Daily News Roundup: IRS Still Seeing Fallout From Tea Party Scandal
In other news, charities worry that the GOP tax bill will mean less money for those in need; a Refugees International report cites a “failure of leadership” by U.S. officials and shockingly poor conditions in Puerto Rico three months after Hurricane Maria; donations keep rolling in to public media, despite accusations of sexual misconduct against several hosts and editors; a report on what’s holding back the rich from giving larger sums; and much more.
Daily News Roundup: Gates CEO Calls 2017 an ‘Awesome Year’
Sue Desmond-Hellmann cites the number of women speaking out about sexual abuse, progress on fighting tropical diseases, and more. In other news, nonprofits ordered to leave Pakistan say thousands will lose aid; a Chinese conglomerate based in New York plans to give away $200 million; the University of Louisville will not sue its troubled foundation; and more.
Tax Bill Will Not Alter Nonprofit Nonpoliticking Rule
A 63-year-old federal law that limits political activity by nonprofits, known as the Johnson Amendment, will remain intact as Republican lawmakers move closer to a comprehensive overhaul of the tax code.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Zuckerberg Letter Outlines Long-Term Plan for Philanthropy
In other news, the Gates Foundation is committing $300 million to develop new crops to withstand the ravages of climate change; a graduate who barely squeaked by at the Rochester Institute of Technology donated $50 million to the institution; charity and advocacy are sustaining Sandy Hook families five years after the shootings; and much more on donor-advised funds and impact investing, as well as nonprofits and the law.
Daily News Roundup: Telemarketers Pocketing Most of the Millions Raised by Veterans Charity
In other news, from 2011 to 2015, another controversial telemarketer reportedly raised more than $118 million on behalf of charities and kept $106 million; the New York Philharmonic has made quick work of raising $50 million; five dancers at the New York City Ballet have accused leader Peter Martins of physical abuse; a new research center is helping scientists mine data for good; and more.
Creator of the Me Too Movement Calls on Foundations to Support Grass-Roots Activists
Tarana Burke, who founded a nonprofit that has recently gained traction, got small-foundation support that was “life changing.” But she and others say more is needed to bring more power to this moment.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Hewlett Pledges $600 Million to Develop Renewable Energy
The commitment puts the grant maker at the vanguard of an effort to fulfill the goals of the Paris climate agreement even as U.S. support of the deal has vanished.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Charities Compete Onstage for $100 Million MacArthur Prize
In other articles, A U.N. expert on extreme poverty met Monday with Puerto Rican hurricane victims to assess the U.S. response to the disaster; a report on business executives taking public stands on issues unrelated to their companies’ bottom lines; how libertarian Charles Koch and Silicon Valley are working together to push the idea that government should leave innovation alone; and more.
Daily News Roundup: Politcking and the Tax Code — Freeing Charities or Harming Them?
In other articles, a think tank says 29 million households now writing off donations and other deductions would no longer be able to do so under either of the tax plans; another report says that under the House bill, big donors could give unlimited sums to independent political groups in secret — and write off those contributions; research shows how far people will go to avoid giving — and how behavioral economics can help them be more charitable; and much more.
As Tax Changes Loom, Charities Encourage Donors to Give Now
With the tax overhaul looming, many charities are talking about the possible effects of the measure, including potential changes to giving stocks and other issues of interest to supporters.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Hospitals and Schools Race to Borrow Tax-Free While They Can
Borrowers issued more than $4 billion in private-equity bonds last week, which nonprofits and others can use for development projects with a public benefit. In other news, Newman’s Own could face a 200 percent tax thanks to the tax bill; civil-rights leader and Democratic congressman John Lewis will skip the opening of the Civil Rights Museum in Mississippi if President Trump attends; and much more.
Daily News Roundup: New York Public Radio Suspends 2 More Hosts
Both are on leave while the station investigates accusations of inappropriate conduct. In other articles, while Jared Kushner is pursing Mideast peace, the Kushner Companies Charitable Foundation is giving to a controversial West Bank settlement; Colin Kaepernick’s giving shows his vision for social change; and much more.
Nonprofits Hunt for a Tax Win After Dismal Lobbying Results
As nonprofits try to persuade Congress to keep restrictions on politicking, they also reflect on their earlier tactical errors such as spending too little money on lobbying and focusing on potential job losses.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
According to an NBC report, a Russian lawyer told the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2016 that Mr. Trump was seeking information about illegal donations to the foundation. In other news and features: an article on how conspiracy theories about George Soros have obscured other issues with large-scale giving; a report on how nonprofits are using a private-equity fund to pull a poor neighborhood out of poverty; and more.
Daily News Roundup: 5 Years in Prison for Former Congresswoman Who Raised Money for Fake Charity
In other news, allegations of bullying and sexual harassment rock New York’s WNYC public radio station after popular host departs; the new tax bill could benefit private schools and hurt public education; Code.org will use $12 million from the Gates Foundation to train more teacher and update curricula; and more.
How New Forms of Philanthropy Are Squeezing Traditional Charities
Donors and foundations look to alternative legal structures and for-profit investments to effect change, with big implications for grant-supported nonprofits.
By Alex Daniels and Rebecca Koenig