Year-End Happy Hour for Nonprofit Leaders-Dec. 15th

You are cordially invited to attend the premier year-end Happy Hour and Networking event for Nonprofit Leaders on Wednesday,December 15th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Mio Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW (Vermont & L Street/near McPherson Square or Farragut North Metro stops), Washington, DC. No cover charge, but attendees pay for their own food, drink and tip. This is a casual-style networking event designed to bring professionals together to share, learn and benefit. We look forward to seeing you at this great event!

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of October 3rd

This is a summary of posts for the week of October 3rd to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Another chain of nonprofit hospitals are privatized: http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2010/10/05/deal_near_on_terms_for_caritas_sale_to_cerberus/

Shopping pink at the grocery store can bring benefits - but read the label's fine print: http://www.app.com/article/20101003/ENT05/10030308/Shopping-pink-at-the-grocery-store-can-bring-benefits-but-read-the-label-s-fine-print

The 5 new rules of crisis management in Social Media: http://thebrandbuilder.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/the-5-new-rules-of-crisis-management-in-social-media/

The world's worst digital marketing advice - http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/27681.asp

A recent study was released documenting the serious and widespread problems experienced by nonprofit human service providers under contract with governments. The report, Human Service Nonprofits and Government Collaboration: Findings from the 2010 National Survey of Nonprofit Government Contracting and Grants can be found at http://www.govtcontracting.org/sites/default/files/Full%20Report.pdf

A Bicentennial Tribute: Abraham Lincoln on Stamps at http://www.stamps.org/Albums/Lincoln.pdf

A survey released today by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement illustrates ongoing strain on nonprofit organizations across Greater Washington DC area. http://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/sites/default/files/Economic%20Survey_Oct2010.pdf

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 26th

This is a summary of posts for the week of September 26th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Maybe we will see more foundations providing funds to help charities form partnerships, combine functions like bookkeeping or community services, or merge into new groups? It is already happening in Boston: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/09/22/boston_foundation_other_groups_promise_more_clout_for_charities/

Newark (NJ) Mayor Cory Booker is expected to announce soon that he has raised $40 million of the $100 million needed to match a grant put forth last week by Facebook founder: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704082104575516410533512170.html

NY lawsuit by charity blames SEC for failing to catch Madoff: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-24/litwin-foundation-sues-sec-for-negligence-over-madoff-investment-losses.html

Congregations are Reeling From Decline in Donations: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/25/us/25religion.html

More than 300,000 small charities that risk losing their IRS tax exemption have until Oct. 15 to file a return and keep their exempt status!!!! http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=225889,00.html

Wage Garnishment – Know Your Responsibilities When it Comes to Withholding an Employee Earnings: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Wage-Garnishment-Know-Your-Responsibilities-When-it-Comes-to/ba-p/36676?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-092910-_-weekly-_-community

Some in Congress Seek IRS Scrutiny of Nonprofits’ Political Spending: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/29/senate-democrats-press-i-r-s-to-review-political-spending-by-nonprofits/

Mexico's Carlos Slim (the richest man in the world) Says He'd Rather Create Jobs Than Donate to Charity: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-29/carlos-slim-prefers-job-creation-to-giving-money-away-update1-.html

New App Clues You in on What People Think of Your Website: http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2010/09/new-app-clues-you-in-on-what-people-think-of-your-website.php

Nonprofit Finance Fund Report: Philanthropic Equity Pays Off for Nonprofit Sector - The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle - http://www.ssireview.org/images/articles/2009FA_feature_Gregory_Howard.pdf

DC Network of Nonprofit Professionals Happy Hour being held on Wednesday, October 20th

You are invited to the first DC Network of Nonprofit Professionals Happy Hour being held on Wednesday, October 20th from 500pm to 630pm at Mio Restaurant & Cafe, 1110 Vermont Ave NW # 1, Washington, DC 20005-3575. Connect with other nonprofit professionals, and meet members of the DC Network Network of Nonprofit Professionals. There is no cover charge, but attendees pay for their own food, drink and tip. Feel free to bring along friends or co-workers. We look forward to meeting you!

