Big Charities Must Help Fill City Coffers
Pennsylvania is not only the cradle of American liberty but, thanks to Benjamin Franklin’s efforts to establish some of the nation’s earliest voluntary associations in Philadelphia, the seedbed of its philanthropic tradition as well. Now, a new chapter in that tradition is about to unfold there as…
By LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Contributor
Are Warren Buffett’s Views on Giving the Best for Philanthropy?
To the Editor: As a fellow investment manager who has succeeded for institutional and individual clients for over 40 years, I understand the reasons behind Warren Buffett’s desire to hold on to his money until he dies instead of giving it away now (“Warren Buffett Holds Firm Opinions on How -- and…
Solutions to Poverty Must Be Based on More Than Faith
Appeals for “faith-based” solutions to serious social problems have become commonplace -- even more among legislators, it seems, than among religious leaders. Along with those appeals have come cutbacks in government funds for programs that for years have provided a “safety net” for the neediest…
By Thomas J. Harvey
Contributor
Court Backs IRS in Revocation Case
In a long-awaited decision, the U.S. Tax Court has ruled that the Internal Revenue Service was right to revoke the tax-exempt status of an Indianapolis health charity that had a contract with a controversial fund-raising consultant, the Watson and Hughey Company. The court concluded that part of…
By Stephen G. Greene and GRANT WILLIAMS
In Reversal, IRS Says Group That Urges Less Aid to Israel is a Charity
The Internal Revenue Service has given up its efforts to deny charity status to an organization that seeks to reduce the amount of federal money that goes to Israel. The I.R.S. declined to comment on its reason for deciding to grant charity status to the Council for the National Interest Foundation…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
New Pennsylvania Law and Court Ruling Specify Standards for Tax Exemptions
After years of debate, the State of Pennsylvania has enacted a law that redefines what non-profit organizations must do to qualify as charities and gain exemptions from property and sales taxes. The House and Senate passed the legislation and Gov. Tom Ridge signed it into law last month. Many…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
Foundations Are Bullish on Big Gifts
The stock-market surge that has caused many foundation endowments to soar has led to a record number of big grants, the Foundation Center says. The number of grants worth $2.5-million or more jumped to 193 in 1996, up from 165 the previous year, according to a new Foundation Center report. The two…
By Vince Stehle
Contributor
To the Editor: I truly enjoyed your article on the many motorcycle groups across the country that are raising funds for non-profit organizations (“Doing Good Turns for Charity,” October 16). During the past four years, I have had the pleasure of working with the Sunset Riders Motorcycle Club in…
Ducking the Evidence About Gay People
To the Editor: Charles Watkins’s letter to the editor (“Keep Numbers Straight About Gay People,” October 30), while professing to correct a canard, itself “ducks” the evidence about the prevalence and nature of homosexuality in human populations. Figures on the prevalence of homosexuality vary…
Dance-Group Article Missed a Step
To the Editor: As a former capital-campaign assistant to Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, I felt compelled to write in response to Vince Stehle’s article in the September 18th issue (“Dance Center Lands Back on Its Feet”). Mr. Stehle’s assertion that the festival chose bond debt over conducting any…