Thursday, May 19, 2011
Get a Sneek Peek of Exempt Magazine
If you read The NonProfit Times, you might have heard of Exempt Magazine, our publication devoted to nonprofit finance. Well now, you can get a sneak peek of the recently released April/May 2011 issue! The preview contains 12 pages of the magazine, and can be viewed immediately. Check it out today, and see what Exempt can offer to your nonprofit!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
NPTtv Summary: Lights, Camera, Help!
Note: This is a summary of a story from the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
David Neff always knew that nonprofits could make great films; that's why he co-founded Lights, Camera, Help, a film festival that takes place in Austin, TX. Neff recently sat down with NPTtv to talk about the festival, as well as other topics.
Neff spent nine years as Director of Web Film and Interactive Strategies at the American Cancer Society (ACS), and he said that his experiences there inspired him to start Lights, Camera, Help. The PSAs and other film projects he worked on at ACS really impressed him, and he wanted to create a forum where films like these could be seen by the general public.
The festival is currently in its third year, and last year they got over 300 entries. This year, Neff expects even more, as submissions last until May 30th. Yet Lights, Camera, Help is more than just a film festival, and Neff is quick to stress that point. Film classes are taught through organizations like AmeriCorps, and Neff hopes they can continue to expand these types of activities in the near future. Part of this effort can already be seen through Project: Action!, which brings filmmakers and nonprofits together.
To learn more about Lights, Camera, Help, visit their website, and be sure to check out the full interview with David Neff.
David Neff always knew that nonprofits could make great films; that's why he co-founded Lights, Camera, Help, a film festival that takes place in Austin, TX. Neff recently sat down with NPTtv to talk about the festival, as well as other topics.
Neff spent nine years as Director of Web Film and Interactive Strategies at the American Cancer Society (ACS), and he said that his experiences there inspired him to start Lights, Camera, Help. The PSAs and other film projects he worked on at ACS really impressed him, and he wanted to create a forum where films like these could be seen by the general public.
The festival is currently in its third year, and last year they got over 300 entries. This year, Neff expects even more, as submissions last until May 30th. Yet Lights, Camera, Help is more than just a film festival, and Neff is quick to stress that point. Film classes are taught through organizations like AmeriCorps, and Neff hopes they can continue to expand these types of activities in the near future. Part of this effort can already be seen through Project: Action!, which brings filmmakers and nonprofits together.
To learn more about Lights, Camera, Help, visit their website, and be sure to check out the full interview with David Neff.
NPTtv Summary: eBay Gets MissionFish From Points of Light
Note: This is a summary of a story from the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
MissionFish, a subsidiary of the Atlanta-based Points of Light Institute, has been working with eBay since 2003. That long-term partnership has now become more than that, with the popular online auction site purchasing MissionFish for $4.5 million. It figures to be a profitable investment for eBay: According to the COO of Points of Light, total revenue for MissionFish from 2004-2010 was $60 million; and in terms of funds raised, it has collected nearly $241 million from the US and UK over the past eight years.
So what changes will come because of this acquisition? Well for now, MissionFish will remain in Washington, DC, although that could change in the future. MissionFish users will also be able to donate proceeds from an auction to a favorite nonprofit organization. In addition, the purchase will have some useful benefits for nonprofits, as they will be able to raise money for their organizations by selling items through eBay.
MissionFish, a subsidiary of the Atlanta-based Points of Light Institute, has been working with eBay since 2003. That long-term partnership has now become more than that, with the popular online auction site purchasing MissionFish for $4.5 million. It figures to be a profitable investment for eBay: According to the COO of Points of Light, total revenue for MissionFish from 2004-2010 was $60 million; and in terms of funds raised, it has collected nearly $241 million from the US and UK over the past eight years.
So what changes will come because of this acquisition? Well for now, MissionFish will remain in Washington, DC, although that could change in the future. MissionFish users will also be able to donate proceeds from an auction to a favorite nonprofit organization. In addition, the purchase will have some useful benefits for nonprofits, as they will be able to raise money for their organizations by selling items through eBay.
NPTtv Summary: Who is William Alexander?
Note: This is a summary of a story in the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.\
Who is William Alexander, and why is he working at thousands of nonprofits in the US? It looks like The Internal Revenue Service might have an explanation.
According to The IRS, more than 2,200 organizations at risk for revocation because they hadn’t filed paperwork in several years. To make matters worse, it appears someone decided to take advantage of this by sending along paper work in an attempt at identity theft for possible fundraising activities. Going by the name of William Alexander, the individual is listed as an officer at all of these nonprofits. He also apparently works in an office building in Las Vegas.
No fraud has, of this moment, been reporting. We can only hope that what happens in Vegas really does stay in Vegas.
Who is William Alexander, and why is he working at thousands of nonprofits in the US? It looks like The Internal Revenue Service might have an explanation.