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 19th

This is a summary of posts for the week of September 19th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Nonprofits can flounder when conviction for a cause outstrips business planning - Washington Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2010/09/20/focus1.html?ana=from_rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vertical_36+%28Pharmaceutical+Industry+News%29

The 2010 Cone Cause Evolution Study was recently released. "The study explores consumer attitudes and expectations of company support for social and environmental issues. The results are exciting in light of the recession – they revealed that even as cause marketing continues to grow, consumers are eager for more. In fact, 83 percent of Americans want MORE of the products, services and retailers they use to support causes." To obtain a copy of the report go to http://www.coneinc.com/news/request.php?id=3350

Nonprofit tips: Four Easy Steps to Social Media Success: http://www.afpnet.org/ResourceCenter/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4604

Giving tied more to happiness than wealth: http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news/giving-tied-more-happiness-wealth

Do you know where most of your donation goes? http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_f117b959-f8c1-5fca-9307-3a129d9fbb34.html

Tax status of bowl games challenged-three of the nation's premier bowls are accused of violating their tax-exempt status by paying excessive salaries and perks, providing "sweetheart loans" and doing undisclosed lobbying. http://www.seattlepi.com/cfootball/2060ap_fbc_bcs_tax_complaint.html

Mio Restaurant in Washington, DC has excellent food and a great ambiance! Check it out! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Mio-Restaurant-Cafe/96171401820

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC). BOEDC is a one-stop resource center for business and industry development in the borough of the Bronx in New York City. Marlene Cintron serves as the president of the BOEDC. For further info on BOEDC visit http://www.boedc.com/.

"Tough times have compelled small-business owners to rethink long-held business practices. But many are finding creative ways to continue their support for good causes." Despite Struggles, Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Give Back:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/business/smallbusiness/16sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=business

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of September 12th

This is a summary of posts for the week of September 12th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Operate a Non-Profit? –Then Get to Know Grants.gov: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Matters/Operate-a-Non-Profit-Then-Get-to-Know-Grants-gov/ba-p/34930?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-091510-_-weekly-_-community

Why Nonprofits Need Strong Taglines: http://gettingattention.org/articles/138/branding/nonprofit-tagline-power.html

Happy Birthday to the US Constitution! On Sept. 17, 1787 the US Constitution was signed. http://www.constitutionday.com/

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the weeks of August 29th, & September 5th

This is a summary of posts for the weeks of August 29th & September 5th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

For-profit thrift stores attract a growing following in N.J., but some question chain's methods: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/unique_thrift_stores_are_newes.html

How Non-Profits are Exploring Augmented Reality Tech: http://mashable.com/2010/08/27/augmented-reality-non-profits/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

Employee or Independent Contractor: Watch Your Classifications-Compliance with the rules governing worker classifications can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217208?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Flatest+%28Entrepreneur.com%3A+Latest+Articles

Please help with our cause! Visit the following link and help us build a more
peaceful and nonviolent tomorrow! Enough-to-Violence: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Enough-to-Violence/114331611918183

The National First Look Program - Major banks are agreeing to give local governments and nonprofit groups the ability to buy foreclosed homes before they are sold to private investors. http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2010/08/30/daily26.html

Could a Peanut Paste End Malnutrition? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05Plumpy-t.html?_r=1&hp

Online Giving Meets Social Networking at Crowdrise. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/business/05proto.html?_r=1

A New Career of Caring, Started in Death on 9/11-Brooke Jackman Foundation, dedicated to promoting literacy, especially among elementary school children in the city who haven’t caught many breaks in life. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/nyregion/07nyc.html

Focus on Impact, Not Transactions, for Better Donation Pages-http://www.afpnet.org/ResourceCenter/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4585

Fundraising Tips: How to Get Your Donors More Engaged - http://www.socialexecutive.com/2010/09/01/how-to-get-your-donors-more-engaged/

A survey conducted by the Forward has found that Jewish and Christian religious institutions appear to raise about the same amount per member, despite the fact that church giving is voluntary and synagogues charge membership dues. http://www.forward.com/articles/131095/

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 22nd

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 22nd to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Are You a Tax-Exempt Charity? Sure About That? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kelly-kleiman/are-you-a-taxexempt-chari_b_685351.html

What Social Value Do Nonprofits Really Create? http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/blog/view/what_social_value_do_nonprofits_really_create

Northern California hospital sues Sutter Health, claims it illegally skimmed $120M: http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-ca-sutter-health-lawsuit,0,6979486.story

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 15th

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 15th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled that a religious organization that primarily holds Internet and radio worship services does not meet the U.S. Internal Revenue Service's definition of a church. The foundation challenged an IRS determination that it did not meet the Internal Revenue Code's definition of a "church." http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2010/08/18/judge-denies-online-religious-groups-bid-for-church-status/

