Once again the nonprofit sector has failed to cover itself in glory on an important matter of public policy in which it has a unique and credible voice. This time it is President Obama’s proposal to limit the tax deductibility of charitable donations. The heads of the largest nonprofit leadership organizations trudged around Capitol Hill last week warning whomever would listen that even so much as looking at the charitable deduction would result the utter ruin of the nonprofit sector. “Poppycock,” we say. The nonprofit sector can and should chip in to help solve the nation’s economic and fiscal problems, and limiting the value of charitable deductions—which often are in effect consumed by the donors themselves (most obviously in the cases of the arts and education) strikes us as eminently reasonable.
What Happens to Nonprofits When a City Goes Bankrupt? Harrisburg Nonprofits Are About to Find Out
The capital city of Pennsylvania has declared bankruptcy. The state is about to appoint a receiver. Harrisburg is only the latest of a number of cities in serious financial trouble. What happens to nonprofits that are receiving municipal grants and contracts when the municipality announces that it is going bankrupt? We’d like to know.
Is Philanthropy a Smokescreen for the Flaws of Unfettered Capitalism?
When a CSR expert like Dr. Wayne Visser asks this question, we take note.
Admirable Coalition of Health Nonprofit and Volunteer Doctors: Free Clinic in Los Angeles
Some 800 medical professionals will be volunteering to provide free medical, dental, and vision care at the free clinic this weekend at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, sponsored by CareNowLA. This free health clinic nonprofit and the hundreds of volunteers it assembles reflects the best of the nonprofit sector and reveals how much our nation could really do to solve the national health care crisis.
Facebook Launches Jobs Partnership with Department of Labor and Nonprofits – What do you Think?
Facebook is tinkering and experimenting with ways that its social media technology can help people find that elusive job.
Robert Reich’s Top Seven Economic Lies—Now in Video!
Former DOL Sec Robert Reich gives a short course on the top seven pieces of economic misinformation that make progress on these issues next to impossible—Occupy Wall Street notwithstanding.
Atheists Can’t Give it Away – Even When It’s in Six Figures
American Cancer Society loses face with constituents over their refusal to take money from godless athiests.
Occupy Wall Street Activists Address Racial Diversity and Equity Inside and Outside Movement
Critics have noted a largely white cast to the composition of the Occupy Wall Street movement. It’s not as monotone at the Tea Party movement, but the Occupy movement is aware of the limited participation of people of color, at least so far, and it is beginning to take action to rectify the situation.
Note from “Mom” Insufficient: Local Habitat Chapter Accused of Misuse of Funds
The San Diego chapter of Habitat for Humanity is in hot water over irregularities over how it spent money raised in the wake of the 2007 wildfires. The ED has stepped down, and a local county supervisor is demanding answers.
A Theology of Endowment Management: Read Scripture for Answers
What is a biblically sound approach to the management of tax-exempt religious endowments? Rely on God’s daily guidance, says financial expert R. Scott Rodin of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
Salt Lake City Challenged on Business Loans Extended to Nonprofits
City Councilors in Salt Lake are interested in helping out local nonprofits with loans, but the city’s lawyers aren’t so sure about that.
Does Diversity of Philanthropic Approaches Better Guard Democracy?
Michael Edwards believes that a diverse ecosystem of different philanthropic approaches will produce long-term change that is supportable.