Michigan Nonprofit Association
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PUBLIC POLICY

Policy Portal

Issue #270
March 6, 2009

HEADLINES

MNA Action Network
The place where you can speak directly to elected officials about the issues affecting the nonprofit sector

President's Budget Proposes Cap on Charitable Donation Deductions for Highest Tax Brackets

President Obama's much anticipated budget blueprint sets an ambitious agenda for tackling health care and the economy while underscoring his pledge to remain fiscally responsible. The administration's budget plan calls for tax changes for those in the highest bracket, including a measure that would reduce the value of tax deductions for charitable donations, state and local taxes, and real estate expenses for families earning more than $250,000. The plan indicates that the budget will limit the value of such deductions to the level that individuals in the 28 percent tax bracket can take. For more information on President Obama's budget proposal, visit www.independentsector.org/. 

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Submit a Nomination for the 2009 Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards! These awards recognize the exemplary support of service, volunteerism and civic engagement by Michigan policymakers in the legislative, executive or judicial branches of state government. Nominations will be accepted through March 19; download the form and nominate your own Volunteer Champion today!

The 2009 Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards will be presented at the Michigan Giving & Volunteering Celebration, taking place on April 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the State Capitol Building in Lansing. This event is free but pre-registration is required and space is limited; to join your fellow volunteer champions at the Celebration, click here to register!

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Join Your Nonprofit Colleagues at SuperConference 2009 - Fueling Efficient Nonprofits

On May 5-6, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan, hundreds of participants from across the state will join together to attend Michigan Nonprofit SuperConference 2009. This annual event features more than 35 workshops, an exhibit hall and bookstore interspersed with several opportunities for networking. The conference will consist of more than 500 participants, including nonprofit executives, program staff, fund development professionals, board members, researchers, consultants, advocates, national service members and leaders from the government, corporate and faith communities, bringing synergy and a broad community context to our discussions. Juan Williams will be featured as the closing speaker. For the full agenda and to register, visit www.mnaonline.org/conf2009.

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New Reports Available on Economic Recovery Plan

Last week, MNA published three summaries on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in order to promote better understanding about the interaction between the nonprofit sector and our nation's economic recovery. Two additional reports were published this week by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) and are now available on MNA's website in addition to the reports that were published last week.

  1. NEW! Whether and Where States Are Accepting & Distributing Federal Stimulus Funds, assembled and published by NCN.
  2. NEW! Sources of Information about Federal Stimulus Funds, information for nonprofits interested in applying for grants for federal funds.

MNA has created a new page on our website that lists the latest reports on the economic recovery plan as they become available: http://www.mnaonline.org/economic_recovery_plan.asp.Visit this page regularly for the latest updates on the stimulus package.

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Public Policy Training Series Comes to Detroit

Advocacy is a critical component of effective nonprofit leadership. "Advocacy for the Nonprofit Professional," a four-part public policy training series, is coming to Detroit this April! With monthly sessions running from April through July, this series is designed to provide nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers with skills and increased capacity to improve their effectiveness in the advocacy arena. Session content focuses specifically on advocacy with policymakers and the media as a means of influencing public policies that further your mission and strengthen your community. Workshop sessions cover a range of topics that build off each other, from the basics of nonprofit advocacy and lobbying and crafting effective messages, to identifying supporters for your efforts and building a strategic advocacy plan. Click here for more information and to register. 

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CNCS Michigan Office Now Accepting Concept Papers for VISTA Positions

The Michigan field office of the Corporation for National and Community Service is currently accepting Concept Papers from nonprofits, government agencies, and faith-based organizations interested in placing small numbers (seven or fewer) of AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) full-time paid volunteers beginning this summer, in affiliation with the federal stimulus package. These volunteers assist with program planning, resource development, community outreach/collaboration, strategic planning, and any other indirect service activities. Interested parties should contact State Director Evan Albert at ealbert@cns.gov or 313-226-3024. For more information, visit www.americorps.org.

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Attorney General Releases Updated Forms for Charities

The Charitable Trust Section of the Attorney General's office has released several revised forms for charities, including the Initial Application/Registration, Renewal Application, and Request for Exemption. To access the updated forms for your use, visit the Attorney General's website.

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