COVID-19 related policy updates
COVID-19 national emergency
On March 13 the President declared a national emergency in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, invoking powers under the Stafford Act. This action opens $50 billion for aid related to COVID-19. The President also announced the administration would waive interest on federal student loans and the Department of Energy would buy crude oil for storage in U.S. reserves.
News of coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and Nonprofit New York has a lot planned for March. The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance to us. So out of an abundance of caution, Nonprofit New York is postponing or moving online all meetings and events intended to be held in person in the month of March.
Dear Nonprofit New York community,
Original (3.5.20): Over the last month, we’ve heard a lot about the Coronavirus that is impacting communities around the world. As of today, there are several confirmed cases in New York City metro area, but the risk to New Yorkers is still considered to be low.
Membership Director Taina Sanon spoke with Victoria Munro of Alice Austen House, a member organization of Nonprofit New York. Nonprofit New York will continue to highlight the work of our members, like Alice Austen House, because we believe when your nonprofit is stronger, all of us are stronger.
What’s the difference between 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and Political Action Committees?
501(c)(3)s are organizations with a primary charitable mission that are exempt from corporate income taxes. 501(c)(3)s cannot endorse or contribute to candidates for public office.
S.7505/A.9505 – Governor’s FY21 Public Protection & Good Government Article VII Legislation, Part UU
Position: Oppose
Date: February 20, 2020
Our organizations oppose Part UU because sections 1 and 5 would unwisely and unconstitutionally violate the longstanding confidentiality of donors to tax exempt charities, section 1-a would impose a redundant reporting requirement on certain tax exempt charities, and section 2 would tinker with a law that has already been ruled unconstitutional and would remain unconstitutional despite the amendments.
Federal
IRS guidance on reclaiming transportation UBIT taxes paid
On January 21st, the IRS issued guidance designed to help nonprofits quickly get back the money they paid in 2018 and 2019 on the now-repealed tax on nonprofit transportation benefits: How To Claim a Refund or Credit of Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) or adjust Form 990-T for Qualified Transportation Fringe Amounts.
Updated Research on the State of the Sector
In partnership with Baruch College’s Center for Nonprofit Strategy & Management (CNSM), SeaChange Capital Partners, and Funders for LGBTQ Issues, on February 6th, 2020, Nonprofit New York presented research on the current status of the nonprofit sector in New York City during a Policy Research Forum.
By Melkis Alvarez-Baez, Acting President, Nonprofit New York
The number one question we get at Nonprofit New York is “I want to start a nonprofit - what do I need to do?” There’s a reason why “So you want to start a nonprofit?” is one of our often-trending resources.
Founded in 2010, Green City Challenge has unique experience providing environmental education at businesses, schools and public events throughout New York City. This organization provides educational events that connect directly with students about sustainability through fun and engaging programming targeted at middle schools in the Manhattan and Bronx area.