Archive for » September 14th, 2012«

14 Sep 2012

Fight for Equality in Mental Health Coverage

Nearly every day in the news we hear about key public figures and individuals from all walks of life facing challenges with mental health and behavioral problems, problems such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and many others. These are real people: our loved ones, our colleagues, our neighbors next door.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 Americans experiences a diagnosable mental health problem, while 1 in 17 lives with a serious illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. And now more than ever, we have veterans coming home in great numbers with chronic traumas that need just as much treatment as the physical injuries that ail them. On average, 18 veterans and one active-duty service member take their own lives every single day — that is one too many.

If you turn the 1 in 4 Americans into real numbers, approximately 54 million Americans live with mental illness and 26 million with an addiction-related problem. Yet many people carrying what are perceived to be quality employer-sponsored health plans that cover both physical and mental health benefits face blatant inequality when they seek treatment for psychological problems as compared to physical problems.

To be more concrete, an individual can visit a physician countless times for a medical condition and pay an average of $10 for a copayment, yet if that same person seeks treatment for depression or anxiety, for example, he or she is usually limited to 20 visits to see a psychologist and can expect to pay $25 or more per visit.

If I haven’t grabbed your attention by now, perhaps consider the cost of untreated mental health problems: upward of about $200 billion a year nationally when you factor in the impact on the family, unemployment, medical care, incarceration, reduced educational attainment, and even homelessness.

Federal law has always allowed insurers to discriminate, so many have come to expect this as the status quo. But the good news is that’s all beginning to change for the better.

Thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Law of 2008, which is now being enforced, all Americans with health plans that include mental health benefits can finally expect equity in their coverage. That means a health plan may not enforce a treatment limitation or financial requirement on mental health/substance abuse benefits unless the same limit is placed on medical benefits.

Although millions rely on mental health benefits, most don’t know that they have this right. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is proud to participate in the advancement of this effort to spread the word about this important law. On Sept. 18 at our downtown Los Angeles campus, we are hosting the only west coast Congressional Field Hearing with lead co-sponsor of the law and former Representative Patrick J. Kennedy along with other officials and community partners to call for full enforcement of this law.

Mental health illnesses should be treated no differently than any physical illness in the body. The days of stigmatizing mental illness, of turning our backs on those who need our help, of walking away from this problem, are over. We know that being our own health advocate is paramount to ensuring we receive the best care available. I offer that we each have a responsibility to ensure those that cannot advocate for themselves are supported by those of us who can make these differences real for everyone in need.

I encourage you to attend this forum. If you’re in the area, please RSVP at patriotsforparityLA@gmail.com. If you can’t attend in person, register to watch online.

For more by Michele Nealon-Woods, click here.

For more on mental health, click here.



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14 Sep 2012

North Texans donate $14.4 million to 900 nonprofits during 17-hour Giving Day

Maddi Gunn, 14, with the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, performed a dance during the morning’s festivities at the Communities Foundation of Texas. (Mona Reeder/The Dallas Morning News)

Tens of thousands of people made donations totaling a record-breaking $14.4 million to 900 nonprofits on North Texas Giving Day on Thursday.

More than 37,000 people donated from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as 14 countries and every state in the U.S., according to a press release from the Communities Foundation of Texas.

The Foundation matched donations to donorbridgetx.org of $25 or more to a percentage of the foundation’s $1 million pool of matching funds. Donors began making their contributions at 7 a.m. By 9 a.m. $4 million had been raised.

For the first time, North Texas Giving Day celebrated with a day-long event at the Communities Foundation on Caruth Have Lane in Dallas. Arts and performance groups performed, and Dallas Zoo animals made an appearance. Donors were able to make in-person donations make their donation there or online at the DonorBridge site, an online resource for people who want to learn more about donating to nonprofits.

The Salvation Army of DFW Metroplex Command raised the most money, more than $500,000 with 413 donations. KERA TV Channel 13, KERA 90.1, KXT 91.7 and ArtandSeek.org together brought in 948 donations and raised about $78,000.

See more donation totals on the DonorBridge website.

Last year, Giving Day brought in $10.7 million. This is the fourth annual North Texas Giving Day. The event was created by the Communities Foundation, the Dallas Foundation and the Center for Nonprofit Management.

 


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14 Sep 2012

Charities expand chains of thrift shops

Charities are aggressively expanding their chains of thrift shops and adopting the methods of commercial retailers as they seek to bolster alternative revenues to counteract cuts in public sector contracts.

Many larger charities became particularly dependent on government and local authority outsourcing contracts over the past decade and public sector spending cuts have hurt many.


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14 Sep 2012

Cross Party Unity Sees Mental Health Bill Clear Critical Commons Stage

A Bill which would outlaw MPs being disqualified from parliament if they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act has cleared a critical stage of the House of Commons after both the government and Labour front benches gave their support to it.

Tory backbencher Gavin Barwell is seeking to have the law changed in his Mental Heath (Discrimination) Bill, which would also get rid of powers which potentially block people with mental health problems from serving as jurors or company directors. On Friday lunchtime the Bill was given second reading in the Commons without the need for a division.

MPs on all sides of the Commons praised the Bill for going some way towards breaking down the stigma which still surrounds mental illness. During the debates in the Commons MPs have revealed that they have suffered from mental health problems in the past. Tory MP Charles Walker revealed he had suffered from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for the last 31 years, and the Labour MP Kevan Jones also opened up about his own battle against depression.

Walker said he was “simply delighted” at what was happening, adding the Bill would “provide so much hope, so much reassurance to many millions of people out there”.

