GOP and Democrats Take Strong Stances on Political Activity
The Republicans want to end a rule that bars charities and foundations from spending on political campaigns, while the Democrats want to limit spending by advocacy groups.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Confusion Over Conflict-of-Interest Laws Fuels Inappropriate Accusations
Instead of debating differences in policies, activists increasingly raise questions about conflicts.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
IRS Should Allow Social-Welfare Groups Unlimited Advocacy
The inspector general’s report on the Tea Party scandal teaches an important lesson about the inherent difficulty of trying to regulate an activity that is impossible to define.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Charitable-Deduction Fight Distracts From Bigger Financial Battle
As governments seek to narrow tax exemptions, nonprofits need to find new ways to show why they deserve to avoid levies.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Why the Charitable Deduction Is Unlikely to Change
Nobody is willing to ask the hard questions about why giving gets a tax subsidy from the federal government, and too little is known about what would happen if the break were curtailed.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Obama and Romney Have Distinct Views About Responsibility for Society
Nonprofits should listen hard to how voters (many of them charity donors) grapple with questions about the responsibilities of government and individuals.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Court’s Health-Care Ruling Offers Little-Noticed Threat to Nonprofits
The legal logic in the majority opinion makes it far easier for lawmakers to increase government control of tax-exempt groups and limit write-offs for donors.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
A Supreme Court Ruling Unlocks Government Aid for Religious Groups
A Supreme Court decision removes the roadblocks that have made it hard for federal dollars to flow to faith organizations.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Charities Should Reject Senator’s Offer on Politicking
Sen. Charles Grassley has suggested ending the ban on electioneering by nonprofits, but no matter how tempting that idea may be, it will backfire on charities, write two scholars.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY
At End of High Court’s Session, Nonprofit Principles Stand Unscathed
The Supreme Court session that ended last month protected the basic principle of charity: that Americans can give freely to any cause they choose, write two nonprofit scholars.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY