CAPLAW Introduces Online Toolkit on Governance, Grant Law and Financial Management

Government officials, the press and the nonprofit community continue to spotlight the governance and financial management practices of nonprofit organizations and government grantees.  Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are responding by learning more about requirements in these areas, adopting best practices, and reviewing and updating their governing documents and various policies and procedures.  CAPLAW is creating an online toolkit to assist CAAs and others in the Community Action network in this endeavor.  For more information and to view the first materials posted as part of this toolkit, click here.

New Compilation of Self-Assessment Tools

CAPLAW has compiled an annotated list self-assessment tools that CAAs can use to evaluate their performance in a number of areas, including: overall agency performance, board and individual director performance, executive director performance, financial management, fundraising, legal compliance, program performance.  To view the list, click here.

Head Start Reauthorization: The Head Start Act was recently reauthorized – for a copy of the Head Start Act incorporating the new legislation, click here. See below for information on ordering a CD recording and handouts from CAPLAW’s recent Head Start reauthorization audio conference.

New IRS Form 990:  The IRS has released the final redesigned Form 990 that private, nonprofit CAAs and other tax-exempt organizations will use for the 2008 tax year.  The IRS plans to release the form’s instructions in early 2008.  CAPLAW will post an article on the new 990 to our website after the instructions are issued.  To view the redesigned form and schedules and for more IRS information on the new form, click here.

"Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice: A Guide for Charities and Foundations" was recently issued by The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector. The Guide represents the first time that charities and foundations reflecting a broad cross-section of the American nonprofit community have come together to develop principles of ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency that they aspire to and encourage all organizations to follow. It outlines 33 practices designed to support board members and staff leaders of every charitable organization as they work to improve their own operations.

Faith-Based Funding Developments: A summary of recent legal developments regarding faith-based funding is now available.  Click here to download “The State of the Law 2007: Legal Developments Affecting Government Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations” by Ira C. Lupu and Robert W. Tuttle, Co-Directors of Legal Research, The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, and Professors of Law, George Washington University.