He added he had not been prepared for the “tsunami of interest” created by speaking out on mental health earlier this year.

He said: “What was totally overwhelming actually was the fact that when you’re sitting in a studio waiting to be interviewed you’d have the people doing the make-up say, my husband, my son, my father, suffers from mental health problems, thank you.

“And then you’d go through to the next level and meet the producer and the producer would quietly say I’ve suffered from mental health problems for a number of years, thank you for giving me a voice.”

Conservative MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, who spoke in June about her battle with post-natal depression, said: “This bill sends the message that if you had a previous experience of a mental health problem, that does not make you unpredictable or dangerous and there should be no barrier to you taking a full part in public life.”

The Bill will now go forward to committee stage before coming back to the Commons for a final vote, expected early next year.


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14 Sep 2012

Mental health in Oregon: State has more work to do

DOJ Investigates Portland Police

Six years ago, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into Oregon’s mental health system. A lot has happened since then but advocates say a person in the throes of a mental health crisis may actually be worse off today.

That was crystal clear Thursday when the federal Justice Department released an investigation into the Portland Police Bureau that concluded the “absence of a comprehensive community mental health infrastructure” means police are shouldering the burden of being the first to respond to people in crisis. That, despite the fact that Oregon has a new, state-of-the-art mental hospital.

The Justice report, released Thursday, quotes one “high level” Portland Police officer who said he used to encounter people suffering mental health issues “a couple of times a month.” Now it’s “a couple of times a day.”

Everyone seems to agree that the Portland Police report focuses on fixing a short-term crisis but the state needs to continue to work toward long-term solutions.

There are a lot of people working to improve mental health care in Oregon, says Bob Joondeph, executive director for Disability Rights Oregon.

“But I would not say that we have a significant change in conditions on the ground,” he adds. “That may be even worse because there are fewer resources available now than there were a few years ago.”

Still, Joondeph and other advocates say they’re hopeful about national health care reforms, which broaden insurance coverage for more people, and about Oregon’s new coordinated care organizations, intended to focus on prevention and integrate physical and mental health care.

U.S. Justice Department officials are also waiting to see whether the health reforms will take care of their concerns.

 In 2006, federal officials warned Oregon that conditions at the state mental hospital violated patients’ civil rights. The state built a $458.1 million hospital in Salem.

Then, in 2010, the Justice Department widened its inquiry, looking at whether Oregonians with mental illness were able to receive care in their communities rather than in a large hospital far from home.

Just as it appeared that federal officials were running out of patience with Oregon’s progress, Gov. John Kitzhaber persuaded them to give the state more time.

The Justice Department agreed.

“We want to be sure we get it right,” Thomas Perez, the department’s top civil rights lawyer said Thursday.

Dr. Bruce Goldberg, head of the Oregon Health Authority, said Oregon has added about 100 beds — community residential treatment or supported housing — in the past two years, Goldberg said.

“It’s good, but it’s not enough,” he acknowledged. “I think we need to do more … Part of the issue is we’ve been challenged as a state by our economic issues.”

Beckie Child, an advocate who has dealt personally with mental health issues, says she wants to see the state invest in housing and peer support for people in treatment.

“They’ve been talking at the 90,000-foot-level and not what it is like for folks on the ground,” she said.

The state is planning to build a new 174-bed hospital in Junction City, though patient advocates argue that it would be better to spend the money helping people get care in their communities.

“The Health Authority needs to talk about how it’s going to make an investment to keep people out of crisis,” said Chris Bouneff, executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Oregon.

Instead, Bouneff says, state officials are “fixated on a giant institution in Junction City.”

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, says the simple fact that Oregonians are talking more openly about mental health care is a sign of progress.

Several years ago, Courtney was taken into what he calls the “room of lost souls,” where thousands of corroding cans containing the ashes of former hospital patients had been stored and forgotten.

For him, that became a symbol of the state’s long-neglected mental health system.

“We’re moving in the right direction because the only direction we could move was up,” he said. “Are we going fast enough? No. Are we anywhere near where we should be? No.”

–Michelle Cole; follow me on Twitter @michellercole.


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14 Sep 2012

Improving attitudes to mental health


14 September 2012
Last updated at 07:07 ET


Mark D'Arcy, Parliamentary correspondent
Article written by
Mark D’Arcy

Parliamentary correspondent

It is proverbial that lunatics, criminals and peers are banned from serving as MPs; but today in the Commons, the Conservative Gavin Barwell won cross party support for his efforts to cut through the tangle of contradictory and out of date legislation around the question of MPs’ mental health.

His private members’ bill is aimed at quashing discrimination against people with mental health problems from serving as company directors or jurors, as well as in the Commons. He argues that the law should focus on capacity to perform the role – and not simply stigmatise mental illness.

Gavin BarwellThe Conservative MP introduced the bill to the Commons where it received second reading

Too many people were scared to talk about their mental health – or even seek treatment, he warned.

No MP has been removed on grounds of mental health since Dr Charles Leach during World War I. But there was a fear that it deterred MPs from disclosing mental health problems or even seeking treatment – and since a quarter of adults would suffer from depression, it could discourage a large proportion of the population from seeking to serve.

Mr Barwell raised a laugh by quoting a common law provision that “idiots” could not serve in the Commons – it would come as a surprise to some constituents, he said. But he wanted that abolished too, in case it was used against people who’d suffered from mental health problems.

