Blog Posts and Analysis

Online Monitoring of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropic Policy Influence

An often overlooked realm of nonprofit use of technology for advocacy involves access to information, not only with respect to government, but also financial information from corporations and nonprofits themselves. One way such information is used is to demonstrate the influence of special interests on public policy formulation, discourse, and decision-making, under the veneer of nonprofit public interest work and/or grassroots activity. Are there special interests hidden behind the online philanthropic policy watchdogs? The following was originally posted to the NPTalk online forum.

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Trustees Issue 2002 Annual Report on the State of Social Security

Last week, the Social Security Board of Trustees issued its 2002 Annual Report on the status of Social Security’s finances, in which it extended its estimates of the number of years before Social Security’s surpluses will reach certain key milemarkers.

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Recent Activity on Faith-Based Charity Legislation

A review of recent activity on faith-based charity and charitable giving legislation. Effectiveness Report Released A report released by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society has found no proof that religious social service programs are more effective than secular ones. The report, which was based on 25 other studies on the subject, did not find fault with faith-based programs, but found no evidence of their much-touted increased effectiveness, and called for more research on the subject.

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IRS Allows Charitable Contribution Receipts by E-Mail

In a revision of Publication 1771, "Charitable Contributions -- Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements," the IRS has confirmed that a charity can provide acknowledgement of a contribution electronically. For contributions of $250 or more, a written receipt must also be sent. The full text of Publication 1771 is available online, in Adobe Acrobat format on the IRS website.

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Using Social Security's Surplus for Current Needs

Policy adjustments to Social Security – and not locking these surplus funds away – are the key to "saving" Social Security.

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House Committee Revises Stealth PAC Law

State and Local PACs May Get Exemption From Reporting.

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Bush Administration Weakens Medical Privacy Rules

In a move hailed by the health care industry, the Bush administration announced on March 27 that it would roll back medical privacy standards put in place at the end of the Clinton administration.

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