Proposed Federal Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Would Limit Charitable Deductions for Upper-Income Taxpayers
February 25th, 2010
In a recent article, The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that President Obama's FY 2011 budget revives a proposal from last year that would limit tax deductions, including those for charitable contributions, for higher-income taxpayers. This proposal was part of the original Fiscal year 2010 budget put forth last year by President Obama, but it was never enacted.
According to the article's author, Susan Perry, "the proposal is sure to spark a furious debate within the nonprofit world, which was divided over last year's proposal. Many nonprofit leaders and fund-raising consultants condemned the proposed limit, which would also apply to deductions for mortgage interest and state and local taxes, saying it would dampen giving at a time when charities are reeling from the economic downturn." For the complete Chronicle of Philanthropy article, go to http://philanthropy.com/article/President-Renews-Call-for/63831/?sid=&utm_source=&utm_medium=en.
Posted by CNP Staff
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Nonprofits Included in White House Jobs Plan
February 15th, 2010
The White House recently released details of President Obama’s $33 billion job-creation proposal. Designed to spur hiring by small employers, the proposal specifically includes non-profits.
The President’s plan would, of course, require Congressional approval, and the details easily could change as Congress crafts legislation in the weeks ahead. According the official White House Fact Sheet, however, the current plan provides that:
· Employers (including non-profits) would get a one-time $5,000 tax credit for every new employee they hire in 2010.
· Employers (including non-profits) that increase the hours or wages of employees making less than $106,800 could also be reimbursed for the additional Social Security taxes incurred.
· The maximum benefit for any one employer would be capped at $500,000.
For more information, the official White House fact sheet can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/FACT_SHEET_Small_Business%20_jobs_and_Wages_Tax_Cut.pdf
Posted by CNP Staff
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New Ideas for Fundraising
February 8th, 2010
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In the nonprofit world, there were, to put it mildly, a lot of challenges to be surmounted in the past year. However, 2009 was not all bad, and some of the more interesting "good news" that has surfaced included the information that funds raised by charitable organizations through eBay jumped 17 % in 2009, totaling over 50 million.
Not only did people and corporations donate through eBay, but it's "Giving Works" program also allowed nonprofits to sell or auction items on eBay, with minimal processing fees. According to an eBay news release, "by offering an out-of-the box, commerce-focused solution for online fundraising, the program has also provided nonprofit organizations around the world a creative and highly flexible new way to generate funds when charitable giving is at an all-time low."
For example, in 2009, the San Francisco chapter of Goodwill Industries raised more than $44,000 per month by selling donated goods online, and a small nonprofit (The Blind Center of Nevada) developed a job skills training program that refurbishes electronics and resells them on eBay, with 100 percent of the sales going back to the Center.
According to the eBay press release, "a recent study conducted by Columbia Business School in late 2009 of eBay shopping behavior verified the philanthropic instincts of the eBay community, indicating that eBay buyers are actually willing to pay more to do good. Results showed that an eBay Giving Works item advertising that 10 percent of proceeds will be given to charity is nearly 20 percent more likely to sell than its non-charity equivalent, and at a two percent higher price."
The most money raised for charity from a single listing on eBay in 2009 was $1.68 million for a power lunch with Warren Buffett benefiting the Glide Foundation. To read the complete article, go to http://www.ebayinc.com/#20091221005499 |
Posted by CNP Staff
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Funding Opportunity
January 27th, 2010
The United Way of Greater Chattanooga is pleased to announce that Hamilton County agencies will receive $201,000 to supplement emergency assistance for utilities, rent, food and shelter for individuals and families during 2010.
The award was made by the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Other members of the Board include representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way of America. A Local Board made up of social service agencies and volunteers from the community then determines how these funds are to be distributed among the local organizations that apply for funds. Under the terms of the award, local organizations chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an approved accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter services, and 5) private voluntary organization must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.
For more information,
click here.
Posted by CNP Staff
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TN Attorney General, Secretary of State, and CNM in Nashville Create NP Board Member GuideBook
January 19th, 2010
The TN Attorney General, Secretary of State and Center for Nonprofit Management in Nashville create "What Every Board Member and Officer Should Know: A Guidebook for Tennessee Nonprofits"
This publication explains the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members in Tennessee. Click on the link below to view:
/downloads/NonprofitGuidebook.pdf
Posted by CNP Staff
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CNP Survey Comments/Questions
January 5th, 2010
We hope you had a great holiday season! To get back in the swing of things, we'll begin our blog for 2010 by responding to your comments and questions from our CNP Survey that wrapped up towards the end of 2009.