He pointed out that the law was actually tougher on people who had suffered from, and maybe recovered from, problems like depression, than it was on MPs who were sent to prison – that would not disqualify an MP unless the sentence was for a year or more. The bill – supported by the deputy prime minister and the shadow health secretary among others – has been given a second reading. The Conservative Charles Walker, who discussed his own experience of OCD in the Commons in June, predicted Mr Barwell could rise to be a Cabinet minister – but added this bill might be the most important achievement of his career, if it became law.

Elsewhere, the reshuffle ripples continue: several people across the blogosphere have noted the exodus of MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, following promotions to the government or (in the case of Labour’s Tom Watson) the end of the phone-hacking inquiry. The Culture Committee is certainly an interesting place to serve, but spare a thought for the Transport Committee, where the departure of Paul Maynard and Julian Sturdy creates two vacancies at a time when the committee is pondering the red-hot issue of airport capacity in the south-east.

It is not clear when the Conservatives will elect replacements and even less clear who we will get…but it may be that partisans on either side of the argument may try for a seat on the committee – and given the Boris v Dave overtones, it could even become a proxy leadership battle.

Meanwhile the government whips were thwarted, yesterday, when they attempted to replace Geoffrey Clifton-Brown as chair of an obscure but important organ, the Committee of Selection. (The committee chooses the MPs who serve on Public Bill Committees, which scrutinise legislation in detail.)

A motion to replace him with the recently de-frocked Tory whip, Bill Wiggin, appeared on the Order Paper on Thursday for decision without debate, and was promptly “objected” by Labour’s Thomas Docherty.

The shout of “object” prevents a Commons motion from being nodded through, and the question now is whether and when the whips make another attempt. Tory backbenchers suspect that then move is a sweetener for Mr Wiggin, to compensate him for his reshuffle demotion, and a punishment for Mr Clifton-Brown for his role in organising the Lords rebellion before the summer break.

There seem to be a number of people who will not allow the change to the committee membership without, at least, a debate – and they would use it to argue that the chair should be elected, rather than appointed.


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14 Sep 2012

Harold Hamm, Mitt Romney Energy Adviser, Exceeded Federal Campaign …

By Alexander Cohen and David Sheppard and Joshua Schneyer
WASHINGTON, Sept 13 (Reuters) – The national energy adviser for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, Oklahoma oil billionaire Harold Hamm, made political contributions that exceed Federal legal limits by as much as 41 percent, according to data compiled by Reuters.
The data, based on public filings, showed that Hamm’s political donations exceeded the legal limits for individual donations to political parties, campaigns and po litical action committees (P ACs) over the 2011-2012 election period.
Hamm, the CEO of oil and gas company Continental Resources , has given $164,700 to parties, PACs and candidates, including Romney, in the current two-year election cycle, in addition to an almost $1 million donation in April to the main Super PAC supporting Romney.
The $985,000 Hamm gave to Super PAC Restore Our Future is legal, because there is no limit on such giving. But his other federal contributions put him well over the legal limit of $117,000 in an election period for an individual donor. Hamm has also exceeded lesser limits both for individual contributions to candidates and to regular political action committees and parties by more than $20,000 each.
Reuters reporters alerted Hamm on Tuesday to the breach of limits and presented him data on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal reported the donation violations earlier Thursday on its website.
Hamm’s political adviser, Mike Cantrell, said in an email on Thursday afternoon that Hamm had intended to break up the donations between himself and his wife, Sue Ann Hamm, which he said would have ensured that Hamm remained under legal contribution limits. The donations were made from a joint account, Cantrell said, but Hamm failed to make clear that they were donations split between Hamm and his wife.
“Apparently some committees and/or campaigns to which Harold and Sue Ann Hamm made contributions reported those as having been contributed solely by Harold Hamm. That was a mistake. Others appear to have been misallocated,” Cantrell told Reuters.
Cantrell said Hamm had believed that the contributions would be attributed 50 percent to Harold Hamm and 50 percent to Sue Ann Hamm, because under Oklahoma state campaign finance law, the maximum contribution limits are calculated on a per-family basis. Under federal law, contributions made from a joint bank account are split only if both parties sign the check.
Hamm “believed he was in compliance with all federal and state election laws. After notification from Reuters, Mr. Hamm had his contributions reviewed again,” Cantrell said. “Since this was brought to our attention, the recipient committees are being notified and requested to take appropriate steps to correct any errors.”
In an interview last week, conducted before the finance violation was clear, Hamm told Reuters he saw no conflicts of interest arising from his financial support and fundraising for Romney or other candidates.
Hamm helped Romney to devise his national energy policy platform for a white paper the campaign released last month. It focuses heavily on opening up more U.S. territory for oil drilling, which could benefit Hamm’s company, a top lease-holder in the prolific Bakken oil field of North Dakota.
“Everybody in America supports the candidates that are aligned with their beliefs and their philosophy. This goes back to First Amendment rights,” Hamm told Reuters. “We can support the candidate of our choice.”
Hamm might face penalties for the donation breaches, up to the excess amount he has contributed.
“The (Federal Election Commission) itself cannot impose a fine,” said Paul S. Ryan, senior counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, a Washington D.C. campaign finance organization. He noted that while the Department of Justice retains the authority to prosecute deliberate contribution violations, he hasn’t seen them pursue such cases.
The FEC said it couldn’t comment on any matters involving donations by individuals.
Aside from his Super PAC contribution earlier this year, Hamm and his wife, Sue Ann, have in total given $430,150 to candidates, PACs and political parties since 1999, with more than half of their overall total coming during this election cycle, according to data compiled from public filings.
Overall, the Hamms gave $367,050 to Republicans, more than six times as much as they gave to Democrats, including contributions to the presidential campaigns of Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and George W. Bush. During this election, less than four percent of the $235,550 they gave went to Democrats.

