Interesting Distinction

Each day I learn something new. Today I was researching C3's and C4's.

501(c)(4) organizations can engage in unlimited lobbying so long as it pertains to the organization's mission. 501(c)(3) organizations are not permitted to engage in political activity, endorse or oppose political candidates, or donate money or time to political campaigns, but 501(c)(4) organizations can do all of the above.

Why is this interesting?

I worked for a C3 that hired a lobbyist to promote itself. Is this okay as long as they are not engaging in political activity and merely indulging in self promotion. The non profit was hoping to garner grant money from the state from the state and promote its case among the legislators.

Reaching Out to Newtown

Right after the shootings in Newtown, people were looking for ways to help.

Two of the local CHR radio stations started collecting teddy bears in the local malls. I was riding in the car with my son listening to live updates coming from the malls. We both questioned the gesture. Certainly, it's not an awful thing to do but, what is Newtown going to do with all those teddy bears? Are teddy bears what they need? To us it seemed the grief would be overwhelming. Wouldn't it be better to make sure those affected by the shootings get the support they need. I come from a Methodist tradition. In times of grief we visited our neighbors, offered to be there if they needed us, and brought a covered dish. In times of disaster we sent money or helped in the clean-up.

I thought...maybe its just me. When you can't think of anything else, send a teddy bear.

Since then I've seen a few articles that suggest sending teddy bears may not be the best response. An article I saw today through LinkedIn suggests the same. The article by Ken Mueller in Inspiring Generosity, "Give Nonprofits What They Need (Not Teddy Bears)", makes the same point clearly.
Mueller suggests four things we can do in response.

1. Give Cash
2. Donate Goods (Find out what is needed first.)
3. In-Kind Donations
4. Volunteering

Teddy bears are a nice idea but they're sitting in a warehouse.