Charitable Deduction Substantiation: Redux
“Redux”: Something “brought back.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) Back in February 2017, we posted “…a cautionary tale for everyone out there who wants to take a $65-million
Charities in the Courtroom15: NY Goes After “Bottomfeeders”
The New York State Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, has emerged as a key leader of state officials committed to going after fraud and abuse in
Leaving Words of Wisdom to the Next Generation
You come into the world a blank slate, and as you grow, you gain wisdom. You’ve planned your estate to leave physical assets to beneficiaries,
A New Way to Diversify Nonprofit Boards
A frequent criticism of the nonprofit world is that boards of directors are primarily populated with people far removed in wealth, background, circumstances, and experience
Controversial Decision for Berkshire Museum
“What kind of ‘ethical code’ tells struggling museums it is better to go bankrupt than sell even one artwork to cover operating expenses?” That’s the
A Form 990 Audit: What Triggers It?
It’s a classic “cart before the horse” scenario. Last year, in our 6-part When the Revenue Agent Comes Calling series, we discussed how the government official
Not Just Death and Taxes: Five Essential Legal Documents You Need BEFORE You Become Incapacitated
Comprehensive estate planning is more than your legacy after death, avoiding probate, and saving on taxes. Good estate planning includes a plan in place to
Patient-Advocacy Charities' Dark Ties: Updates
Recently, in Patient Advocacy Nonprofits’ Dark Ties to Industry, we highlighted the murky, questionable relationships of pharmaceutical companies with patient-advocacy groups. “Patient groups are supposed
Your Website: Copyright Perils and Protections
Board and staff of most nonprofits are aware that there’s a hefty set of federal tax laws that apply to their operations. Their main goal
MacArthur $100-Million Grant Finalists Announced
In the summer of 2016, we reported on the launch of an exciting $100-Million Grant Contest by the respected MacArthur Foundation. “Big problems require bold
Charities in the Courtroom, Pt. 14: Donor Advised Fund
A hot topic these days is donor advised funds. They are wildly popular as an alternative for wealthy individuals to bypass the disadvantages of setting
What to Do With an Unusual Grant
Imagine a scene like this: A small group of people is celebrating the receipt that day of an IRS Determination Letter granting 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, status