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  • Sheldon Adelson And Family

    Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas casino magnate, and his family have combined to give $37.75 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. At first, Adelson pumped money into Winning Our Future, the super PAC supporting Newt Gingrich, but now he is funding groups backing Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans. Adelson is ranked on the emForbes/em list of the richest Americans at number eight, with $21.5 billion in net worth.

    Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, gave $15 million to Winning Our Future. His daughters Sivan Ochshorn and Shelley Maye Adelson each chipped in $500,000. Another daughter and her husband each gave $250,000. Adelson and his wife have also given $10 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $5 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, $5 million to YG Action Fund, $1 million to Freedom PAC (supporting Connie Mack) and $250,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC (supporting David Dewhurst).

    Adelson remained in the number one spot among super PAC donors after counting contributions for July. His involvement in politics revolves around his support for the state of Israel, a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/sheldon-adelson-newt-gingrich-israel_n_1195867.html” target=”_hplink”in particular the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu/a. His business, along with that of other super PAC donors, a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/sheldon-adelson-bribery-super-pac-donors-fcpa_n_1602694.html” target=”_hplink”is also under investigation/a for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

  • Harold And Annette Simmons

    Harold Simmons, the octogenarian Dallas businessman, combined with his wife Annette and his company, Contran Corp., to donate $19,205,000 to super PACs. Simmons is listed in emForbes/em magazine as the 33rd richest person in America with a net worth of $9.3 billion.

    Simmons and Contran donated $13 million to American Crossroads, $1 million to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry), $1.1 million to Winning Our Future (supporting Newt Gingrich), $800,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $100,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund (formerly Americans for Rick Perry). Annette Simmons gave $1.2 million to Red White And Blue Fund (supporting Rick Santorum). Simmons has also given $750,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund and $500,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC, both super PACs supporting Senate candidate David Dewhurst. He gave another $5,000 to Freedom PAC, which supports Connie Mack for Senate in Florida.

    Simmons — who explained that he is contributing money to super PACs to a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/harold-simmons-obama_n_1371642.html”stop “that socialist,” President Barack Obama/a — remains in second place among super PAC donors.

  • Bob Perry

    Texas homebuilder Bob Perry contributed $13.9 million to super PACs. Perry is one of the most prolific donors in contemporary political history. He was a major backer of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outside group that helped torpedo John Kerry’s presidential campaign in 2004. Perry’s net worth has been estimated at around $650 million.

    Perry has given $8 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $4.5 million to American Crossroads, $1 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, $300,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst), and $100,000 to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry, who is of no relation).

  • National Education Association

    The National Education Association, the largest U.S. labor union representing teachers, contributed $5.33 million to super PACs.

    The union gave $4.9 million to its own super PAC, the NEA Advocacy Fund, $250,000 to DGA Action, $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century and $5,000 to the Patriot Majority PAC.

  • Peter Thiel

    Peter Thiel, the hedge fund manager, venture capitalist and early Facebook investor, contributed $4.73 million through June 2012 to super PACs. Thiel, a radical libertarian, ranks 293 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.5 billion.

    The majority of Thiel’s money, $2.73 million, has gone to Endorse Liberty, a super PAC supporting Ron Paul in the Republican presidential race. He has since switched his giving to Club for Growth Action, the super PAC of the ultra-conservative free market Club for Growth. Thiel has given $2 million to the Club super PAC.

  • Robert Rowling And TRT Holdings

    Robert Rowling, the Texas billionaire who runs the business holding company TRT Holdings, has contributed $4.135 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Rowling ranks 66 on emForbes’/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $4.7 billion.

    He gave $4 million to American Crossroads, $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $35,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst).

  • Service Employees International Union

    The Service Employees International Union, the nation’s fastest growing labor union representing close to 2 million people, contributed $4.11 million to super PACs. SEIU is one of the most politically active unions in the country.

    SEIU has given $1.35 million to Florida Freedom PAC, $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $550,000 to Service Employees International Union PEA-Federal, $425,000 to Rethink PAC (opposing Scott Brown), $311,000 to House Majority PAC, $250,000 to Majority PAC, $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century and $17,750 to Working For Us PAC.

  • Fred Eychaner

    Fred Eychaner, the Chicago-based media mogul who made his fortune with Newsweb Corp., gave $3.25 million to super PACs. He is a longtime funder of outside groups backing Democrats, having contributed $2 million to so-called 527 groups in the effort to defeat President George W. Bush in 2004. Eychaner is also a noted LGBT activist and has funded efforts to promote equality.

    Eychaner gave $1.5 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $800,000 to Majority PAC, $750,000 to House Majority PAC and $200,000 to America Votes Action Fund.

  • Crow Holdings LLC, Harlan Crow and Trammell Crow

    Crow Holdings LLC, which manages the wealth of the late real estate developer Trammel Crow, its director Harlan Crow and his brother Trammel S. Crow have contributed $3.135 million to super PACs through June 2012.

    Harlan Crow, Trammel S. Crow and the company combined to give $1.5 million to American Crossroads, $1.3 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $250,000 to FreedomWorks for America, $50,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst) and $35,000 to Campaign for Primary Accountability.

