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Oddz N Ends
Budgets hinder nonprofit organization technology progress
IRA charitable gifts provide tax savings for elders
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which was signed into law Dec.17, 2010, extends earlier legislation giving persons aged 70.5 or older tax allowances when they make charitable gifts directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).The law approves charitable distributions made from an IRA in January 2011 to be declared as 2010 gifts, if the IRA holder wish to do so. And will not tax charitable gifts made from an IRA under specific circumstances. Read more >>
Housing Assistance Council shares news
According to the January 5 Housing Assistance Council (HAC) News, vol. 40, no. 1, the latest continuing resolution will keep the government and U.S. Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Agriculture rural housing programs operating at their FY 2010 levels through March 4.
Additionally, HAC has created the Art Collings Internship. Collings was a mentor and trainer to many who work in rural housing. The first Collings intern will work at HAC during summer of 2011. HAC is accepting donations to help fund the internship. Make checks to the Housing Assistance Council, with “Collings internship” on the memo line, and mail to HAC’s national office. Read more HAC News >>
Visit the HAC website for more information about HAC >>
Free guide to community solar available
Download a free copy of A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-profit Development, sponsored by the National Energy Renewable Laboratory . The guide profiles community solar projects from across the country, provides examples of project ownership models and offers an introduction to tax, finance and securities issues. The publication also includes the Interstate Renewable Energy Council Model Community Renewables Program Rules, a policy template for states and utilities to encourage community solar.
VISTA volunteers benefit Oregon communities
The Oregon Microenterprise Network's (OMEN) AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members Corps is accepting applications from organizations that wish to become VISTA host sites in Oregon. Approved sites will recruit a full-time VISTA volunteer who will serve at their site from August 12, to Aug. 10, 2012. Applications must be received at the OMEN office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18. OMEN will notify sites of their acceptance by March 21 via e-mail.
Download the following instructions and application forms:
• 2010-2011 Host Site Request for Proposal
• 2010-2011 Host Site Application Form
• VISTA Assignment Description Template
Learn more about OMEN's VISTA program or contact OMEN via email at vista@oregon-microbiz.org. Learn more about other VISTA programs in Oregon.
February is Black History Month
The 2010 Census numbers revealing the Black U.S. population are not yet available, but the estimates for 2009 are that there were approximately 41.8 million Black people, including those of mixed race in the U.S. as of July 1, 2009, which is about 13.6 percent of the total U.S. population. Get more statistics on the U.S. Black population from the Census Bureau.
While Black people are just a small fraction of this country’s population, they have a rich legacy, are an intrinsic part of this country’s fabric and have impacted everyone here. Consider taking a moment during February to learn more about their history, legacy and contributions. An internet search should provide you with a wealth of information.
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