Where Most Needed

Private Philanthropy Puts Yale in the Drivers Seat in New Haven

Gleaming new campus buildings arise while the city's infrastructure crumbles around them. 

Scientology Filibuster Provokes BBC Reporter

Reporter loses his temper when spokesman for the group just won't stop speaking.  But these days, Scientology is hardly the worst offender among religions (or would-be religions).  They all need to be more transparent and financially accountable. 

Michigan Court Redefines Charity

High court rejected the idea of defining charity by the numbers, so health care facilities are charities even when they provide very little charity care.  What's important is access to all. 

YMCA Camp Ruled Recreational, Not Religious

Colorado board says that the center is subject to up to $2.5 million in back taxes since 2002. 

Universities Want Pittsburgh to Beg For It

Eds and Meds (universities and hospitals) lobby to keep a system that shifts the burden of paying for city services to smaller charities (like the YMCA and the Little Sisters of the Poor).      

Careless Deed Proves Costly to Charity

Failure to obtain a warranty deed to property puts organization in jeopardy for $30,000 in property taxes. 

Church-related Businesses Win Property Tax Exemption and Tax Exempt Loan Financing

Part III of New York Times investigative report turns up more on the preferences given to church-based enterprise by courts and legislatures.