  • William Koch, Oxbow Carbon And Huron Carbon

    William Koch, the lesser-known Koch brother, and two of his companies, petroleum, energy and minerals companies Oxbow Carbon and Huron Carbon, gave $3 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney).

  • Robert And Rebekah Mercer

    Robert Mercer (left), the co-CEO of the $15 billion hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, gave $2.865 million to super PACs.

    Robert Mercer contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $1 million to American Crossroads, $600,000 to Club for Growth Action and $200,000 to National Horizon. Rebekah Mercer gave $50,000 to the Coalition for American Values and $15,000 to the Club for Growth.

  • Cooperative Of American Physicians

    The a href=”http://www.capphysicians.com/about_us” target=”_hplink”Cooperative of American Physicians/a is a medical malpractice and medical liability insurer. The group has contributed $2.63 million to its own super PAC. No other information has been provided on the source of the funds contributed by the cooperative.

  • John Childs

    John Childs, the head of the Boston-based private equity firm J.W. Childs Associates, has contributed $2.625 million to super PACs.

    Childs has contributed $1.125 million to Club for Growth Action, $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $500,000 to American Crossroads.

  • Jerry Perenchio

    Jerry Perenchio, founder of the Spanish language television network Univision, contributed $2.6 million to super PACs. Perenchio ranks 171 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.3 billion.

    Perenchio gave $2 million to American Crossroads, $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), and $100,000 to Our Destiny (supporting Jon Huntsman).

  • Joseph Craft And Alliance Management Holdings

    Joseph Craft and his holding company, Alliance Management Holdings, gave $2.6 million to super PACs. Craft is ranked 331 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. Alliance Management Holdings is a privately held company run by Craft with significant shares in the managing partner of Alliance Resource Partners.

    Craft and his company gave $2.1 million to American Crossroads, including $1.675 million in May, and $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

  • John Ramsey

    John Ramsey, a 21-year old college student who inherited millions from his banker grandfather, contributed $2.45 million to super PACs.

    The majority of the young libertarian’s contributions went to his own super PAC, Liberty for All. Another $450 went to Revolution PAC, which supported Ron Paul for the Republican nomination for president.

  • Foster Friess

    Foster Friess, the Wyoming investor, contributed $2.425 million to super PACs, mostly to those supporting the presidential candidacy of Rick Santorum. Since Santorum dropped out of the race, Friess has shifted his contributions to help Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans. Friess is estimated to be worth above $500 million.

    He has given $2.1 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum), $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $100,000 to FreedomWorks, $50,000 to Leaders for Families (also supporting Santorum), $25,000 to Friends of the Majority, $25,000 to USA Super PAC, $10,000 to Freedom Born Fund, $10,000 to Club for Growth Action and $5,000 to Fund for Freedom.

  • AFL-CIO

    The AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of unions, contributed $2.3 million to super PACs. The federation, boasting 12.2 million members, is made up of 57 national and international labor unions. Its funds come from the dues paid by members.

    The AFL-CIO gave $2.2 million to its own super PAC, and that super PAC gave $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

  • William Dore

    William Dore, the Louisiana energy executive, gave $2.25 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum). This was the biggest foray into political giving by Dore, who has previously cut large checks for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Republican Governors Association. He is estimated to be worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Credit: a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_KzFkneorU” target=”_hplink”YouTube/a

  • Amy Goldman

    Amy Goldman, the author and activist who has been called “perhaps the world’s premier vegetable gardener,” contributed $2.25 million to super PACs. Goldman is the heiress to the fortune of New York real estate titan Sol Goldman.

    Goldman gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $1 million to Planned Parenthood Votes, the super PAC for the family planning services provider, and $250,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

  • Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties, Waterbury Properties (Bob Brockman)

    Four companies — Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties — sharing the same address as The Reynolds Reynolds Company headed by Bob Brockman, have given $2.25 million to super PACs.

    CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties combined to give $1 million to Restore Our Future and another $1 million to American Crossroads. Dealer Computer Services has given $200,000 to the pro-David Dewhurst Texas Conservatives Fund and $50,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund.

  • American Federation Of State, County And Municipal Employees

    The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the nation’s largest public employee union with 1.6 million members, contributed $2.239 million to super PACs. AFSCME is very politically active in local and national politics. In 2011, it faced direct attacks in such states as Ohio and Wisconsin, when Republican governors sought to curtail collective bargaining rights for public employees.

    AFSCME gave $575,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $500,000 to the AFL-CIO Workers’ Voices PAC, $500,000 to Majority PAC, $315,000 to House Majority PAC $200,000 to Working Families For Hawaii (supporting Mazie Hirono), $100,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman (supporting Howard Berman), $25,000 to Women Vote! and $24,900 to Working For Us PAC.

  • Jon Huntsman Sr.

    Jon Huntsman Sr., the billionaire Utah industrialist, contributed $2.22 million to a super PAC supporting the presidential candidacy of his son, Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman Sr. has given away much of his fortune in recent years and is estimated to be worth slightly north of $1 billion.

    Huntsman’s contributions to Our Destiny, the super PAC backing his son in the Republican primary contest, came under scrutiny based on the laws banning coordination between super PACs and campaigns.

  • Jeffrey Katzenberg

    Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of DreamWorks Animation, has given gave $2.125 million to super PACs. Katzenberg’s net worth is estimated to be above $800 million.

    His biggest contribution was a $2 million gift to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama’s reelection bid. Katzenberg has also given $100,000 to Majority PAC and $25,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman, the super PAC supporting Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), a staunch ally of Hollywood.

