For Donors – Now is the Time to Plan Your Year-End Giving
For Donors – Now is the Time to Plan Your Year-End Giving [A version of this article ran as a guest editorial in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader on September 2, 2011] Charities look to the end of each year as their best opportunity to raise needed funds to feed the hungry, house the homeless, […]
Nonprofit Dissolutions
Nonprofit Dissolutions – What to Do When a Nonprofit Ceases Operations? In addition to any information you find here and elsewhere, the bottom line is that any nonprofit seeking to dissolve or otherwise cease operations should consult with an attorney to assist with the process, if at all possible. At the state level, a nonprofit […]
Accountability — What Information is a Nonprofit Required to Disclose to the Public?
Accountability – What Information is a Nonprofit Required to Disclose to the Public? In the U.S., nonprofits that fall under Sections 501(c) or 501(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (charities and other tax-exempt organizations) must provide certain financial and other information to the general public on demand. To assure openness and accountability, as well as […]
Head Start for All?
Head Start for All? – Thoughts on a Wall Street Journal Editorial This article is based on the editorial printed in The Wall Street Journal on February 25, 2013. To read the editorial, visit: Head Start for AllUniversal preschool and a government that won’t admit failure.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323495104578314552761070738.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop =================== I am a supporter of Head Start, and […]
Nonprofit, Not-for-profit, or Charity: What Do We Call Ourselves?
Nonprofit, Not-for-profit, or Charity: What Do We Call Ourselves? We are asked sometimes about the difference between the terms “charity,” “nonprofit,” non-profit”, and “not-for-profit.” This is a very good question, as many people use the terms interchangeably and incorrectly. So, here’s a brief explanation of terms. The answer has to do with state and federal […]
The Best Way to Curb Charity Fraud
The Best Way to Curb Charity Fraud According to Dean Zerbe (“Fighting Nonprofit Abuses,” June 9, 2005), I would fall into the Luddite category of nonprofit professionals who seek to understand why new legislation and regulation are needed when enforcement of existing Federal rules is so lax. So-called charity fraud, which is actually fraud committed […]
What Your Nonprofit Should be Doing After Any Major Disaster
What Your Nonprofit Should be Doing After Any Major Disaster The economic slowdown already present before 9/11 was magnified by it, resulting in foundation investment assets and foundation gifts shrinking after 9/11. Overall fundraising was stagnant in 2002. Politicians, regulators, the media, and the public were concerned with nonprofit accountability and donor intent after reports […]
Accountability Changes Philanthropic Landscape
Accountability Changes Philanthropic Landscape By Michael L. WylandPUBLISHED: January 17, 2008 [The following column was published in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader on January 17, 2008. It may be accessed here.] There has been a major change in philanthropy in recent years. Accountability and impact are increasing the demands placed on charities because the purpose […]
Buffett’s Gift to Gates Foundation
What Does $60 Billion Really Mean? “Your analysis is the best that I’ve seen…Well done.”Roberta D’Eustachio, Founder & Publisher, Giving magazine Much has been written about Warren Buffett’s decision to give Berkshire Hathaway stock currently valued at over $30 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mr. Buffett has long indicated his intent to […]
Your Gift is Deductible – NOT!
Your Gift is Deductible – NOT! [NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect the changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 and other legislation.] [NOTE: To our knowledge, Save Our World isn’t a real charity. We’re giving an example a fictitious name.] You just sent in your donation check […]