[BCNnet] Re: FW: taxes & 501c3

[Terry Schilling]

I agree with Randi. This was discussed when we formed the BCN, and we 
decided NOT to be a 501(c)3 for several reasons, including the fact that 
virtually all the member organizations are already 501(c)3. Are there 
any that aren't?

This limits what they can do politically. The BCN was envisioned as the 
"political" arm of these organizations. I don't see the gain in limiting 
what we might need to do in the future.

The TNC / IEC example is exactly right. The birding organizations 
(members) are the TNCs; the BCN is the IEC. Ironically, the IEC bylaws 
were used as a model for the BCN bylaws.

Terry Schilling
-- 
Savanna Oak Productions provides full service video and audio production
and post, along with web site design, maintenance and web application
development services.



bcnnet-request at ece.iit.edu wrote:
      <snip>
> 1. FW: taxes & 501c3 (Randi Doeker - Chicago)
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 08:37:20 -0500
> From: "Randi Doeker - Chicago" <rbdoeker at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [BCNnet] FW: taxes & 501c3
> To: <BCNnet at ece.iit.edu>
> Message-ID: <200507011337.j61DbJJ02341 at screamer.ece.iit.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> 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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