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Many nonprofit organizations are in danger of losing tax exemptions

Nearly half a million nonprofit organizations could lose their tax exemption status due to improper filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Pension Protection Act of 2006 mandates for exempt organizations, that fail to meet the income thresholds for Form 990 or 990-EX, to file a new return with the IRS. The Form 990-N was created for smaller nonprofit organizations to report on tax years ending on or after Dec. 31, 2007. If an organization fails to file a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-N for three consecutive years, the IRS is required to revoke the tax-exempt status. Loss of exemption requires reapplication to the IRS for exemption. Beginning in May 2010, revocations will happen automatically. For more information visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service website.

Is your Nonprofit organization transparent?

“The State of Nonprofit Transparency, 2008: Voluntary Disclosure Practices” report published by GuideStar® states that out of 1,800 nonprofit organization websites, 93 percent describe their programs and accomplishments but only 13 percent post their audited financial statements and even fewer (3 percent) post their IRS tax determination letter. Read the executive summary, GuideStar recommendations and request a free copy of the report>>

Survey measures how nonprofit organizations are coping with America’s economic downturn

GuideStar® conducted a survey of public charity and private foundation employees to measure the effect of the economic downturn on American nonprofit organizations from October 2008 to February 2009, compared to the same period a year earlier. "The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector" report states that more than 52 percent have experienced a decrease in contributions, 31 percent of grantmakers gave less money and 35 percent cut their annual budgets from 2008 to 2009. Of the 35 percent that cut budgets, the majority are “making ends meet by cutting services."  GuideStar conducted a second survey to include the time period from March to May 2009 and found the results were remarkably similar.  To read a synopsis and request a free copy of the reports >> 

Green News and Resources

EPA celebrates Earth Day every day with new interactive web tools

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched its new on-line communication tools in an effort to educate Americans about how to protect the environment and their personal health. The interactive tools include information on saving energy, conserving water, recycling, getting involved and making environmentally protective choices. Website visitors can listen to EPA podcasts, share their thoughts, or sign up to receive daily environmental tips via e-mail.

Green economy generates jobs

Expanding clean energy production generates jobs, businesses and investments. The number of jobs in America's emerging clean energy economy grew nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs between 1998 and 2007, according to a report released on June 10 by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew developed a clear, data-driven definition of the clean energy economy and conducted the first-ever hard count across all 50 states of the actual jobs, companies and venture capital investments that supply the growing market demand for environmentally friendly products and services. The report, “The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America,” (pdf, >1mg), includes a state by state ranking for quick reference to see how each state measures up. (Pew Press Release)

RCAC publishes green building guide

RCAC’s Green Building Guide — Design Techniques, Construction Practices & Materials for Affordable Housing (pdf, >2mb), provides time-tested, practical and intuitive approaches to creating environmentally sound buildings.  For more information on RCAC’s green services funding and programs, visit the RCAC Green Services webpage or contact Ellen Drew, RCAC environmental regional manager or Connie Baker Wolfe, RCAC housing regional manager.

Greenbuild 2009 Conference and Expo

Meet with others in the greenbuilding industry and network with leading industry professionals. Take part in an educational course, showcase at the green expo, hear a master speaker or go on a tour of Phoenix's green attributes and sites. The event will be held at the Phoenix, Arizona Convention Center, Nov. 11-13, 2009. For more information and registration >>

Online Resources

Federal Reserve System website provides valuable resources for homeowners facing foreclosures

America’s economic hardships are evident across the globe and foreclosure has become a household word. At a time when all Americans should work together to mend finances, foreclosure scams are on the rise. In response, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System posts tips and other resources in an effort to educate consumers with the basic information they need to deal with foreclosures and avoid scams. Read “5 Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure Scams” and much more.

“Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin”

The "Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin" is a free resource that provides tools focusing on issues facing water and wastewater systems, links to get advice from regional experts of the national Rural Community Assistance Partnership, and quick access to loan information and applications. To subscribe >>

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