Not a way to run a Charity Bingo: Fraud, Theft and Other Charges for Operators of a Queens Bingo Hall - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/nyregion/19bingo.html

Understanding social-media ROI in the nonprofit space: http://smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2010/08/19/understanding-social-media-roi-in-the-nonprofit-space/

What would the world be like if there were no lawyers? See video at http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5000547/a_world_without_lawyers/

In Twist, Nonprofits Review Technology Failures: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/technology/17fail.html?_r=1

The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector: A June 2010 Survey: http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/news/publications/nonprofits-and-economy-june-010.aspx?hq_e=el&hq_m=725434&hq_l=3&hq_v=81201852cf

According to a team of psychologists, the lower classes donate more: Have less, give more Surprising insights from the social sciences- http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/08/08/have_less_give_more/

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 8th

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 8th to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

20th anniversary a philanthropic milestone for the Native Americans in Philanthropy organization: http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/business/20th-anniversary-a-philanthropic-milestone-99846999.html

How to raise funds for your nonprofit using social media: http://smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2010/08/13/how-to-raise-funds-for-your-nonprofit-using-social-media/

Nonprofit Resource: The IRS has published an updated Charitable Contributions: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements,Publication 1771, that explains the federal tax law for organizations such as charities and churches that receive tax-deductible charitable contributions and for taxpayers who make contributions. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3079.pdf

Nonprofit Resource: The IRS has published an updated Tax-Exempt Organizations and Gaming,Publication 3079, that provides an exempt organization—whether it is running games already or deciding whether to start doing so—the information it needs to operate in a manner that will not jeopardize its exempt status or generate unexpected tax bills. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3079.pdf

Facebook Page & Twitter Posts for the week of August 1st

This is a summary of posts for the week of August 1st to Twitter and the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

At 100 years old the Boy Scouts Seek a Way to Rebuild Ranks: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/31/us/31boyscouts.html

Are nonprofit hospitals truly not for profit?Tax breaks rankle some critics, who ask: "What are you giving the community?" http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-07-31/news/os-nonprofit-hospitals-20100731_1_charity-care-nonprofit-hospitals-community-benefit-programs

Grant writing Tip: How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Grant Proposal at http://nonprofit.about.com/od/foundationfundinggrants/a/coverletters.htm?nl=1

Nonprofits protecting brand-Charity Brawl: Nonprofits Aren't So Generous When a Name's at Stake:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703700904575390950178142586.html

Tips on Building Good Proposals: http://www.asmallchange.net/tips-on-building-good-proposals/

Last Acts of Responsibility: Planning Leadership Transitions: http://www.asianphilanthropyforum.org/2010/08/last-acts-of-responsibility-planning-leadership-transitions.html

Your path to storybook year-end fundraising starts here: http://www.bigducknyc.com/blog/?p=2885

Event Management Logistics: Tips for getting the most out of your T-shirt - http://www.event360.com/event-management-logistics-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-t-shirt/

What smart nonprofits are doing right now: http://getfullyfundedblog.com/what-smart-nonprofits-are-doing-right-now

How a Russian Spy Strategy Can Strengthen Your Nonprofit Marketing
: http://gettingattention.org/articles/924/audience-research/russian-spy-strategy-boost-marketing-results.html

Using Celebrity in Fundraising: Celebrity-Charity Crushes Are More than Puppy Love: http://grantsavvy.blogspot.com/2010/07/using-celebrity-in-fundraising.html

Nonprofit Blog Carnival Roundup: How to Create a Juicy Nonprofit Blog: http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2010/07/nonprofit-blog-carnival-roundup-how-to.html

Nonprofit Boards: Observations at http://nonprofitboardcrisis.typepad.com/mbblog/2010/08/nonprofit-boards-observations-.html

What’s Working in Donor Fundraising and Development Today? http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/whats-working-in-donor-fundraising-and-development-today/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ejewishphilanthropy+%28EJewish+Philanthropy%29

Facebook Page Posts for the week of July 25th

This is a summary of posts for the week of July 25th to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

Fundraising article: Selling Cars and Selling Your Cause http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/afp/articles/16445

Nonprofits Stretched Thin: http://www.afpnet.org/Audiences/ReportsResearchDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4537

IRS Says that Nonprofit Universities Fail to Report Taxable Income: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-26/irs-survey-finds-some-nonprofit-universities-fail-to-report-taxable-income.html

Some State & Federal Lawmakers Seeking Cuts Look at Nonprofit Salaries: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/us/27nonprofit.html?_r=1

