Greater Arizona Chapter 2009 President's Message

With all the recent talk about stimulus packages and the ‘restructuring’ of America’s economy, it’s understandable that we in the nonprofit sector want to know what kind of policy changes, or even discussions, that may have an effect on our organizations and philanthropy as a whole.

Fortunately for us, our June luncheon speaker, Tim Delaney, helped sort through some of these questions in his presentation, “Fundraising and the New Government.” Here are a few key points that Tim shared:

New Administration

Barack Obama is the first nonprofit President of the USA. He was a community organizer with the Developing Communities Project, a church-based nonprofit group that helped low-income neighborhoods in Chicago’s South Side.

28% Limitation on Charitable Donations

Tim talked about how this was leaked without proper context and that it was really just a proposed return to the way it used to be.  He was more concerned however about the discussions that would eliminate nonprofits’ exemption from sales and property taxes.  Tim recommended organizations like the Alliance of Arizona Non-Profits as a collective means to have our voices heard in Washington.

Stimulus Money

He encouraged us as nonprofits to look at our core mission and look at which of our programs might qualify for government funding.  He suggested that we go to recovery.gov and sign-up for alerts.  

Potential Budget Cut

Tim pointed out that recent versions of the 2011 budget have eliminated a proposed $5M Non-Profit Capacity Building Initiative. He said with all of the high-profile ‘bail-outs’ of banks and other businesses, we in nonprofits should do everything we can to see that this modest $5M stays in the budget.

Tim’s presentation helped shed some light on what’s happening in Washington and what actions we in the nonprofit sector can do to be a part of the decision-making.

Finally, mark your calendars for September 2nd when we’ll hear Mal Warwick, the ‘guru’ of nonprofit direct-marketing, present on “The International Nonprofit World”, “Fundraising When Money is Tight”, and “Direct-Response and New Technologies.” The presentations are primarily sponsored by West Coast Direct Response.  This value-packed day is not to be missed so be sure to register!

All the best,

Robin Dunn, CFRE

President