According to The IRS, more than 2,200 organizations at risk for revocation because they hadn’t filed paperwork in several years. To make matters worse, it appears someone decided to take advantage of this by sending along paper work in an attempt at identity theft for possible fundraising activities. Going by the name of William Alexander, the individual is listed as an officer at all of these nonprofits. He also apparently works in an office building in Las Vegas.
No fraud has, of this moment, been reporting. We can only hope that what happens in Vegas really does stay in Vegas.
NPTtv Summary: More US Cities Want Nonprofits to Pay Up
Note: This is a summary of a story from the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
First it was Boston, now Providence and DC are demanding payments from nonprofits.
In Providence, Mayor Angel Taveras is following in Boston's footsteps by asking nine nonprofit hospitals and universities to make payments of $24 million; roughly 25% of the real estate taxes they would pay if they were for-profit. The reason for this increase? The city is currently dealing with $110 million budget deficit and, according to Mayor Taveras, nonprofits control nearly 40% of real estate in Providence. This would effectively negate a 2003 payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) agreement with the four universities targeted under this new plan (Brown, Johnson and Whales University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Providence College).
Meanwhile, DC Mayor Vincent Gray has thought of a different way to get payments from nonprofits. He wants the governing council to pass a law that would impose a 6% tax on tickets to art institutions. If passed, the tax would impact over 200 nonprofit organizations in DC.
First it was Boston, now Providence and DC are demanding payments from nonprofits.
In Providence, Mayor Angel Taveras is following in Boston's footsteps by asking nine nonprofit hospitals and universities to make payments of $24 million; roughly 25% of the real estate taxes they would pay if they were for-profit. The reason for this increase? The city is currently dealing with $110 million budget deficit and, according to Mayor Taveras, nonprofits control nearly 40% of real estate in Providence. This would effectively negate a 2003 payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) agreement with the four universities targeted under this new plan (Brown, Johnson and Whales University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Providence College).
Meanwhile, DC Mayor Vincent Gray has thought of a different way to get payments from nonprofits. He wants the governing council to pass a law that would impose a 6% tax on tickets to art institutions. If passed, the tax would impact over 200 nonprofit organizations in DC.
NPTtv Summary: Nonprofit Money Laundering
Note: This is a summary from the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
Marco Aponte, husband of the former head of the nonprofit Family Connections, Louanna Aponte, has been arrested for money laundering. If that last name sounds familiar, this is because this is not the first time the Aponte family has run into legal trouble. Louanna Aponte is currently a fugative from the law after she did some financial theft of her own. Ms. Apont had caused Family Connections to shut down after a review showed financial irregularities in their records. Apparently, she had been re-directing money intended for the Texas nonprofit to her personal account.
But Aponte didn't just stop with her organization. Investigators also believe she was stealing money from The Hyde Park Christian Church and The Texas Association of Childcare Resources; she was a treasurer for both of these organizations. Combined, she has stolen upwards of $700,000 from the nonprofits. Authorities aren't positive of her current whereabouts, but they believe she is hiding somewhere in Vennezeula. She is unlikely to turn herself in, so I guess her husband will have to do for now.
Marco Aponte, husband of the former head of the nonprofit Family Connections, Louanna Aponte, has been arrested for money laundering. If that last name sounds familiar, this is because this is not the first time the Aponte family has run into legal trouble. Louanna Aponte is currently a fugative from the law after she did some financial theft of her own. Ms. Apont had caused Family Connections to shut down after a review showed financial irregularities in their records. Apparently, she had been re-directing money intended for the Texas nonprofit to her personal account.
But Aponte didn't just stop with her organization. Investigators also believe she was stealing money from The Hyde Park Christian Church and The Texas Association of Childcare Resources; she was a treasurer for both of these organizations. Combined, she has stolen upwards of $700,000 from the nonprofits. Authorities aren't positive of her current whereabouts, but they believe she is hiding somewhere in Vennezeula. She is unlikely to turn herself in, so I guess her husband will have to do for now.
New NPTtv Webcast Available
The latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV has just been released. Here are the stories in this week's webcast:
- 'Arrest for Money Laundering'-Arrest made in theft from nonprofit.
- 'More Cities Want Added Fees'-Providence and Washington, DC want more money from charities.
- 'Nonprofit Identity Theft?'-The name officer is at more than 2,000 charities.
- 'MissionFish Sold for $4.5 Million'-Points of Light Institute sells MissionFish to eBay.
- 'Lights, Camera, Help'-Video conversation with author David Neff on the Lights, Camera, Help Film Festival.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Breaking News: Jerry Lewis To Leave MDA Telethon (UPDATE)
UPDATE (2:15): We just put up a full story about Jerry Lewis's last MDA appearance. Below is an excerpt from that article, which includes a statement from Lewis:
Jerry Lewis, the face of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual Labor Day telethon for a generation, says this year’s broadcast will be his last as host.