US Nonprofits' Social Media Adoption Outpaces All Other Sectors for Third Year in a Row According to New Research - http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/according-new-research,1398394.html

A special episode of The Simpsons to be shown on October 3rd will focus on Grameen Bank's micro-credit schemes, and
feature of Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=148256

The Case of the Vanishing Nonprofits, Continued: http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/blogs/3/2798

Are QR Codes the Next Big Thing for Cause Marketing? http://selfishgiving.com/cause-marketing-social-media/qr-codes-next-big-thing-for-cause-marketing

Is your Nonprofit Sick? Should Your Nonprofit Call 911? http://www.everydaygivingblog.com/2010/07/should-your-nonprofit-call-911.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EverydayGivingBlog+%28Everyday+Giving+Blog%29

Ten articles on the latest trends in online fundraising: http://stepbystepfundraising.com/10-articles-on-the-latest-trends-in-online-fundraising/

Recession Tactics Still Relevant for Nonprofits: http://nonprofit.about.com/b/2010/07/20/recession-tactics-still-relevant-for-nonprofits.htm

If Your Children Are Competent, They Don’t Need an Inheritance: http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2010/07/26/if-your-children-are-competent-they-dont-need-an-inheritence/?KEYWORDS=philanthropy

New News Source

As a public service the Arocho Law Office has created the following news and information website at http://arocholawnews.blogspot.com/. At that site you will find links to useful news and information on business, nonprofits, regulations, government, money, credit unions, world news and matters of personal interest!

Facebook Page Posts for the weeks of July 11th &18th

This is a summary of posts for the weeks of July 11th, and 18th to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page:

A special episode of The Simpsons to be shown on October 3rd will focus on Grameen Bank's micro-credit schemes, and feature of Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=148256

US Nonprofits' Social Media Adoption Outpaces All Other Sectors for Third Year in a Row According to New Research - http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/according-new-research,1398394.html

Grant Alert: TD Charitable Foundation 2010 Housing for Everyone Grant Competition Overview - http://www.tdbank.com/community/housing_grant_competition.html

Some State & Federal Lawmakers Seeking Cuts Look at Nonprofit Salaries: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/us/27nonprofit.html?_r=1

IRS Says that Nonprofit Universities Fail to Report Taxable Income: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-26/irs-survey-finds-some-nonprofit-universities-fail-to-report-taxable-income.html

Nonprofits Stretched Thin: http://www.afpnet.org/Audiences/ReportsResearchDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4537

Arocho Law Office's Nonprofit Blog: IRS Grants Grace Period for Small Tax Exempt Organ... http://goo.gl/b/E16k

Fundraising article: Selling Cars and Selling Your Cause http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/afp/articles/16445

How Daydreaming Could Lead to Your Next Big Idea: http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/how-daydreaming-could-lead-to-your-next-big-idea-ben-popper

Telecommuting? Some Tips for Best Work from Home Experience - http://businessforums.verizon.net/t5/Small-Biz-Blog/Telecommuting-Some-Tips-for-Best-Work-from-Home-Experience/ba-p/230846

A N.J. nonprofit restaurant in Orange follows the social entrepreneurship trend: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/nj_nonprofit_group_restaurant.html

Student run nonprofit medical clinic: For med students, financial lessons learned outside the lab at http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/07/22/am-for-med-students-financial-lessons-learned-outside-the-lab/

The IRS seeks comments on new disclosure requirement pursuant the 2010 health care reform law that requires that businesses and nonprofits, starting in 2012, to report aggregate payments to vendors in excess of $600 for goods and other property. The requirement applies for payments to all vendors, not just those related to health care. Presently, nonprofits and business are required to file Form 1099s for payment of services by independent contractors, but not for goods from vendors. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225029,00.html

According to a recently released report by the Johns Hopkins University's Listening Post Project, there is evidence that this Great Recession has placed a significant strain on the nonprofit sector, especially those that provide services to children and family services as well as arts nonprofits, and finds that larger nonprofits tended to lay off staff more frequently than smaller ones. [Communiqué No. 19, 7/14/2010] http://www.urban.org/publications/412135.html

Fan Page Posts for Week of July 11

This is a summary of posts to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page for the week of July 11, 2010:

• The nickel-and-dime approach by some nonprofits to encourage donations by mail: Charities mail out coins, hope for larger return - http://www.usatoday.com/news/sharing/2010-07-14-charity-coins_N.htm

• In the aftermath of a disaster or in other emergency hardship situations, individuals, employers and corporations often are interested in providing assistance to victims through a charitable organization. Before disaster strikes, review the tax rules that apply!!!!

