On October 11, 2007, I joined Linda Deck, Director of the Bradbury Science Museum, and Carola Enriquez, Director of the Kern County Museum, in a panel discussion on best practices in governance. While I introduced the topic by speaking in general terms about basics and best practices in governance,...
Western Museums Association Annual Meeting – Fractional Gifts
At this year’s Western Museums Association Annual Meeting, I had the great pleasure of joining Carolyn Hojaboom and Leslie Richardson, both CPAs with Moss Adams, for a panel presentation on "Legal Issues in Accounting." My portion of the program focused on the topic of fractional gifts, a hot topic...
Suspension Lifted on Certain Type III Supporting Organization Exemption Applications
The issuance of determination letters to organizations seeking "functionally integrated Type III supporting organization" status has been lifted as of September 24, 2007. A Type III supporting organization may receive a determination letter from the IRS if it agrees to meet the criteria set forth in the Advance Notice...
AB 897 Signed by Governor – Simplifies State Tax-Exemption Process
On September 26, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 897 introduced by Assembly Member Guy Houston (R-San Ramon). AB 897 eliminates the requirement of an organization that has received recognition of exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to file a separate application for state tax exemption...
Basics, Best Practices, and Trends in Nonprofit Corporate Governance – ABA Annual Meeting
I have attached two PowerPoint presentations (without graphics) for my portion of the program on Basics, Best Practices, and Trends in Nonprofit Corporate Governance held on August 11 as part of the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting. I hope you find them useful. Download Basics in Nonprofit Corporate Governance.ppt...
The Smithsonian Institution – Lessons in Governance (Part Three)
The Independent Review Committee (IRC) charged to review the issues raised by the Washington Post and by Senator Grassley regarding management and governance of the Smithsonian Institution was chaired by former Comptroller General of the United States, Charles A. Bowsher, who selected the other members: Stephen D. Potts, chairman...
The Smithsonian Institution – Lessons in Governance (Part Two)
The Governance Committee of the Smithsonian Institution consists of three members of the Board of Regents and one outside member – Diana Aviv, President and CEO of Independent Sector. Below are some of the highlights of the Governance Committee Report to the Board of Regents dated June 14, 2007...
The Smithsonian Institution – Lessons in Governance (Part One)
Background Information: On February 25, 2007, the Washington Post reported that a review by the Smithsonian Institution’s Inspector General found that the Smithsonian’s top official, Lawrence M. Small, accumulated nearly $90,000 in unauthorized expenses from 2000 to 2005. Combined with his then salary of $915,698, reimbursements totaling $1.15 million...
Basics, Best Practices, and Trends in Nonprofit Corporate Governance – August 11, 2007
On August 11, I will be participating on a panel to discuss Basics, Best Practices, and Trends in Nonprofit Corporate Governance for the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting held this year in San Francisco. The session sponsored by the Nonprofit Corporations Committee of the ABA Business Law Section will...
Revised Form 990 – Comment on Wiki
The National Center for Charitable Statistics and Guidestar have created a wiki for those who would like to view or add comments with respect to the redesigned Form 990, which is currently in the discussion draft stage. This is a nice opportunity to give your input on the draft...