Cancer institute sets its sights on a $1-billion fund-raising goal, with the help of a few thousand cyclists By Elizabeth SchwinnThe Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s drive to raise $1-billion by 2010 isn’t depending solely on a small group of wealthy donors to provide the largest donations. Instead,…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Rooting Out Errors on Charity Tax Forms
IRS weighs new penalties on nonprofit groups after salary investigation turns up pattern of mistakesNow that it has completed its two-year investigation of executive compensation at nonprofit organizations, the Internal Revenue Service is weighing whether to impose new penalties on charities and…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
The Internal Revenue Service is seeking comment from the charitable world on donor-advised funds and supporting organizations as part of a study it is conducting at the request of Congress. The tax agency wants to know the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of organizations, compared…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Lawmaker Criticizes Smithsonian’s Spending
A leading Republican senator has asked the board of the Smithsonian Institution to explain why it authorized “lavish expenses” to support the “champagne lifestyle” of the institution’s chief executive, Lawrence M. Small, following a report by the Smithsonian’s inspector general that said nearly…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Election Ban Unclear, Congressional Report Says
As the Internal Revenue Service continues its crackdown on charities that become involved in political campaigns, a Congressional report takes the tax agency to task for failing to explain clearly to nonprofit groups how to comply with the law. The 1954 law that enacted the prohibition on…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
A social-service group tailors its appeal to older employeesWhen the YMCA of Greater Rochester made a deal to run a wellness program for older people who are ALSO SEE:ARTICLE: How Will We Reach the ‘Tipping Point’ in a New Movement for Older Americans?ARTICLE: Turning the ‘Me Generation’ Into the…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
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The Internal Revenue Service has issued rules for charities that participate in tax shelters later deemed illegal. In Notice 2007-18, the tax agency explains which tax-exempt organizations must report their participation in such shelters to the Internal Revenue Service and what they must do with…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
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Watchdog Group Complains About Church Loans
TAX WATCH A watchdog group in Washington has asked the IRS to investigate the Living Word Christian Center, in Brooklyn Park, Minn. The group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, charges that the church made improper loans to its senior pastor, James “Mac” Hammond. The same group previously…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
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IRS Panel Seeks Comments on Plan for Reporting Errors
TAX WATCH An IRS advisory committee is seeking feedback from charity officials and legal experts on whether the tax agency should create a new program for tax-exempt organizations that would encourage them to come forward when they discover problems with their informational tax returns or other…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Tax Agency Offers Advice on Charity Accountability
TAX WATCH As charities debate whether to create ways to police their own behavior, the Internal Revenue Service has come forward with its ideas to improve accountability. The tax agency has released an unofficial “discussion draft” of nine principles for charity boards to follow. The principles…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor