IRS Investigates Church for Possible Politicking in 2004 Campaign
The Internal Revenue Service is investigating an Episcopal church in California for possibly breaking federal law on political activities. The move by the tax agency prompted Rep. Adam B. Schiff, a California Democrat, to write the IRS last week to defend the church, demand that the revenue service…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
Senate Committee Approves Tax Incentives for Donors, New Restrictions
Washington The Senate Finance Committee last week passed legislation containing incentives designed to encourage ALSO SEE: Key Provisions of Tax Measure Passed by Senate Finance Committee charitable giving while also taking steps to ensure that donors are not inflating their tax write-offs. Among…
By Harvy Lipman
Contributor
Lafayette, La., charities cope with sudden rise in city residentsLafayette, La. FoodNet is the sole food bank in this city of roughly 112,000 and it serves about 800 families in a typical month through a handful of pantries. But the one-two punch that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita delivered on both…
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Fund Raisers, Donors Split Over Impact of Hurricane
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have made a big impact on donors’ plans for giving, but few charities are changing their approaches as a result, according to a pair of new studies of donors and fund raisers. Forty-two percent of 555 fund raisers surveyed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals,…
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Donations for Earthquake Aid Hit $30-Million
American relief organizations helping victims of the South Asia earthquake have raised more than $30-million, a figure that fund raisers say falls short of their needs. However, charity officials say the donations represent an encouraging response when put into the context of the many other…
By Cassie J. Moore
Contributor
Government Overhauls Antiterrorism Rule for Charities in Federal Drive
Washington The Combined Federal Campaign, the annual charity drive for federal workers, has revised its antiterrorism standards for charities that will participate in the 2006 and subsequent campaigns. Under the new rules, the federal government will no longer specifically require that charities…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
New Postal Rates for Charities to Take Effect in January
Washington Under a plan approved by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors last week, charities will pay more for their mailings starting January 8. The increases will cost nonprofit groups an additional 3 percent or 12.3 percent, depending on the way they send their mail. Nonprofit groups that…
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Nonprofit organization helps Tennessee charities win grantsWhen Donna Fortson created the Memphis Family Shelter a decade ago, she never dreamed her tiny charity could get a big grant from the federal government. Instead, Ms. Fortson started the homeless shelter with $25,000 she scraped together…
By Rebecca Gardyn
Contributor
Tufts U. to Use $100-Million Gift to Make Microloans in Developing Countries
Tufts University has received a $100-million gift, and plans to use the money in an unusual way: to make small loans throughout the developing world. The strategy is designed not only to yield good returns, but also to spur economic growth in impoverished regions. The donation was made by Pierre…
By Paul Fain
Contributor
University in Texas Gets $35-Million; Other Gifts
Six institutions have received big gifts: Texas A&M University, in College Station, has received $35-million from George P. and Cynthia W. Mitchell to pay for two buildings for the physics and astronomy programs. Mr. Mitchell, the chairman and chief executive officer of Mitchell Energy and…