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Tax proposals raise concerns for arts groups

Posted: 
May 16, 2013

North Carolina Center for NonprofitsArts North Carolina, in partnership with the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, has raised red flags about three major proposals. Refunds on sales taxes that nonprofit groups pay would be phased out. That proposal “would be a real hit for the sector” and have “a real impact on arts organizations to be able to do what they currently do,” said David Heinen, director of public policy and advocacy at N.C. Center for Nonprofits.

The proposal also would require nonprofit groups to collect sales taxes on performances, classes, camps and other paid services, and possibly remove the charitable tax deduction for individuals.

N.Y. to Consider Nonprofit Governance Overhaul

Posted: 
May 15, 2013

Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New YorkTogether, the set of proposals, if approved by the state assembly, would mark the most expansive nonprofit overhaul in four decades, according to Sean Delany, a spokesman for the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York and former assistant attorney general overseeing charities.

“Between the two sets of bills, there’s a better chance of having nonprofit reform than ever before,” said Mr. Delany, who is also executive director of Lawyers Alliance for New York, which provides free legal work to nonprofits. “It’s a big deal.”

Some nonprofits concerned that IRS scandal will stain their good work

Posted: 
May 15, 2013

"Charitable nonprofits are justifiably outraged by reports that the Internal Revenue Service targeted applicants for tax-exempt status based on their apparent political beliefs," says Tim Delaney, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, in a written statement. "As more facts emerge on the developing story, the National Council of Nonprofits calls on policymakers and the news media to strengthen public respect for, and not exacerbate ignorance of, the laws governing and distinguishing the nonpartisan work of charitable nonprofits in communities across the country."

Delaney expresses the frustration of many nonprofit leaders about coverage of the controversy that generically lump all nonprofits into the same category, when in fact federal tax code assigns different rules and responsibilities.

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits"It's important for 501(c)(3) nonprofits to communicate with their stakeholders about the differences between these nonprofits and 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations to lessen any confusion that may exist," says Trisha Lester, vice president of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits.  "The former group may not engage in any political activity as that is strictly prohibited by the IRS. "

AG Says Charity Law Reform Will Help Curb Abuses Of Nonprofits

Posted: 
May 14, 2013

New York Council of NonprofitsDoug Sauer, CEO of the New York Council of Nonprofits, said he isn’t convinced the measures being championed by Schneiderman will do much to prevent corruption or cut red tape.

"I'm not so sure this is going to have that great of an impact," said Sauer, who served on the committee that prepared recommendations that led to the legislation. "This is just not terribly bold. I was quite up front and told them this was addressing low-level fruit."

Sauer said he also isn't sure the attorney general’s office has enough resources to pursue enforcement. "It is generally known that the AG's nonprofit bureau doesn't have the resources to enforce what is on the books now,” he said. “I don't know how much preventative ability they are going to have. Now they just come in afterward something bad has happened and do an investigation. I don't think this will change that."

Cuomo cure for nonprofit excess exempts high-paid health execs

Posted: 
May 14, 2013

New York Council of NonprofitsThe first round of revisions excluded businesses and individuals that provide professional services. It also exempted companies, such as pharmacies or medical device suppliers, that make products instead of providing services. The most recent version, for which public comment ended last week, shifts researcher salaries from an administrative expense to a business one, further carving out space in budgets for pay packages. 

“The thing has been so gerrymandered that the big providers have gotten the outs that they’re looking for and won’t feel an impact,” said Doug Sauer, CEO of the New York Council of Nonprofits, a trade association whose members will be subject to the rules. (Sauer earned $140,000 in 2011.)

Minnesota tax proposal could cut charitable giving

Posted: 
May 13, 2013

Minnesota Council of NonprofitsThe Minnesota House of Representatives’ decision to eliminate the state’s current charitable tax incentives is a mistake that the Senate and governor should not support.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, the Minnesota Council on Foundations, Greater Twin Cities United Way and GiveMN — four of Minnesota’s leading nonprofit and philanthropic organizations — are deeply concerned that replacing the charitable tax deduction with a credit for giving above a threshold will reduce incentives for giving.

Sequestration and Washington County

Posted: 
May 9, 2013

Utah Nonprofits AssociationChris Bray, executive director for the Utah Nonprofit Association, said nonprofits are being impacted statewide. On the UNA website, nonprofit organizations affected by sequestration are encouraged to go to GiveVoice.org and share their stories of how the cuts are adversely affecting them – and ultimately that ability to help others.

“We feel the best way to demonstrate the adverse effect of sequestration on our communities is for charitable nonprofits like yours to share the stories and data of what it means to the people you serve,” the UNA website stated.

Launched by the National Council of Nonprofits, the stories posted at GiveVoice.org will be sent to national leaders in Washington, D.C., in hopes it will spur them to reconsider the expansive cuts being applied nonprofits nationwide.

“Our appeal to our leaders is: Let’s use a surgical knife (for the cuts) and not a hack saw,” Bray said, “because it feels like we’re hacking off limbs and not being strategic about it.”

Foraker becomes member of National Council of Nonprofits

Posted: 
May 8, 2013

The Foraker GroupThe Foraker Group has been named a full state association member of the National Council of Nonprofits. According to the Council, the designation recognizes Foraker's achievement as a leader for charitable nonprofits in Alaska. 

In its announcement, the Council said: "The Foraker Group has been serving Alaska’s nonprofits for more than a decade. Led by Council of Nonprofits Board Member Dennis McMillian, The Foraker Group has been providing not just leadership and high quality trainings, but also a suite of back office services and consulting services, making Alaska’s nonprofits stronger every day."

Foraker President and CEO Dennis McMillian said that Council membership enhances Foraker’s ability to serve as the nonprofit sector’s voice on public policy issues.

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