    Katzenberg is also a major fundraiser for the Obama reelection campaign, having brought in more than $500,000.

  • Paul Singer

    Paul Singer (pictured far right), the hedge fund titan in charge of Elliot Associates, contributed $2.123 million to super PACs through June 2012. Singer has an estimated worth of $900 million.

    He has given $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $1.123 million to American Unity, a super PAC meant to support pro-gay marriage Republican candidates for office.

  • Irwin Jacobs

    Irwin Jacobs, a founder of Qualcomm, has contributed $2.1 million to super PACs. Jacobs is worth $1.15 billion and ranks 372nd on the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans.

    Jacobs has given $2 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama) and $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

  • Kenneth And Anne Griffin

    Kenneth Griffin, the head of the massive hedge fund Citadel, has contributed $2.08 million to super PACs. Griffin is ranked 173rd on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans.

    In 2008, he helped raise money for then-Sen. Barack Obama during the Democratic primary, but switched to support Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the general election. Griffin has since become increasingly critical of President Obama and what he considers to be class warfare rhetoric coming from the White House. He stated that the wealthy have “a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/11/ken-griffin-mitt-romney_n_1337721.html” target=”_hplink”insufficient influence/a” in politics and urged the rich to donate to political efforts to preserve their position atop the food chain.

    Griffin has given $1.05 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $1 million to American Crossroads. His wife, Anne, gave $30,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability.

  • FreedomWorks

    FreedomWorks, the conservative nonprofit organization, contributed $2.02 million to its super PAC, FreedomWorks for America. The group is run by former Rep. Dick Armey and was instrumental in organizing the original Tea Party protests in 2009.

    The super PAC has been active in Republican Senate primaries backing Richard Mourdock’s successful campaign to beat Sen. Dick Lugar in Indiana. The group also also thrown its weight behind Ted Cruz in Texas and Don Stenberg in Nebraska. Stenberg lost his primary to state Sen. Deb Fischer and Cruz faces a run-off election against Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The group is also spending money to defeat Sen. Orrin Hatch in Utah.

  • James Simons

    James Simons, the billionaire chairman of the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, gave $2 million to super PACs. Simons is ranked 30 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $10.5 billion.

    Simons gave $1.5 million to Majority PAC, a super PAC that backs Democratic Senate candidates, and $500,000 to House Majority PAC, backing Democratic House candidates.

  • American Federation Of Teachers

    The American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest union in the nation with 1.5 million members, gave $1.85 million to super PACs. After nearly doubled its giving in March with $600,000 in contributions to super PACs the super PAC gave another $300,000 in April and added another $250,000 in May.

    The union donated $1 million to the AFL-CIO Workers’ Voices PAC, $300,000 to House Majority PAC, $300,000 to Majority PAC, and $250,000 to DGA Action.

  • Steve Amber Mostyn

    Steve and Amber Mostyn have contributed $1.828 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Steve, a multi-millionaire trial lawyer in Houston, Texas, and the president of the Texas Trial Lawyer Association, is a long-time donor to Democratic Party causes in both Texas and nationally. In May, the couple gave big by pumping $1.5 million into two Democratic super PACs.

    The Mostyns gave $1,003,850 to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $500,000 to House Majority PAC, Planned Parenthood Votes $200,000 and $125,000 to Texans for America’s Future, a super PAC that opposed Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential bid.

  • National Association of Realtors

    The National Association of Realtors, the primary trade association for realtors, has contributed $1.81 million to its own super PAC in the 2012 election cycle. The group has long been a player in congressional elections and has already spent significant amounts to help Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) hold his newly redistricted seat in the 2012 elections.

  • Warren Stephens, Stephens Investment Holding Stephens Inc.

    Warren Stephens, the head of Stephens, Inc., has contributed $1.75 million to super PACs. Stephens is tied for the position of 130th richest American, according to Forbes.

    Stephens has given $1.25 million to American Crossroads and $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

    (Pictured: Stephens, right, with President George W. Bush.)

  • Communications Workers Of America

    The Communications Workers of America, the largest telecommunications union in the world with a membership above 700,000, contributed $1.68 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle.

    The union donated $1.15 million to the Communications Workers of America super PAC, $220,000 to Independent Source, $57,000 to Progressive Kick Independent Expenditures, $50,000 to House Majority PAC and $45,000 to American Worker.

  • National Air Traffic Controllers Association

    The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has given $1.45 million to super PACs during the 2012 election cycle. The union represents 20,000 controllers, engineers and other professionals involved in air traffic control.

    The union gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $350,000 to Majority PAC and $100,000 to the AFL-CIO Workers’ Voices PAC.

  • The Morses, The Villages Other Companies

    H. Gary Morse, his wife, their children, the retirement community they operate, The Villages, and a number of subsidiary companies have combined to contribute $1.552 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) in the 2012 election cycle.

    H. Gary Morse is part of Romney’s Florida finance team and has hosted fundraisers for the former Massachusetts governor. The family’s super PAC giving has all gone to support Romney’s bid.

    Through June and July, a series of subsidiary companies controlled by The Villages and H. Gary Morse contributed $600,000 to Restore Our Future.

  • Republican Governors Association

    The Republican Governors Association, a 527 political committee currently headed by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, gave $1.58 million to the super PAC RGA Ohio PAC.

  • Jon Stryker

    Jon Stryker, an architect and heir to the Stryker Corporation fortune, has contributed $1.5 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama.

