Category Archives: Commentary

Commentary on various topics affecting nonprofit organizations.

New IRS 1099 Rules Set to Hit Charities Hard

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

It seems like the hits just keep on coming.  First it was the Form 990-N rule changes that will cost a yet-to-be-determined number of nonprofits their tax exemption.  Now organizations are waking up to the news that the controversial new … Continue reading →

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Following Up on Form 990 Schedule O

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

It seems that there has been some confusion regarding last week’s article on IRS Form 990, particularly Schedule O.  In this short article, I want to expand a bit on that discussion and clear up some misconceptions. We had a … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas from Foundation Group

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

For those who don’t know, Foundation Group has a free, weekly email newsletter that goes out to approximately 16,000 nonprofit subscribers.  This week we sent the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke…yeah, the same Bible story Linus reads in … Continue reading →

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What is Your Nonprofit Thankful For?

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

Thanksgiving is a wonderful, home-grown holiday.  It is a time for family and friends, eating way too much and, most importantly, a time for reflection about all the things we have to be thankful for.  I heard someone mention this … Continue reading →

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Thrift Store Redux – It’s Back!

Posted on September 18, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

In case you missed our blog about this story earlier in the year, the nanny-state strikes again.  Back in January, we told you about a new consumer “protection” law, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, that was going into effect … Continue reading →

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Bad Seeds – Why the ACORN Scandal Matters to Other Nonprofits

Posted on September 16, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, aka ACORN, was, until the past year, a relatively unknown organization to most Americans.  Founded in 1970 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, ACORN’s most visible face is that of a 501(c)(3) … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday to Foundation Group!

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

September 15, 2009 is Foundation Group’s 14th birthday.  As one of the founders of this company (the other being Mr. Blair Dudley), I’ve been here since day one.  Believe me…there are days when it seems like a lot longer than … Continue reading →

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How Much Is Too Much? The Limits of Benevolence

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

The idea for this article came from my good friend, Belinda from Madison, Alabama.  A few weeks ago, she wrote us an email asking the following: “Due to the economic downturn and, with the increasing requests for benevolence assistance, are … Continue reading →

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New Form 990 Problems Are Everywhere

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

If there is one constant in life, it’s change.  And most people don’t do “change” very well…even the IRS!  The new 2008 Form 990 is a complete, top-to-bottom overhaul of the form (as we’ve discussed in previous posts).  As we … Continue reading →

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An Obituary for National Heritage Foundation?

Posted on February 3, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

On January 24, 2009, National Heritage Foundation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court.  Is this the end for NHF? Read the Forbes story here National Heritage Foundation, NHF, was founded by J. T. “Dock” Houk as a … Continue reading →

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US Bans Thrift Stores (updated)

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

Got your attention? Good…because what we’ve got to report on will shock you…and could have a devastating impact on some charities and the families that depend on them. Congress, in a stroke of genius that was too smart by half, … Continue reading →

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Thoughts on Nonprofit Leadership Part II

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Greg McRay, EA

This is installment #2 in our ongoing series on leadership.  Our first installment was more of an introduction.  In this post, we are going to explore the concept of governance vs. management. Governance and management:  For many, these are interchangeable … Continue reading →

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Thoughts On Nonprofit Leadership (Part I)

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Greg McRay, EA

The word “leader” conjures up a variety of images:  your old Little League coach, a military general, your boss…even the president of the United States.  Regardless of who (or what) comes to mind, there is the common thread of someone … Continue reading →

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Pastors to Defy Ban on Political Endorsement

Posted on September 16, 2008 by Greg McRay, EA

Mark your calendars!  Sunday, September 28, 2008 has been declared “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”.  Sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund, the Pulpit Initiative is a bold, stick-in-the-eye movement encouraging pastors to defy the ban on political endorsements by churches. “For so … Continue reading →

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