About this website:
In the wake of the Sabarnes-Oxley Act, better known as SOX questions have been raised about the overall health of the nation's nonprofit sector.
Additionally, soon after the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks and more aggressively after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 serious questions were raised about the financial fitness and oversight of this important area of our global economy.
The goal of The Happy Angels Project Resource Center is to give the general public a comprehensive summary view of the nonprofit sectors regulatory terrain, including all the necessary tools and information that will help anyone spot most legal landmines within an organization while providing helpful insight needed for practical, cost effective decision making for succesful nonprofit development.
The Happy Angels Project Inc., is born and founded on our commitment to public service by providing a free reference point to the most current available data on board members fiduciary obligations, nonprofit governance, administrative transparency and best practices in nonprofit management for the general public.
General Goals:
1) Understand what types of organizations make up the United States nonprofit sector.
The nonprofit sector of the US economy is larger than the economies of many small countries. It consists of organizations ranging from informal community groups to private foundations and complex corporate structures with multiple divisions and subsidiaries.
2) Understand the role of the Internal Revenue Service.
The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) is the primary federal organization that regulates nonprofit organizations. It wields the power to grant, deny or revoke organizatons tax exempt status.
3) Comply with state laws and regulations.
Even though the federal government is the primary arbiter of tax-exempt status, states take an avid interest in what types of entities are formed, how funds are solicited, and other activities that are conducted within their borders.
4) Avoid lawsuits and adverse regulatory actions.
This website, although non intended as a substitute for a good securities lawyer or certified public accountant, takes a hard look at the types of liability that board members, officers, employees and other volunteer can incur when they're involved in carrying out the mission of a nonprofit organization. It also gives you an idea of who incurs liability under SOX and how you can avoid having your company or yourself added to the list of litigants.
5) Anticipate future rules and trends.
Regulation of the nonprofit sector is a constantly evolving sector and it has gained momentum following the highly publicized scandals involving such organizations as the Red Cross and the United Way. This website will take a look at how new regulations and scrutinity may affect all nonprofits at all levels.
This is a project in development that aims to serve as a key resource for our Administrative Board's continuing education and development initiative to preserve and maintain our vision and mission intact while providing a comprehensive information source for volunteers or anyone interested in understanding nonprofit governance and policy today.
Wilma Ariza, Founder
The Happy Angels Project Inc.
"Don't worry about the numbers, Just help !
Help one person at a time; and begin with
the person closest to you."
--Mother Theresa--