Charity Loses Exemption Over Political Activity
The I.R.S. has ruled that a charity should lose its tax-exempt status for its improper involvement in politics and because it had served the “private interest” of its president. The organization, which was not identified by the I.R.S., routinely distributed information on public-policy issues and…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
IRS Eases Charities’ Worries About Audits for Lobbying
The Internal Revenue Service has good news for charities that have been reluctant to embrace an alternate way to have their lobbying work measured by the government. Contrary to widespread opinion, such charities do not risk an I.R.S. audit as a result of making that choice. Federal law has long…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
Florida Jury Finds Church Leader Guilty of Misusing Donations
A Florida jury has found the Rev. Henry J. Lyons, president of the National Baptist Convention USA, guilty of theft and racketeering under state law. The same jury acquitted Bernice Edwards, an aide to Mr. Lyons, of racketeering charges. During a six-week trial, prosecutors argued that Mr. Lyons --…
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
New Campaign Hopes to Persuade Charities to Fully Engage Young People’s Talents
Although most young Americans have some experience working for a community organization or grassroots campaign, only 15 per cent of U.S. non-profit groups actively involve young people in their work, a New York charity has found. ALSO SEE:Degree of Young People’s Involvement in Different Types of…
By Stephen G. Greene
Contributor
Booklet Assesses Economic Woes in Minneapolis
Measuring Neighborhood Health: Baseline Indicators for Seven Minneapolis Neighborhoods is a booklet from the Minneapolis Foundation that uses a mapping technique developed by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Race and Poverty to measure the income levels, property values, and deficiencies…
By C. Quinn Hanchette
Contributor
Guide Explains How to Stretch Political Influence
The Connection: Strategies for Creating and Operating 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and PACs, by B. Holly Schadler, details the rules and regulations that govern the creation and management of advocacy groups and political fund-raising committees. Ms. Schadler, a lawyer at the Washington firm Perkins…
By C. Quinn Hanchette
Contributor
Legal Guide for Non-Profit Groups Updated
The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations, Seventh Edition
By C. Quinn Hanchette
Contributor
Council on Foundations Releases Survey Results
Foundation Management Series, Ninth Edition
By C. Quinn Hanchette
Contributor
Foundation Investment and Governance Policies Detailed in New Report
Nearly 15 per cent of foundations take special steps to avoid investing in companies that sell tobacco or liquor or otherwise violate the grant makers’ social and ethical standards, according to a survey by the Council on Foundations. ALSO SEE:Related facts & figures The proportion of funds that…
By Thomas J. Billitteri
Contributor
New Health-Care Foundation Created in Ohio
A four-year legal dispute between the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Anthem, a health-insurance provider, has been settled with the creation of a $28-million health-care foundation. The Anthem Foundation, to be based in Cincinnati, will support health-care services for poor residents in 36 Ohio…
By DOMENICA MARCHETTI
Contributor