State Associations in the News

The IRS acknowledged many groups that have never filed returns before needed the extension because some still do not know about the requirements. IRS spokeswoman Karen Connelly said some groups on the list might also have become defunct since they last applied for tax-exempt status.

"There's a good chance that they're not getting the information because they're not going to be dealing day to day like a nonprofit," said Sharon Knight, chief operating officer of the Colorado Nonprofit Association.

Stephen Norton, executive director of the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy and recently-elected president of the board of directors of The New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, is a Lakes Region native.

It is estimated that nonprofits in New Hampshire generate $8 billion in revenue, which represents 14.5 percent of the state's gross domestic product.

"Nonprofits are an important part of the New Hampshire economy, in addition to providing public services and aid to those in need," Norton said.

The Mississippi Center for Nonprofits launched a certification program Wednesday for organizations on the Gulf Coast.

The program, Excellence in Action, is designed to increase the capacity of the nonprofit sector and to train board members, staff and volunteers on how to make their organizations thrive, said Mark McCrary, executive director of the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits.

“Often times they come up from compassion, not training,” McCrary said of how many nonprofits are formed.