Easing Reporting Requirements for Nonprofits

Lawmakers and members of the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits

Legislation to ease reporting requirements for non profits is making its way through the Mississippi Capitol. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Almost every aspect of life in Mississippi is impacted by nonprofit organizations. That's the opinion of Mark McCrary, Executive Director of the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits.

“From the PTA volunteer fire departments to the museums and cultural heritage to feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, education, things like that. And I think sometimes we forget that it’s bigger than us and that we’re really making an impact on the lives of kids and seniors and families, and even animals and the environment that sustains us.”

During these tough economic times, donations to non profits are being hit extremely hard. Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman hopes legislation making its way through the capitol will ease reporting requirements for non profits and make the organizations more transparent. Under the bill, non profits wouldn't have to make annual reports on fundraising that's less than $25,000. Currently the limit is $4,000.

“So that means church’s that are raising money for a family that made have had a personal injury or something like that, that won’t have to file any longer. They’ll be able to come under the filing radar and use that money for the good job they are trying to do. Much more information will be available on our website so people will be able to look up quicker and make sure that the dollar they are giving goes to the cause they’re suppose to be giving it to.”

Lawmakers in the House and Senate are still negotiating the final version of the bill. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, there are approximately 5000 charities operating throughout the state. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.