|
COMMUNITY NEWS AND ISSUES
Learn about the latest trends and issues affecting
the Marin County nonprofit and volunteer sector.
President’s New Jobs Bill Includes Nonprofit Relief
President Barack Obama is including nonprofit organizations in his proposal to spur hiring by small employers. As part of his job-creation plan, if a nonprofit increases the hours or wages of employees making less than $106,800, the employer would be reimbursed for the additional Social Security taxes incurred. For more information, Click Here >
State Registration Requirement—April 15th Deadline
Nonprofits and businesses with annual receipts over $100,000 that are not registered with the State Board of Equalization (SBE) or that do not hold a seller's or use tax permit must register with the SBE and report and pay by April 15th the use tax owed for the previous calendar year. The annual use tax payment applies to purchases on which sales tax was not collected by the seller, but does not apply to the purchases of vehicles, vessels and aircraft. Typically, these types of purchases are made from out-of-state entities, often on the Internet. For more information, Click here >
Obama's New Budget: Impact on Nonprofits
The President released his 2010-11 budget proposal in early February. To learn how the President’s budget priorities may impact the work of your organization and communities that you serve, Click Here >
New Laws Affecting Nonprofits
2010 ushers in many news laws affecting nonprofits, including workers’ comp, ADA, and I-9 forms. For a brief summary of new laws that might affect you, Click Here >
Significant Changes in 2009 Form 990 Filing
The 2009 Form 990, schedules, and instructions have been revised to modify and clarify certain reporting requirements. The March/April issue of The Alert will include more information on laws affecting 990 filings but meanwhile, for a summary of significant changes to the Form 990, Click Here >
EARTHQUAKE DISASTER RELIEF IN Chili
A massive 8.8 earthquake struck Chile in the early morning hours on ebruary 27. Over 100 times more powerful than the Haitian earthquake, it is already responsible for major damage, strong aftershocks felt throughout the entire South American continent (one was nearly as powerful as Haiti's earthquake), more than 700 deaths, the displacement of 1.5 million people and tsunami warnings for the entire Pacific rim region, which were finally lifted on Sunday.
Several international disaster relief organizations have already begun mobilizing resources for the earthquake-stricken region. Here are a few that have already launched campaigns for Chile:
- AmeriCares is sending medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Chile. Go here to make a donation to support these efforts;
- The American Red Cross has already pledged $450,000 in aid for Chile. You can make a donation through the American Red Cross' International Response Fund, and it will be allocated specifically for Chile relief efforts;
- Doctors Without Borders has already arrived in Chile with medical assistance and supplies. To support these efforts donate online or by phone at 1-888-392-0392;
- Habitat for Humanity is also seeking online donations for Chile rebuilding efforts;
- The Salvation Army is also sending personnel and supplies to assist in the relief effort and is in need of donations;
- Samaritan's Purse, the international aid and development group headed by Rev. Franklin Graham, is working to help;
- Save The Children is sending an emergency assessment team to Chile and is asking for donations to its Children's Emergency Fund to aid these efforts;
- World Vision, a Christian humanitarian charity organization, is also working to help children and families devastated by the quake. To learn more about its efforts and to donate, visit its website.
Texting to help
Text CHILE to 20222 to donate $10 to World Vision
SUPPORT EARTHQUAKE DISASTER RELIEF IN HAITI
The Haitian government, the United Nations, and donor representatives met in Haiti on January 14 to coordinate their efforts. The arrival of humanitarian supplies has begun, but access to Port-au-Prince and the distribution of aid to people in need is difficult and hampered by a number of significant challenges that are impeding rescue efforts and movement. People are gathering in open spaces and some are reportedly leaving Port-au-Prince for other areas in Haiti. On January 12, 2010, President Obama assembled heads of agencies to begin working immediately on a coordinated response to the disaster. On January 13, 2010, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth H. Merten issued a disaster declaration, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) authorized $50,000 for the initial implementation of an emergency response program. The U.S. embassy in Haiti also began facilitating the evacuation of U.S. citizens.
On January 14, President Obama announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Haiti to provide significant resources to meet the immediate needs on the ground.
Economic Impact Survey Report
Four quarterly economic impact surveys are being undertaken by the Center to gather data
and study the impact of the current economic downturn on the Marin nonprofit
community. It was modeled on the Bay-Area-wide nonprofit pulse survey
done by the United Way of the Bay Area in November 2008. Below are reports for the quarterly online surveys that the Center has conducted.
EIS Report July-September 2008 >
EIS Report October-December 2008 >
EIS Report January - March 2009 >
EIS Report April - June 2009.
Marin Nonprofit Sector Study - 2008
The first-ever comprehensive study of Marin County’s nonprofit landscape was released by the Center in May 2008.
Learn More >
Report: The Quiet Crisis
A report by Civic Enterprises and the Democratic Leadership Council on the plight of America's nonprofits today with several concrete recommendations on how our nation can spark a strong nonprofit recovery.
Read Report >
Alcoholic Beverage Update for Nonprofit Corporations
Assembly Bill 1964 (Alcoholic beverages: nonprofit corporations) was signed
into law by
Governor Schwarzenegger and goes into effect on Jan 1, 2009.
Learn more >
New IRS E-Postcard Filing for Small Nonprofits
Last year, the IRS released the new form 990-N (electronic postcard) to be filed
by tax exempt organizations with annual gross receipts of $25,000 or less.
Learn more >
|
