Calif. Solicitors Kept 45% of Donations Raised for Charities
New figures from California’s attorney general show professional fundraisers earned $161.2 million working for nonprofit clients in the state in 2013, 45.5 percent of the contributions they collected, down from 63 percent the previous year, the Orange County Register writes.
FBI and IRS Investigate Spending by Shuttered Minn. Nonprofit
Community Action for Minneapolis, which folded in September after being raided by state authorities, is now under investigation over hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable spending, Minnesota Public Radio and the Star Tribune report.
Foreign Groups Targeted as China Clamps Down on Nonprofits
A proposed new law would give Chinese officials authority to manage foreign organizations, and Westerners working for such groups are being targeted with visa checks that have led to deportations, signaling a crackdown on groups from abroad as Beijing widens a campaign against Western influence, The Wall Street Journal writes.
Postal Commission Rejects Rate Hikes That Angered Nonprofits
Consumer Reports, World Wildlife Federation, and other charities that publish periodicals faced significant increases in mailing costs.
By Holly Hall
Contributor
Calif. Attorney General Backs Tougher Transparency Law for Fundraisers
Kamala Harris says the state measure would end a loophole that allows for-profit companies to conceal their financial interests in solicitations for charity.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Pay-for-Success Expert Named to Lead White House Office
Dave Wilkinson, who is also experienced with community-development finance, will lead the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
New Association Aims to Help Veterans Groups Provide Better Services
The National Association of Veteran-Serving Organizations is designed to improve information-sharing and coordination among thousands of groups.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
S.F. Council Rejects Boost in Raises for Nonprofit Contractors
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors narrowly rejected a proposal Tuesday to use $3.4 million of a predicted $21.6 million budget surplus to fund bigger pay hikes for workers at nonprofit agencies that do work for the city, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.
Governance Scrutiny Prompts Reforms at Bernie Mac Charity
The Chicago-based foundation launched a decade ago by the late comedian has broadened its board and prohibited payment for members as part of a reform process prompted by state scrutiny of its finances and leadership, the Chicago Tribune reports.
For-Profit College Owners Find Gains in Going Nonprofit
A handful of commercial career colleges have shifted to nonprofit status in recent years in deals that can carry significant financial benefits for the former proprietors, The New York Times writes in an article focusing on the transition of Keiser University in Florida.
Northeastern U. Makes Tardy Payment to Boston for City Services
After receiving criticism for making no payment in lieu of taxes, or Pilot, to the City of Boston for municipal services provided last year, Northeastern University has made a retroactive contribution of $886,000, about a third of what the city requested, The Boston Globe writes.
Ex-Interns Say L.A. Council Hopeful Did Not Misuse Nonprofit
Several former interns and current contractors with Los Angeles City Council candidate Tomas O’Grady’s school charity are rebutting allegations that he improperly mingled his political and nonprofit work, writes the Los Angeles Times.
N.J. Lawmaker in Nonprofit Flap Won’t Run for Re-Election
State Assemblywoman Linda Stender, facing questions over her husband’s use of charity funds to raze a Hurricane Sandy-damaged shore home, announced that she will leave office when her current term ends in January, NJ Advance Media reports.
Basic Legal Considerations Before Launching a Planned-Giving Program
An attorney for nonprofits offers advice.
By Erin Bradrick
Contributor
Donors are pouring money into parks, including the National Mall. The results are often stunning, but is it the job of private money to spruce up public spaces?
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Raising $350-Million for Uncle Sam
The nonprofit Trust for the National Mall has committed to attracting $350-million for the Park Service’s $700-million restoration plan.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects