The Rundown - July 29, 2022
The latest news and notes from the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors
The Rundown - Happy Anniversary Edition!
I would be completely remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my anniversary and dedicate this edition of The Rundown to my dear wife Ashley. Yesterday, marked 21 years of together forever and tonight we are going to celebrate with a nice anniversary dinner (at a location that has yet to be determined). One of the best pictures of us is the one above, where we celebrated our 20th anniversary in the Virgin Islands. We are looking forward to going back again!
I am sure we would both agree that we are both pretty lucky we found each other and we compliment each other pretty well. We both have a high tolerance for putting up with each other’s crazy ideas and we encourage each other at every turn. Two crazy kids and two crazier guinea pigs round out our life together.
I can tell you definitively, I couldn’t do any better, she couldn’t do any worse.
Private and Independent Schools Brace For Impact From Maryland Ruling
Many private and independent schools in the country are formed as non-profit corporations and have been given tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This favorable tax status allows individuals to make income tax deductible donations to the school and it opens the school up for many grant opportunities.
In a recent decision from a federal court in Baltimore, Judge Richard Bennett has allowed a lawsuit filed by former students against a private school to move forward. The students are alleging that they were victims of sexual assault and harassment and brought forward claims under Title IX, a law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity. The school argued that since it was a private institution, Title IX did not apply.
In his ruling, Judge Bennett stated:
“The tax-exempt status of a private school subjects it to the same requirements of Title IX imposed on any educational institution. The school cannot avail itself of federal tax exemption but not adhere to the mandates of Title IX.”
Up to this point federal courts had not dealt with this explicitly. In his ruling, however, Bennett cited a 1983 Supreme Court case that said: “tax exemptions…are a form of subsidy that is administered through the tax system. A tax exemption has much the same effect as a cash grant to the organization of the amount of tax it would have to pay on its income.”
Currently, the Judges ruling applies only to private schools in Maryland. However, as the ramifications of the ruling makes it’s way through society, it can be reasonably expected that this ruling will impact schools.
And given that other courts may very well find that IRS tax-exempt status is equated to a cash grant from the government, this ruling may have some very serious implications for other tax-exempt nonprofit organizations as well.
You can read the full report from the Fisher Phillips website here.
Does Generation Z Trust Philanthropy?
This was an excellent article on the Inside Philanthropy website. If you have been paying attention, the article isn’t necessarily telling us anything new. The article talks about recent research from the Walton Family Foundation that found that only 26% of Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) believes that philanthropic organizations are “doing an excellent job of listening.” — At least this sector is doing better than global companies (24%), government (20%) and politicians (18%).
So, if philanthropy isn’t listening, what exactly is Generation Z saying?
The article explored those issues that Generation Z found to be critical issues that the county is facing right now. These issues include:
Stopping School Shootings
Protecting Access to Clean Water and Fresh Air
Reducing Gun Violence and Mass Shootings
Guaranteeing a Quality Education for Every Child
Preserving Individual Rights and Freedoms
One issue that wasn’t put forward that many folks are still dealing with is mental health. After a global pandemic that isolated many members of this generation and a murky and uncertain future, this generation (perhaps more than any other) is acutely experiencing anxiety, depression and hopelessness. And while taking care of one’s mental health has certainly been seen more positively, a good share of the mental health care in this country is done by nonprofit clinics, most notably for those that are not covered by insurance or have lower resources.
My biggest concern is that we look at the younger generation more as the next generation of volunteers and donors for our organizations and not having a set of unique set of needs that the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors need to think about addressing. We can’t expect to get from those generations if we aren’t prepared to give in return.
Question of the Week!
Keeping up with our summer themes of vacations, I want to know….what is your ideal vacation spot?
We are Trying Something New
Perhaps you read our last “Deeper Dive” where we talked about the amazing power of Youtube as a Social Media platform. Well, a reader challenged me and said hey, “Why don’t you start your own channel?”
Okay, challenge accepted. Here is our channel with our first four videos. We had some readers share them on LinkedIn (THANK YOU!) and the response has been positive. Check it out and let me know what you think! Feel free to drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com or just comment below!
Here is a link to our YouTube Channel!
Check Out Some New Resources
Pinnacle Strategies has created a new resource! Check out our store here on the gumroad platform. These are the three most popular tools that I am hit up for. Take a look at these tools and of course, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
What Can We Work on Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
A Quick Note of Thanks!
Thank you all for subscribing to this newsletter. The subscription numbers continue to grow and from what I am learning, this side job seems like it has “sticking power”. I am not getting inquiries and calls from literally all over the world wanting to partner and work together to create value for you, the non profit and philanthropy leader. I feel very excited about the future of this newsletter and if you have any ideas or comments, please feel free to share them with me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com
I know many of you have shared this with your friends and colleagues and I am very grateful. Thank you! If you haven’t shared it yet…..well, here is your chance….
Ready to Learn Something New?
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Indianapolis and it opens a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Other Ways to Connect
Our coaching practice has openings starting here in 2022. If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have for your organization, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!
Check us out on our LinkedIn Page
Check us out on the Celebrating Leadership Facebook Page.
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Thanks for reading! Have an awesome weekend!