Examining Govenment Regu; Ations

Examining Government Regulations
Sandra Christensen
HSM/210
04/11/2012
Adam Will

Examining Government Regulations

Two very important human service agencies in Spokane, Washington, are Spokane Neighborhood Action Program (SNAP) and The Salvation Army. After researching the government regulations and standards, both organizations fall under similar guidelines that affect the populations they serve, which are the homeless, low income, and working poor.
Both agencies are 501(c) (3) and are non profit organizations. To be tax-exempt under section 501(c ) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the organizations have to be organized and operated for exempt purposes only and no earnings can go to any private shareholder or individual. “Organizations described in section 501(c) (3) are commonly known as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c) (3), not including testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170. The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c) (3) organization's net earnings may be used to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in any benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction. Section 501(c) (3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct.” (IRS charities and Non-Profits Exemption Requirements Section 501(c)(3) Organizations, 2012).

Nonprofit organizations must comply with Federal and State regulations and reporting requirements. Many of these regulations are complex and change frequently,...