The 85-year-old, who will remain as MDA’s national chairman, said in a statement through MDA that he will perform his signature song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” in his final appearance this year.
Who will replace Lewis, who hosted his first Labor Day telethon in 1966, remains to be seen. A team of co-hosts again will appear this year -- including Nancy O’Dell, Jan Carl, Alison Sweeney and Nigel Lythgoe. MDA Spokesman Jim Brown said MDA expects the team approach to work very well with the telethon’s new, primetime, six-hour format. He stressed that MDA evaluates the show every year to refine and fine tune it and they’ll be keeping a careful eye on the new format, as well.
“It’s time for an all new telethon era. This year’s six-hour prime-time telethon on Sept. 4 will be spectacular, and I'm thrilled to be part of it,” Lewis said in announcing his retirement. “We’re so close to treatments that it’s absolutely vital for everyone to tune in and make a generous donation. America has always found a way each year to give me that just one dollar more to help my kids,” he said.
*****
Earlier...
We just put up a short update on The NonProfit Times website: Jerry Lewis will be stepping down as host of The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon after this year. Lewis, 85, has been hosting the event for over 40 years. Mr. Lewis will still stay on as chairman of the organization.
We will have additional information about this story when it becomes available.
Jerry Lewis, the face of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual Labor Day telethon for a generation, says this year’s broadcast will be his last as host.
The 85-year-old, who will remain as MDA’s national chairman, said in a statement through MDA that he will perform his signature song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” in his final appearance this year.
Who will replace Lewis, who hosted his first Labor Day telethon in 1966, remains to be seen. A team of co-hosts again will appear this year -- including Nancy O’Dell, Jan Carl, Alison Sweeney and Nigel Lythgoe. MDA Spokesman Jim Brown said MDA expects the team approach to work very well with the telethon’s new, primetime, six-hour format. He stressed that MDA evaluates the show every year to refine and fine tune it and they’ll be keeping a careful eye on the new format, as well.
“It’s time for an all new telethon era. This year’s six-hour prime-time telethon on Sept. 4 will be spectacular, and I'm thrilled to be part of it,” Lewis said in announcing his retirement. “We’re so close to treatments that it’s absolutely vital for everyone to tune in and make a generous donation. America has always found a way each year to give me that just one dollar more to help my kids,” he said.
*****
Earlier...
We just put up a short update on The NonProfit Times website: Jerry Lewis will be stepping down as host of The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon after this year. Lewis, 85, has been hosting the event for over 40 years. Mr. Lewis will still stay on as chairman of the organization.
We will have additional information about this story when it becomes available.
Reminder: The NonProfit Times 2011 Salary and Benefits Survey
Does your nonprofit organization want to be involved in The NonProfit Times' 2011 Salary and Benefits Survey? Well here's some good news: you can start participating today! All you have to do is visit the 2011 Salary Survey site and finish the survey before June 1, 2011. And here's an added bonus for you quick workers: if you complete your survey by May 23, 2011, you will be entered for a chance win a $500 donation to your organization or any other organization of your choice! Here are the features of this year's survey:
* Convenient and flexible survey completion – Complete the online survey questionnaire at your own pace and schedule.
* Comprehensive job coverage – The survey collects base salary and bonus pay information on more than 300 nonprofit specific positions.
* Easy and accurate position matching – Match the positions within your organization to the survey using the intuitive job family groupings and position job descriptions.
* Ongoing assistance whenever you need it- Contact us by phone or email if you need help completing the survey, or use the handy online resources for instant results.
* Complete information about benefits practices – The survey gathers information about benefit offerings, costs, eligibility and employee participation for 94 employee benefits from health insurance to retirement plans.
* Organizational profile information – The questionnaire collects data on budget size, employee turnover, salary increases, employee tenure, staffing levels, geographic location, field of work, and number of employees.
Results of the survey will be delievered to participants by August 2011. So what are you waiting for? Have your nonprofit be a part of this year's salary survey today!
* Convenient and flexible survey completion – Complete the online survey questionnaire at your own pace and schedule.
* Comprehensive job coverage – The survey collects base salary and bonus pay information on more than 300 nonprofit specific positions.
* Easy and accurate position matching – Match the positions within your organization to the survey using the intuitive job family groupings and position job descriptions.
* Ongoing assistance whenever you need it- Contact us by phone or email if you need help completing the survey, or use the handy online resources for instant results.
* Complete information about benefits practices – The survey gathers information about benefit offerings, costs, eligibility and employee participation for 94 employee benefits from health insurance to retirement plans.
* Organizational profile information – The questionnaire collects data on budget size, employee turnover, salary increases, employee tenure, staffing levels, geographic location, field of work, and number of employees.
Results of the survey will be delievered to participants by August 2011. So what are you waiting for? Have your nonprofit be a part of this year's salary survey today!
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