share key messages about fundraising and the voluntary sector with legislators during this important election year."



'via Blog this'

Editorial: Don't subject state public charities to the political winds | Reading Eagle - NEWS

Editorial: Don't subject state public charities to the political winds | Reading Eagle - NEWS: "Editorial: Don't subject state public charities to the political winds"



'via Blog this'

Australian government pulls back from plans to abolish charity regulator

Australian government pulls back from plans to abolish charity regulator: "Australia’s coalition government has withdrawn from plans to abolish the country’s newly-formed charity watchdog, following calls by sector members for it to remain.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) was launched in December 2012 to register and regulate charities, but was due to be scrapped as part of a “red tape repeal day”. "



'via Blog this'

It's not the Lobbying Act that is gagging charities - it's our internal politics | Voluntary Sector Network | The Guardian

It's not the Lobbying Act that is gagging charities - it's our internal politics | Voluntary Sector Network | The Guardian: "Since the Lobbying Act was introduced, a range of high-profile charities have spoken out against the so-called gagging law. We’ve heard about how the new legislation will create a “chilling effect” across our sector – curtailing legitimate campaigning activities and reducing our ability to speak truth to power on the important issues affecting the people we support. But for me, the way the sector is responding to the new rules is dishonest. "



'via Blog this'

Government vs. charity: Does public spending crowd out private giving?

Government vs. charity: Does public spending crowd out private giving?: "ill, I recently found a chart that I think at least complicates the idea that government necessairly cannibalizes philanthropy. Jacob Funk Kirkegaard of the Peterson Institute for International Economics notes that people in countries with higher rates of government social spending aren't consistently any less likely to donate money or spend time volunteering. If anything, they're slightly more likely to, though the trend isn't very strong."



'via Blog this'

How will David Cameron's volunteering plan affect charities? Open thread | Voluntary Sector Network | The Guardian

How will David Cameron's volunteering plan affect charities? Open thread | Voluntary Sector Network | The Guardian: "Prime minister says employees will have the right to take three days off for volunteer work under a Conservative government"



'via Blog this'

The Significant Impact of Elected Officials on the Nonprofit Sector : FundRaising Success

The Significant Impact of Elected Officials on the Nonprofit Sector : FundRaising Success: "Two examples from the nation’s midsection show how elected officials can have a significant impact on the nonprofit sector in their jurisdictions. This is another illustration of the importance of advocating on behalf of nonprofit organizations and those they serve"



'via Blog this'

N.C. Lawmakers Consider Slashing Nonprofits' Sales-Tax Break - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

N.C. Lawmakers Consider Slashing Nonprofits' Sales-Tax Break - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "The North Carolina Senate is weighing legislation that would reduce the amount of sales tax nonprofits can annually recoup from the state from tens of millions of dollars to tens of thousands, The Times-News of Burlington, N.C., reports. Under current law nonprofits can be refunded up to $31.7 million a year in state sales-tax payments; Senate Bill 700 would set the cap at $70,370 and also dramatically cut refunds for local sales taxes."



'via Blog this'

Vermont Nonprofits Fight State Plan to Limit Deductions - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Vermont Nonprofits Fight State Plan to Limit Deductions - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "Vermont charities are pushing state senators to reject a measure passed by the Vermont House on Friday that would cap taxpayers' itemized deductions, including those on charitable donations, the Burlington Free Press reports.
The measure would set maximums of $15,500 and $31,000 for single and married joint filers, respectively, 2&frac; times the federal standard deductions."



'via Blog this'

Five things charities need to know ahead of the general election | Voluntary Sector Network | The Guardian

Five things charities need to know ahead of the general election | Voluntary Sector Network | The Guardian: "On Tuesday political representatives from Labour, the Conservatives, the Green Party, the Lib Dems and Ukip debated their stance on the voluntary sector at the Social Leaders Debate, which was hosted by Acevo and Charities Aid Foundation. Here are five things that charities learned."



'via Blog this'

Nonprofit Tax-Exemption Approvals Double, Thanks to Simplified Form - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Nonprofit Tax-Exemption Approvals Double, Thanks to Simplified Form - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "he Internal Revenue Service approved 94,365 applications from organizations seeking 501(c)(3) designations in fiscal year 2014, more than double the number approved in the previous two years.

The one-year jump was due to the introduction of an alternative, three-page electronic version of the 26-page form 1023, the IRS said in its 2014 Data Book, an annual report released Tuesday. The electronic option, 1023-EZ, first became available in July 2014 and provides a streamlined way for organizations with annual gross receipts of less than $50,000 to apply for tax-exempt status."



'via Blog this'

AFP Texas Lobbying Event a Huge Success - Member News - Member - AFP

AFP Texas Lobbying Event a Huge Success - Member News - Member - AFP: "AFP Texas Lobbying Event a Huge Success
March 25, 2015

AFP chapters from across Texas came together in Austin at the State Capitol building in early March to raise awareness of philanthropic and fun"



'via Blog this'

Charities snared in effort to limit power of Kansas unions | The Kansas City Star The Kansas City Star

Charities snared in effort to limit power of Kansas unions | The Kansas City Star The Kansas City Star: "A proposal to bar public employers from deducting union dues was amended last week to include a ban on non-mandatory deductions, such as charitable contributions, for state employees and school districts.

That move — drawing stiff opposition from United Way chapters — could torpedo the much broader legislation backed by conservatives and business groups."



'via Blog this'

Charity soliciting on roads is 'against the law' in Michigan, says MDOT | MLive.com

Charity soliciting on roads is 'against the law' in Michigan, says MDOT | MLive.com: "While a recently enacted Flint Township ordinance mimics state law to stop solicitors and panhandlers on roads, a Michigan Department of Transportation official said it can be enforced statewide.