    Stryker is worth $1.1 billion and ranks 375th on the Fortune 400 richest Americans list. He is a noted GLBT activist having donated money to groups including the Gay Lesbian Victory Fund. Stryker is also the founder of the Arcus Foundation, the largest grant maker for gay and lesbian activism in the nation.

    Stryker has spent big in the past to help elect Democrats and oust Republicans from office in his home state of Michigan.

    (Pictured: President Barack Obama, the candidate supported by Stryker’s contribution.)

  • J. Joseph Ricketts

    J. Joseph Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and head of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs, has given $1.485 million to super PACs. Ricketts ranked 371 on emForbes’/em list of richest Americans in 2009, with a net worth of $1 billion.

    He has donated $885,000 to his own super PAC, Ending Spending Action Fund, which spent all of that money to help Nebraska state Sen. Deb Fischer win the Republican Senate primary in the state. Ricketts has also given $500,000 the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC supporting challengers to incumbent Democrats and Republicans in contested congressional primary elections, and $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

    Ricketts a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/joe-ricketts-jeremiah-wright-super-pac-ad_n_1525658.html” target=”_hplink”became the focus of controversy/a in May 2012 after the New York Times revealed that he was considering a proposal to fund, through a super PAC, advertisements attacking President Barack Obama with his relationship with his former pastor, the controversial Jeremiah Wright. After the publicity Ricketts and the consultants involved all stated that they were not going forward with the plan.

  • Weaver Popcorn

    Weaver Popcorn, the Indiana-based popcorn maker owned by Michael Weaver, has contributed $1.4 million to American Crossroads, the super PAC founded by Republican operative Karl Rove.

    The company is one of the largest popcorn companies in the United States and is best known for their Pop Weaver brand.

  • Philip Geier

    Philip Geier, the former advertising magnate turned communications and venture capital adviser, contributed $1.35 million to super PACs. Geier previously served as CEO of the Interpublic Group of Companies, a large advertising holding company. He currently helms the Geier Group, which provides consulting services on communications, advertising and venture capital.

    Geier gave $1,000,000 to American Crossroads and $350,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

  • Anne Earhart

    Anne Catherine Getty Earhart, the granddaughter of the oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, has given $1.35 million to super PACs. Earhart received $400 million when Texaco purchased Getty Oil in 1986. She is active in environmental issues.

    Earhart gave $600,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $500,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting President Obama) and $250,000 to House Majority PAC.

    (Pictured: President Obama, the candidate Earhart’s contributions support.)

  • Donald Sussman

    Donald Sussman, the billionaire hedge fund manager and husband of Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), has given $1.35 million to super PACs. Sussman is the founder of investment firm Paloma Partners.

    Sussman has given $1.15 million to House Majority PAC, $100,000 to Women Vote! and $100,000 to Young Democrats of America.

  • Leo Linbeck

    Leo Linbeck, the Houston construction mogul, has given $1.26 million to the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC opposing both incumbent Democrats and Republicans facing primary challenges.

  • Julian Robertson

    Julian Robertson, the hedge fund titan and founder of Tiger Management, contributed $1.25 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) in the current election cycle. Robertson is ranked 166 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

  • Richard Uihlein

    Richard Uihlein, the son of the founder of the U-Line Corp., contributed $1.185 million to super PACs.

    Uihlein gave $510,000 to Club for Growth Action, $350,000 to FreedomWorks for America, $225,000 to New Prosperity Foundation, $50,000 to USA Super PAC and $50,000 to Liberty Principles PAC.

    (Pictured: The website of FreedomWorks, the biggest recipient of contributions from Uihlein.)

  • George Soros

    George Soros, the noted hedge fund investor and long-time Democratic donor, has contributed $1.175 million to super PACs.

    Soros became famous for his political contributions after he gave more than $30 million to 527 groups to defeat former President George W. Bush in 2004. He has reached a mythological status with some conservatives as a wildly influential figure in world politics.

    Soros has given $1 million to American Bridge 21st Century, $100,000 to Majority PAC and $75,000 to House Majority PAC.

  • Frank VanderSloot Melaleuca Inc.

    Frank VanderSloot and his multi-level marketing company, Melaleuca Inc., have contributed $1.1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). VanderSloot is a member of the Romney campaign’s financial team and has a checkered history of bullying reporters and newspapers for writing about his business, which has been labeled a pyramid scheme by some, and his political activities. The 2004 emForbes/em list of richest Americans estimated VanderSloot’s net worth to be $700 million.

  • Laborers’ International Union

    The Laborers’ International Union, which represents a half-million construction workers, has given $1.05 million to super PACs.

    The union gave $850,000 to House Majority PAC, $200,000 to Majority PAC and $5,000 to The American Worker.

  • Barbara Stiefel

    Barbara Stiefel, a Florida-based philanthropist and Democratic Party donor, has given $1.05 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama).

    (Pictured: Barack Obama, the candidate supported by Stiefel’s contributions.)

  • The Lindners

    Members of the Lindner family, including Carl H. Lindner III and S. Craig Lindner, have contributed $1.1 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Carl and Craig are co-CEOs of the American Financial Group, a Cincinnati-based finance company.

    Family members have combined to give $600,000 to Restore Our Future, supporting Mitt Romney, and $500,000 to American Crossroads.