• The Affordable Care Act of 2010 contains some tax provisions that take effect this year and others that will be implemented during the next several years and could impact your small business or nonprofit . Keep abreast of the latest information on the implementation of provisions that may affect your tax-exempt organization!!

• Something interesting to do this weekend-create a paper clone of yourself. Info and instructions at http://www.instructables.com/id/Project-Paper-clone/ :)

• A lesson for your business or nonprofit that you may find hard to believe can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&feature=player_embedded . The lively RSA Animate illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace. www.theRSA.org

• Great new small business: Shore Kids Yoga LLC is dedicated to helping children become healthy from the inside out. At Shore Kids Yoga, they believe everyone needs an outlet to express themselves, relieve stress and have FUN. They encourage children to use their imagination, relax and become strong confident individuals. For further info please visit http://www.shorekidsyoga.com/

• The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance recently released a list of standards that national charities most commonly fail to meet when being evaluated by the Alliance against its 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. http://www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-wise-giving-alliance-releases-top-reasons-charities-fail-to-meet-its-standards-20723

• An example of Cause Marketing for Business: Snack Firm Puts New Twist on Charity-Marketing Deals - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/business/media/12adnewsletter1.html?_r=1

• What is Cause Marketing? How To Legally Partner with a Non Profit Organization: http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/How-To-Legally-Partner-with-A-Non-Profit-Organization/ba-p/23526?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-070110-_-weekly-_-community

• Nonprofit startup ideas: Resources for Starting a Halfway House or Transitional Housing Facility at http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Resources-for-Starting-a-Halfway-House-or-Transitional-Housing/ba-p/25813?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-071410-_-weekly-_-community

• Bootom Line News: As per a recent Canadian University report, an investment in improving the working condition of all employees can be an advantage to the bottom line both in times of economic growth and recession. You can find a summary of the report at http://www.mcgill.ca/files/ihsp/Profit_at_the_Bottom_of_the_Ladder_A_Summary_Report.pdf

• Is your nonprofit registered as a charity? Almost every state and territory regulates the solicitation activities of charities. Some exceptions may exist for religious organizations. The National Assoc. of Attorneys General and National Assoc. of State Charity Officials developed the Charleston Principles to address solicitation over the internet and it can be used as guidance for good faith compliance.

• Arocho Law Office brochure is available at http://arocholaw.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/ALO_One_Sheet_July_2010.19392528.pdf

• The Village People will have to change the lyrics to their song YMCA to The Y: The organization previously known as the Y.M.C.A. is henceforth to be called “the Y.” http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/us/12Y.html?_r=1&hp

Fan Page Posts for Week of July 4

This is a summary of posts to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page for the week of July 4, 2010:

• Companies Find Ways to Bypass Ban on (Congressional)Earmarks by creating nonprofits: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/us/politics/05earmarks.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=nonprofits&st=cse

• Resting in Peace and Joy for all Eternity...R.I.P. Arturo Soto. He was born about 1928, in Puerto Rico, and died on July 7, 2010, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. A longtime resident of the US Virgin Islands, he was a well known businessman, public official and member of the community.

• Nonprofit Resource: The 2009 GuideStar Nonprofit Compensation Report is now available. This report gives nonprofits the information they need to establish appropriate compensation and demonstrate to grantmakers, oversight agencies, and individual donors that the salaries and benefits they offer are justified. It can be purchased at: http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/products/guidestar-nonprofit-compensation-report.aspx?hq_e=el&hq_m=676661&hq_l=1&hq_v=81201852cf
  

• Reinvent Your Nonprofit to Rebound From the Recession. Compare your business/nonprofit today with others in field/industry & geographic location. Look at way you're doing business with fresh set of eyes so you can discover ways to do things differently. Reinventing your business or nonprofit may be just the boost you need to rebound from the recession.
  