"Charities have to find ways to accomplish what they're doing in a legal fashion," said Linda Burchell, Davison Transportation Service Center manager for MDOT."



'via Blog this'

State and Local Govs Look to Nonprofits to Help Plug Budget Gaps - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

State and Local Govs Look to Nonprofits to Help Plug Budget Gaps - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: "Revenue-raising proposals in Philadelphia and Vermont illustrate the need for nonprofits to engage in the legislative budget process earlier rather than later. In both instances, political leaders are looking toward the nonprofit sector for a way to balance their budgets.

The Daily Pennsylvanian, the University of Pennsylvania’s student newspaper, reports that a Philadelphia city councilman, who also happens to be a graduate of the university, is asking Mayor Michael Nutter to create a PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) agreement between the City and “mega-nonprofits…to address the City’s school funding crisis.”"



'via Blog this'

The Daily Pennsylvanian :: City Councilman proposes resolution for U.'s to pay PILOTs

The Daily Pennsylvanian :: City Councilman proposes resolution for U.'s to pay PILOTs: "The push for PILOTs has gone from Penn President Amy Gutmann's house to City Hall.

City Councilman At-Large and College graduate W. Wilson Goode, Jr. wants Mayor Michael Nutter to create a Payments in Lieu of Taxes agreement between the City and “mega-nonprofits.""



'via Blog this'

Is the Unified Registration Statement Obsolete?

Is the Unified Registration Statement Obsolete?: "Is the Unified Registration Statement Obsolete? What Charities Can Do."



'via Blog this'

"CAGP Presents a Special Webinar: Canada's New Estate Donation Rules - Understand; Get Ready
As new rules on estate donations are now enacted into law and poised to take effect in 2016, Canada's charities, estate trustees and administrators, as well as donors and their advisors are expressing serious concern. Rightly so - while some estates may benefit from these changes, for many others it may cause significant challenges in realizing the tax benefits associated with charitable bequests, putting estate donations at serious risk."



'via Blog this'

IU Philanthropy Alumnus Joins White House Staff : FundRaising Success

IU Philanthropy Alumnus Joins White House Staff : FundRaising Success: "Dave Wilkinson, a former Jane Addams Fellow at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, has been named director


'via Blog this'

Document requirement for nonprofits under fire

Document requirement for nonprofits under fire: "Philadelphia's plan to bring in new revenue by requiring nonprofits and charities to justify their tax-exempt status is not receiving a warm reception.

After the city this month sent out letters detailing the requirements, scores of churches called City Council members to complain. The president of the Philadelphia Black Clergy threatened a lawsuit. Two Council members introduced bills looking to relieve the burden."



'via Blog this'

IRS Delays in Acting on Applications for 501(c)(4) Tax Exemption Persist - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

IRS Delays in Acting on Applications for 501(c)(4) Tax Exemption Persist - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'

Nonprofit university becomes a 'benefit corporation,' further blurring for-profit divide @insidehighered

Nonprofit university becomes a 'benefit corporation,' further blurring for-profit divide @insidehighered: "Late last week the distinction between for-profit and nonprofit college blurred yet again, with the announcement that Alliant International University, a California nonprofit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, had become the first of what are expected to be several universities becoming for-profit benefit corporations as part of a new system of health sciences institutions, Arist Education System."



'via Blog this'

Foundation Ties Carry Political Risk for Hillary Clinton - - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Foundation Ties Carry Political Risk for Hillary Clinton - - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "As Hillary Clinton gears up for a presumed presidential race, a spate of headlines about her family foundation’s acceptance of multimillion-dollar donations from foreign governments and major corporations points up the political risks arising from her philanthropic work, the Associated Press writes."



'via Blog this'

Pennsylvania Senate passes proposed amendment on nonprofit tax exemptions | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pennsylvania Senate passes proposed amendment on nonprofit tax exemptions | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Pennsylvania Senate passes proposed amendment on nonprofit tax exemptions
Measure would allow General Assembly to decide when hospitals, groups receive exemptions"



'via Blog this'

Letter calling for the Lobbying Act to be repealed signed by 160 charities

Letter calling for the Lobbying Act to be repealed signed by 160 charities: "A group of 160 charities and campaigning groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children and the Salvation Army, has written to leaders of eight political parties calling on them to repeal the Lobbying Act.
The letter went to the leaders of the three main political parties, as well as the DUP, Plaid Cymru, the SNP, Greens and UKIP."



'via Blog this'

New Rules May Help Nonprofits Cover Their Overhead

New Rules May Help Nonprofits Cover Their Overhead: "NEW RULES MAY HELP NONPROFITS COVER THEIR OVERHEAD"



'via Blog this'

Obama Charity Tax Proposal: Hurting the Ones Who Love Him

Obama Charity Tax Proposal: Hurting the Ones Who Love Him: "For the seventh consecutive year, President Obama  has proposed to limit the value of the charitable tax deduction for those who give a disproportionate amount of charitable gifts:  high-income donors.  Once again, the President, in his budget, has asked Congress to limit the value of a deduction for a charitable gift made by  high-income households  to 28  percent —despite the fact that the top tax rate is 39.6 percent. "



'via Blog this'

From the Fault Line on Nonprofit Property-Tax Exemptions | National Council of Nonprofits

From the Fault Line on Nonprofit Property-Tax Exemptions | National Council of Nonprofits: "From the Fault Line on Nonprofit Property-Tax Exemptions"



'via Blog this'

Politics and the Uses and Abuses of Nonprofits - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Politics and the Uses and Abuses of Nonprofits - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly:



'via Blog this'