How a Legislative Milestone For Volunteerism Has Worked Out
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, passed in 2009, was designed to greatly expand national service. The federal deficit and other public-policy concerns have kept the law from achieving much that was promised.
National Service’s Fight for the Future
As partisan politics and leadership stymie plans to expand the volunteer corps, supporters of national service face new questions about how to sell, or even repurpose, AmeriCorps.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Leadership Gap at National-Service Agency Diminishes Its Clout
Nonprofit leaders are concerned about the future of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which has had a permanent chief executive for only 15 months since President Obama took office.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Budget Cuts Hobble Service Agency’s Internal Watchdog
As the Corporation for National and Community Service faces questions about its future, its inspector general’s office has had to put investigations on hold and let staff members go.
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Nominee to Head National Service Agency Faces Scrutiny Over Role in Fla.
Wendy Spencer, the woman President Obama has nominated to run the Corporation for National and Community Service, has been hailed for her dedication to volunteerism, but her record as chief executive of a Florida organization has come under scrutiny in federal and state audits.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Think Tank in Koch Brothers Dispute Could Find Its Tax Status at Risk
The libertarian Cato Institute is ensnared in a lawsuit over who controls the board, drawing attention to its unusual structure. But it could face more serious problems, as the court documents revealed a questionable structure.
Ill. Coalition’s Risky Stance on Tax Rise Staves Off Some Cuts
Hundreds of nonprofit leaders decided that their state’s budget was in such bad shape that they fought for—and won—tax increases.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Connecticut Charities Land an Official State Liaison
One of the nation’s strongest state-level nonprofit advocacy operations has found a key ally in Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Seattle’s Social-Service Groups Band Together to Influence Policy
The Seattle Human Services Coalition has developed a powerful voice that is influencing the debate over city spending.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Lobbying Over Tax Breaks: Nonprofits vs. the Housing Industry
When a key deduction was threatened last year, two interest groups spent vastly different sums. Related: As Money Flows Into Politics, Charities Face New Advocacy Challenges
Advocacy Tips: Four Nonprofit Lobbying Campaigns That Worked
Successful advocates offer advice to help charities defend their interests.
Antipoverty Organizers Stand Up to President Obama
A national effort to stave off federal cuts to community-action agencies has gotten the attention of lawmakers, but challenges remain.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Budget Deficit Forces Questions About Charity Spending on Lobbying
Nonprofits are wondering if the tight budget squeeze on Capitol Hill might require them to become more aggressive in their lobbying, including spending more cash.
By Lisa Chiu
Contributor
Everyone Needs ‘Skin in the Game’: Early Findings From an Advocacy Study
Strong leadership and understanding lawmakers’ priorities are essential, according to preliminary findings of research financed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
By Suzanne Perry
Contributor
IRS ‘Dirty Dozen’ List Includes Charity Abuses
The Internal Revenue Service’s annual list of the top 12 tax scams in the U.S. includes the misuse of noncash donations to charities.
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Santorums Gave 2.2% of Income to Charity
Tax returns show their average giving from 2007 to 2010.
By Lisa Chiu
Contributor