• Celebrate National Parents' Day this July 25th! This day is celebrated the 4th Sunday of every July. Many are unaware that our nation has a new day of commemoration called Parents' Day. In 1994 the President of the US signed into law the resolution unanimously adopted by the U. S. Congress establishing the fourth Sunday of every July as Parents' Day, a perennial day of commemoration similar to Mother's Day and Father's Day. According to the Congressional Resolution, Parents’ Day is established for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children." http://www.parentsday.com/
  

• Five Charity Myths of Charitable Giving Dispelled: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/catid/68/cpid/617.htm
  

• The Ultimate Guide to Social Entrepreneur Funding can be found at http://www.greenmarketing.tv/2010/06/29/guide-to-social-entrepreneur-funding/
  

• A June 30 Fiscal Year End Date Will Trigger Form 990 Deadline for Many Organizations: http://www2.guidestar.org/rxa/news/articles/2010/june-30-fiscal-year-end-date-will-trigger-form-990-deadline-for-many-nonprofits.aspx?source=july2010nwsltr&hq_e=el&hq_m=663242&hq_l=8&hq_v=81201852cf
  

• Five Effective Ways Nonprofits Can Use the Internet to Communicate and Market to Their Audiences at http://www2.guidestar.org/rxa/news/articles/2010/five-effective-ways-nonprofits-can-use-the-internet-to-communicate-and-market-to-their-audiences.aspx?source=july2010nwsltr&hq_e=el&hq_m=663242&hq_l=5&hq_v=81201852cf
  

Prior Fan Page Posts

This is a summary of older posts to the Arocho Law Office Facebook Page :

Free Corporate Philanthropy Search Portal - The NonProfit Times launched a free search portal that allows nonprofits to search, view and save information about corporate donors, recipient organizations and the size of gifts. To research current donors, create customized prospect lists and much more, visit the Nonprofit Times Web site and click on "Donation Portal" or http://www.nptgrantsearch.com/.

Google for Non-Profits - A new portal, called Google for Nonprofits (http://www.google.com/nonprofits/ ), is now available that provides charities access and guidance on how to use a variety of tools and resources that Google offers. For each service, Google for Nonprofits also offers instructions (with video tutorials) on how to use the program, as well as guidance as to how charities can get the most benefit out of each. Use of each of the services is free of charge. The site also features examples of how some charities are already using the various tools to further their mission.

Building Trust With Print And Online Appeals - According to a recent article in Philanthropy Journal that was written by Richard D. Waters, a communications professor at N.C. State University, recent research in public relations shows that an individual's decision to give to charity is directly tied to trust-the belief that a nonprofit will produce results with each donation. The full text of the article can be found on the Philanthropy Journal website
(http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/resources/fundraisinggiving/using-solicitations-build-trust ).

What a great idea- a low-profit, limited liability company (L3C). A hybrid of a nonprofit and for-profit organization designed to attract private investments and philanthropic capital in ventures designed to provide a social benefit. http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jun2009/sb20090615_940089.htm?chan=smal...lbiz_smallbiz+index+page_top+small+business+stories

The problem faced by WEAVE, a DC nonprofit, is symbolic of what is happening to many nonprofis in this difficult economic climate. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/19/AR2009091902383.html

Fundraising Tip: Personalize the premiums to donors. http://www.nptimes.com/09Sep/npt-090915-2.html

When it is the right time to hire a development officer: http://www.nptimes.com/webex/09Feb/c2-2-1-09.html

Introducing the Southern Maryland Applied Research and Technology Consortium, Inc. (a green technology and computer recycling nonprofit). I invite you to learn more about the great job they do by visiting: http://smartco.org/description.html .

The IRS Form 990 FAQs and tips for nonprofit organizations can be found at:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=211430,00.html

Wall Street Journal: What's Wrong With Charitable Giving—and How to Fix It (2009 article)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574481773446591750.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_personalfinance

Here is an article from earlier this year that still may be of interest - A Cheat Sheet For A Down Economy: http://www.nptimes.com/09Mar/news-090323-1.html


The Disruption of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program: Causes, Consequences, Responses, and Proposed Correctives, published by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, examines the new Tax Credit Assistance Program and Tax Credit Exchange Program. Visit http://bit.ly/5ggFf1


Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 ("COPPA") protects certain personal information that a website collects from children under the age of 13. For more information, please see http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/privacyinitiatives/childrens.html.

