HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that she was "disturbed" by an upcoming report that will highlight some "fraud and abuse" to which LIHEAP is vulnerable. The content of the news release implies that the use of Social Security Numbers to "verify the identity of applicants" seems to be a part of that fraud and abuse. To address these issues, she's will be encouraging state LIHEAP programs to add "mechanisms they will use to prevent wast, fraud and abuse" to their plans for the approaching fiscal year.

I've been holding off on blogging about this piece until my article was officially published. Well, that happened. The Spring 2010 issue of Nonprofit Quarterly includes my full article, titled "Nonprofits and Metaphors: Using Language to Create Better Outcomes," (pp. 58-62). I encourage you to read the full text, and to also take advantage of NPQ's other articles. What attracted me to NPQ for this article is its reputation for providing thought-provoking, relevant, down-to-earth discussions about topics that matter to nonprofit leaders. [Incidentally, if you are interested in subscribing to NPQ, you can receive a 20% discount by registering for our ClientTrack newsletter.]

 The Buffalo news ran an article today about Erie County's Social Services department, claiming that 1,100 children from 700 families were given 10 days (later changed to 30) to find an alternative to their county-funded day care. The accusation being made is that the county was aware that state funding cuts were imminent, but had not taken adequate steps to cut expenses to compensate for the approaching shortfalls.

Monday May 17, 2010 is the due date to file yearly returns for nonprofit organizations on the January 1- December 31^st fiscal year. This year, however, is the first year a new law will be enforced stipulating that

if an [tax-exempt] organization does not file as required for three consecutive years, the law provides that it automatically loses its tax-exempt status. Loss of exempt status means an organization must file income tax returns and pay income tax, and its contributors will not be able to deduct their donations (see http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=217087,00.html).

 In Rochester, NH, social service organizations are fighting for funds (read here). Granted, the process of social service organizations presenting their case to the City Councilors seems orderly enough, and there are no reports of fists flying. But, the situation still carries the hallmarks of an all-out charitable brawl: organizations bringing their best and most compelling stories before the Council, with the hopes of walking away with the biggest prize possible. Unfortunately, there's just not enough money for everyone to get what they need. To meet approximately $150,000 in requests, the city only has about $50,000. In these circumstances, organization leaders who feel deeply about their mission only have a few options: relegate themselves to sub-standard programs, find alternative funding sources, or step to the plate and swing with everything they've got to get what funds they can.