Question: Is there any possibility to get online access to the Foundation Directory?
Answer: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide online access to the Foundation Directory grant research database due to our agreement with the Foundation Center to keep it "within the four walls" of our building. There is a limited search you can do through the Foundation Center's main website, www.foundationcenter.org which provides basic contact information for foundations in your area. This website also has many resources regarding grant writing and nonprofit management include free webinars on a variety of topics.
Comment: When I was job hunting, it seemed like a lot of the job postings stay up after they are filled or are there for a long time after the stated deadline.
Response: Unless an organizations requests that a posting be removed, we typically do not take postings off the website. We have begun listing a closing date at the bottom of the description to help job seekers target employers who are actively seeking candidates. The job descriptions are left on the site to give those looking for a job in the nonprofit sector an idea of the type of positions available in the Chattanooga area.
Comment: In regards to question 11, "Do any of the follow effect whether or not you attend CNP workshops/events or utilize its services?"
- Driving to the CNP for noon events from Bradley County is difficult.
Response: The CNP has partnered with People for Care and
Learning and will be offering training sessions throughout
2010 in Bradley County for Bradley County nonprofits. Topics
and dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
- The cost of parking downtown is insane.
Response: The CNP is able to validate parking for 1/2
day (3hour) and full day workshops if participants park
in a Republic Parking garage or lot that is not prepay
and bring their ticket in with them to be stamped.
There are two garage very close to the CNP/UW building,
one directly behind the UW building on Cherry St
(Hamilton County Courthouse garage) and the other a
block further down Cherry St towards MLK
Ave. (SunTrust garage).
Feel free to comment with any questions/comments regarding CNP programming or suggested topic/speakers! Comments may take several minutes to appear online.
Posted by CNP Staff
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Suggestions for XYZ Organization?
December 17th, 2009
In June, a local business man hosted a benefit concert and chose XYZ organization to be the beneficiaries. He presented a big cardboard check for $3500 and his staff filmed and photographed the check presentation. However, XYZ organization has not received copies of the photos or a real check. Several contacts have been made with his assistant, who states she is going to discuss it with him, but XYZ has yet to recieve a return call or any other communication from the business.
What suggestions do you have for XYZ organization? Have you been faced with a similiar situation?
Posted by CNP Staff
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Funder's Roundtable Set for January 2010!
December 11th, 2009
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SAVE THE DATE!
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The CNP will host a Funders' Roundtable Discussion on January 28th from 2 pm to 4pm on: "Where are we now? The state of the region's nonprofit sector".
Hear representatives from local foundations and other nonprofit community leaders discuss trends, issues, strategies, and the continued impact the economy will have on funding of nonprofit missions. This event will also include information from several foundations on their funding focus for 2009, including their grant application protocols and deadlines.
Watch for registration details after the first of the year!
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Posted by CNP Staff
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Don't Miss
December 3rd, 2009
The Center for Nonprofits announces a special opportunity for social services, educational, and arts organizations and artists!
What: “Speed” Networking for Arts, Education and Social Service
When: December 9, 2009 9 – 11 am
Where: United Way Community Room
Our first speed networking event will provide the Arts Community an opportunity to interact and explore collaborative opportunities with the Social Services/Education Community.
This event is in itself collaboration with co-sponsors including: Education, Arts & Culture; Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga; and the
United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
Purpose: To create an opportunity for the arts and social services/education communities to engage with each other, and explore mutually beneficial opportunities for collaborations.
Why Attend?
Artists and Arts Organizations: Showcase what you do and create interest in how it could be employed by the social services and education communities in providing services. Discover the needs of these communities as they relate to the arts.
Social Services/Educational Organizations: Gain ideas on how to incorporate arts into the provision of services, be inspired by examples of how other organizations have created real impact through the use of the arts. Explore the possibilities.
SPECIAL “BONUS” to all… Information on upcoming grant opportunities for arts and social services collaborations and programs * Announcements on upcoming special events, and the opportunity to receive priority status regarding those events * Information on national initiatives to bring the arts into social service and educational settings.
Format: Arts Organizations and artists will have the opportunity to set up a mini display or table (Limited to 20 arts organizations/artists.) Representatives from social services/educational organizations will move around the room (in an organized fashion, of course!) and visit each display. Both parties will have 5 minutes to exchange information, inspiration, and ideas, then (when signaled to do so) move on to the next display.
And yes, there will be food and refreshments!
Posted by CNP Staff
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CNP is on Facebook!
November 20th, 2009
The Center for Nonprofits is now on facebook! Login and search for "center for nonprofits" and become a fan today!
Posted by CNP Staff
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