The Wall Street Journal reports that due to the recession (Great Recession) there is a shake out in the nonprofit sector that includes layoffs, mergers and closings. http://bit.ly/cYluB8

What Happens When I Default on a Business Loan? http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/What-Happens-When-I-Default-on-a-Business-Loan/ba-p/14770#A216?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-020310-_-weekly-_-community

Dress Code Policies: Nonprofits like other sectors of the economy, almost all nonprofits with employees have some form of a dress code policy. When creating a dress code policy for your business, apply your policy equally to all employees. Unfair dress code policies are considereddiscriminatory and may be grounds for a lawsuit. http://community2.business.gov/t5/Business-Law-Advisor/Dress-Code-Policies/ba-p/14727#A327?cm_mmc=GovDelivery-_-020310-_-weekly-_-community

Fiscal sponsorship for nonprofits-- it's more than you think. http://savannahnow.com/column/2010-02-06/fiscal-sponsorship-its-more-you-think

Donating to Charities via Text Messages: http://www.nj.com/helpinghands/nonprofitknowhow/index.ssf/2010/02/donating_to_charities_via_text.html

Aspiritech, a nonprofit in the suburbs of Chicago, is trying to help improve the job outlook for people with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123567371&sc=fb&cc=fp

IRS set out new fees that apply to exemption applications and requests for rulings and determination letters from the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=121515,00.html

How to find out the status of an application to the IRS for tax-exempt status. http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=156733,00.html

How Nonprofits Can Profit Without Betraying Their Mission: http://nonprofit.about.com/b/2010/03/01/how-nonprofits-can-profit-without-betraying-their-mission.htm

Here is a useful link to the U.S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov

Federal Home Loan Banks have special programs for affordable housing and community investment including the Affordable Housing Program, the Community Investment Program (CIP) and Community Investment Cash Advances (CICA). CIP advances loans to FHLBanks members (at cost) to make funds available to both households and businesses. CICA assists economic development with long-term advances and grants for commercial, industrial, manufacturing, social service, public facility and infrastructure purposes. http://www.fhlbanks.com/

IdeaEncore Network, an online marketplace for the sharing of ready-to-use tools, presentations, course outlines, templates, and project plans within and between nonprofit organizations. https://www.ideaencore.com/

The Case for Sabbaticals: http://www.nonprofitsassistancefund.org/blog/2010/02/03/the-case-for-sabbaticals/

Instead of grants some wealthy people are offering philanthropic support for notable causes and ideas in the form of prizes: http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2032%3Anonprofit-newswire--more-people-eyeing-philanthropy-prizes&catid=155%3Adaily-digest&Itemid=137

Reduce the Burden of Grantmaking: New Guides Available: http://www.projectstreamline.org/

Take a Cue from Idol, Dawg! http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/managing/article/take-a-cue-from-idol-dawg-steve-strauss

Article on Capital Campaign fundraising for nonprofits & churches: Your Capital Campaign: Are You Ready to Succeed?
http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/afp/articles/14384

Nonprofit Board members want to give more than just dollars. They want to give input, guidance and direction. If you don’t let them lead, they won’t want to give. http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/afp/articles/14038

IRS has put together the following list of 6 things you should know about the tax treatment of tax-exempt organizations: annual returns are made available to the public, donor lists generally are not public information, how to find tax-exempt organizations, which organizations may accept charitable contributions, requirement for organizations not able to accept deductible contributions, and how to report inappropriate activities by an exempt organization. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205630,00.html

Before you create a name for your new business/nonprofit it is important to do a name search & check public records. If your sole proprietorship or partnership is going by a name other than your own, make sure you file it with the appropriate state or territory office. Not only must your name reflect your brand and be memorable, there are also a host of legal issues to consider.

How to protect your nonprofit in the social media age: http://www.asaecenter.org/PublicationsResources/ANowDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=46330

Nonprofits are acquiring for-profit corporations: http://tacticalphilanthropy.com/2010/04/nonprofits-acquire-corporation

A blueprint for action any nonprofit can use to create an online advocacy plan: http://cortcom.blogspot.com/2010/03/blueprint-for-action-any-nonprofit-can.html

Nonprofit leader compensation: How much should non-profit leaders earn? http://views.washingtonpost.com/leadership/light/2010/04/how-much-should-non-profit-leaders-earn.html

The three very important manuals that your nonprofit should have are an accounting manual, employment manual, and general operations manual. http://nonprofitleadership601.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-very-important-manuals-for.html

The Top Six Reasons Board Candidates Choose One Nonprofit Over Others to serve on: http://www.fastcompany.com/1651857/the-top-six-reasons-board-candidates-choose-one-nonprofit-over-others

Putting People First in the Nonprofit Sector: The best nonprofit leaders, however, have proven that if we truly think and act on a PEOPLE FIRST basis, we can get even more done, with even less, and make greater strides towards our organizations’ missions. Read more: http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/05/putting-people-first-in-the-nonprofit-sector/#ixzz0qaPpicCl

The website Subsidyscope, a project of the Pew Charitable Trusts and Sunlight Foundation, provides a new feature that allows the public to search a database for detailed information about federal grants and contracts with nonprofit organizations. http://subsidyscope.com/nonprofits/

Nonprofit organizations need to maintain adequate reserves to safeguard their financial stability, according to a new paper by Grant Thornton. To download a copy of the white paper, visit
www.grantthornton.com/nfpreserves.

