[BCNnet] FW: taxes & 501c3

[Randi Doeker - Chicago]

For people not named Donnie, read from the bottom up.

 

There may come a time when we want a way to be vocal about a candidate. There are so few
conservation groups that can.  

 

I think paying taxes is a small price to pay for that capability.  Instead of giving up the right,
we should be turning our $s into expense-able activities.  

 

Given the new thrust to put wind turbines in the City, which follows discussions about the collar
counties, I think bird conservation would benefit by creating a very detailed map of the locations
that birds use --- for example.

 

I don't think it would be appropriate to 'test' the 10% rule regarding 501-c-3 politicking.  It
seems like waving a red flag to get an audit.

 

The least amount of paperwork is as a regular corporation that does not get donations (key point).
(Donations then cause paperwork trails with the Attorney General, even when you pay tax on the
donation.)

 

  _____  

From: Donald R. Dann [mailto:donniebird at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 8:23 AM
To: 'Randi Doeker - Chicago'
Subject: RE: taxes & 501c3

 

At my request would you please circulate your thoughts and the following to all ExCom?

 

As I think about our activities, and relate them to what I understand to be 501-c3 restrictions, I
don't think there would be too much we would be giving up.  For example, TNC is 501-c3, yet is a
major sponsor of PPW and IEC both advocacy organizations.  My understanding is that advocacy of
issues like birds, wetlands, clean air, etc. is OK but political lobbying, e.g. for a candidate is
verboten.  Moreover even that is allowed if it comprises less than 10% of total outreach efforts.  

 

Please let me know if my facts are wrong, otherwise I think we should file.

 

Having said all that, I agree we should be spending the $.

 

Donnie  

 

  _____  

From: Randi Doeker - Chicago [mailto:rbdoeker at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 5:20 AM
To: donniebird at yahoo.com
Subject: taxes

 

The 501-c-3 application form is not difficult; just long.

 

The trade off on an on-going basis is that the document filings with the state increase.

 

But I think there is a big / huge value in having BCN not be restricted in its political
activities.  If we have to pay taxes it's because we didn't spend the money, which is what we
should be doing.

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