What's The CEO Job Worth To The Nonprofit Organization? The value is the CEO Premium. In practical terms, the Nonprofit CEO's role plays itself out in the top line -- revenue, better known as “growth.” Management generally is responsible for revenue and expenses, but the responsibility for the former often falls disproportionately on the CEO for a number of subtle but powerful reasons. Another reason why revenue is the natural focus of a CEO and the source of the CEO Premium is because seeking sources of support is a divergent, creative task. http://www.exemptmagazine.com/newsletter/05-09-10bexempt.html

Nonprofit Fundraising Tech Tip: Free Fundraising Thermometers for you to use on your website can be found at http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/thermometer/

Nonprofit Fundraising Tech Tip: Free way to expand your reach with a Google Grant. It is a unique in-kind donation program awarding free AdWords advertising to select charitable organizations. Google supports organizations sharing their philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.
http://www.google.com/grants/index.html

Nonprofit Fundraising Resource: Read the following to learn more about how much it costs nonprofit organizations to lose donors and acquire new ones at http://www.afpnet.org/files/ContentDocuments/2009_FEP_FinalReport.pdf

Nonprofit Fundraising FYI: For many nonprofits, starting a successful planned giving program is as simple as encouraging bequests. Here is some advice on getting started at http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/resources/fundraisinggiving/talking-with-donors-about-bequests

‎"The new 990 is a big step forward to bring better, more usable information to a wide range of stakeholders including current and prospective donors, watchdog groups, public officials, media, and other nonprofits...Ultimately, the most important user of your 990 is you." http://www.nonprofitsassistancefund.org/blog/2010/06/02/give-your-990-a-workout/

A recent post at the Nonprofit Conversation blog discusses the changing of the title of the Executive Director in a nonprofit to President/C.E.O. However, I feel that the nonprofit must consider the legal consquences of such a title change before making such a decision. You can read the article at: What’s in a Name? Benefits of the President/CEO Title: http://nonprofitconversation.blogspot.com/2010/06/whats-in-name-benefits-of-presidentceo.html

Fundraising News: Convio, a provider of on-demand constituent engagement solutions that enable nonprofit organizations to more effectively raise funds, and PayPal announced an agreement that will enable nonprofits to implement PayPal to collect donations online. http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/pypl_paypal-teams-with-convio-to-offer-solution-for-nonprofits-994591.html

Nonprofit Board Resource: Center for Community Change. "How to Run a Good Meeting: A Guide for New Leaders." 2007 at http://www.campusactivism.org/server-new/uploads/meet.pdf

Nonprofit Board Resource: "Nonprofit Board Basics Online." that contains links to a free, interactive online course with a virtual conference, animation, more resources and online self-assessement can be found at http://www.compasspoint.org/boardbasics

Nonprofit Board Resource: "Sample Job Descriptions for Board Members of Community-Based Organizations" at http://www.cccfiles.org/resources/orgdevtools/downloads/boardjd.pdf

Nonprofit Fundraising Resource: "Writing a Winning Proposal" from Communitychange.org at http://www.campusactivism.org/server-new/uploads/winprop.pdf

Nonproft Finance Resource: Nonprofits Assistance Fund's "Using this Cash Flow Projection Worksheet" posted at Nonprofitassistancefund.org can be found here: http://www.nonprofitsassistancefund.org/files/MNAF/ToolsTemplates/Cashflow_template.XLS

Panera Co. plans to open more pay-what-you-wish nonprofit restaurants: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g__EQ-OG9DhU1YwC4Fo4s5QREdbgD9GIE6682

A great blog post on Nonprofit Embezzlement: More Common and More Preventable Than You Think can be found at http://www.blueavocado.org/content/nonprofit-embezzlement-more-common-and-more-preventable-you-think

Nonprofit grant resources (DC): An electronic clearinghouse for all District of Columbia government grant notices are available through the Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grant Services District Grants Clearinghouse at http://opgs.dc.gov/opgd/cwp/view,a,1316,q,609787.asp