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14 Sep 2012

Harold Hamm, Mitt Romney Energy Adviser, Exceeded Federal Campaign …

By Alexander Cohen and David Sheppard and Joshua Schneyer
WASHINGTON, Sept 13 (Reuters) – The national energy adviser for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, Oklahoma oil billionaire Harold Hamm, made political contributions that exceed Federal legal limits by as much as 41 percent, according to data compiled by Reuters.
The data, based on public filings, showed that Hamm’s political donations exceeded the legal limits for individual donations to political parties, campaigns and po litical action committees (P ACs) over the 2011-2012 election period.
Hamm, the CEO of oil and gas company Continental Resources , has given $164,700 to parties, PACs and candidates, including Romney, in the current two-year election cycle, in addition to an almost $1 million donation in April to the main Super PAC supporting Romney.
The $985,000 Hamm gave to Super PAC Restore Our Future is legal, because there is no limit on such giving. But his other federal contributions put him well over the legal limit of $117,000 in an election period for an individual donor. Hamm has also exceeded lesser limits both for individual contributions to candidates and to regular political action committees and parties by more than $20,000 each.
Reuters reporters alerted Hamm on Tuesday to the breach of limits and presented him data on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal reported the donation violations earlier Thursday on its website.
Hamm’s political adviser, Mike Cantrell, said in an email on Thursday afternoon that Hamm had intended to break up the donations between himself and his wife, Sue Ann Hamm, which he said would have ensured that Hamm remained under legal contribution limits. The donations were made from a joint account, Cantrell said, but Hamm failed to make clear that they were donations split between Hamm and his wife.
“Apparently some committees and/or campaigns to which Harold and Sue Ann Hamm made contributions reported those as having been contributed solely by Harold Hamm. That was a mistake. Others appear to have been misallocated,” Cantrell told Reuters.
Cantrell said Hamm had believed that the contributions would be attributed 50 percent to Harold Hamm and 50 percent to Sue Ann Hamm, because under Oklahoma state campaign finance law, the maximum contribution limits are calculated on a per-family basis. Under federal law, contributions made from a joint bank account are split only if both parties sign the check.
Hamm “believed he was in compliance with all federal and state election laws. After notification from Reuters, Mr. Hamm had his contributions reviewed again,” Cantrell said. “Since this was brought to our attention, the recipient committees are being notified and requested to take appropriate steps to correct any errors.”
In an interview last week, conducted before the finance violation was clear, Hamm told Reuters he saw no conflicts of interest arising from his financial support and fundraising for Romney or other candidates.
Hamm helped Romney to devise his national energy policy platform for a white paper the campaign released last month. It focuses heavily on opening up more U.S. territory for oil drilling, which could benefit Hamm’s company, a top lease-holder in the prolific Bakken oil field of North Dakota.
“Everybody in America supports the candidates that are aligned with their beliefs and their philosophy. This goes back to First Amendment rights,” Hamm told Reuters. “We can support the candidate of our choice.”
Hamm might face penalties for the donation breaches, up to the excess amount he has contributed.
“The (Federal Election Commission) itself cannot impose a fine,” said Paul S. Ryan, senior counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, a Washington D.C. campaign finance organization. He noted that while the Department of Justice retains the authority to prosecute deliberate contribution violations, he hasn’t seen them pursue such cases.
The FEC said it couldn’t comment on any matters involving donations by individuals.
Aside from his Super PAC contribution earlier this year, Hamm and his wife, Sue Ann, have in total given $430,150 to candidates, PACs and political parties since 1999, with more than half of their overall total coming during this election cycle, according to data compiled from public filings.
Overall, the Hamms gave $367,050 to Republicans, more than six times as much as they gave to Democrats, including contributions to the presidential campaigns of Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and George W. Bush. During this election, less than four percent of the $235,550 they gave went to Democrats.

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  • Sheldon Adelson And Family

    Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas casino magnate, and his family have combined to give $37.75 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. At first, Adelson pumped money into Winning Our Future, the super PAC supporting Newt Gingrich, but now he is funding groups backing Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans. Adelson is ranked on the emForbes/em list of the richest Americans at number eight, with $21.5 billion in net worth.

    Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, gave $15 million to Winning Our Future. His daughters Sivan Ochshorn and Shelley Maye Adelson each chipped in $500,000. Another daughter and her husband each gave $250,000. Adelson and his wife have also given $10 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $5 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, $5 million to YG Action Fund, $1 million to Freedom PAC (supporting Connie Mack) and $250,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC (supporting David Dewhurst).

    Adelson remained in the number one spot among super PAC donors after counting contributions for July. His involvement in politics revolves around his support for the state of Israel, a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/sheldon-adelson-newt-gingrich-israel_n_1195867.html” target=”_hplink”in particular the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu/a. His business, along with that of other super PAC donors, a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/sheldon-adelson-bribery-super-pac-donors-fcpa_n_1602694.html” target=”_hplink”is also under investigation/a for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

  • Harold And Annette Simmons

    Harold Simmons, the octogenarian Dallas businessman, combined with his wife Annette and his company, Contran Corp., to donate $19,205,000 to super PACs. Simmons is listed in emForbes/em magazine as the 33rd richest person in America with a net worth of $9.3 billion.

    Simmons and Contran donated $13 million to American Crossroads, $1 million to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry), $1.1 million to Winning Our Future (supporting Newt Gingrich), $800,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $100,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund (formerly Americans for Rick Perry). Annette Simmons gave $1.2 million to Red White And Blue Fund (supporting Rick Santorum). Simmons has also given $750,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund and $500,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC, both super PACs supporting Senate candidate David Dewhurst. He gave another $5,000 to Freedom PAC, which supports Connie Mack for Senate in Florida.

    Simmons — who explained that he is contributing money to super PACs to a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/harold-simmons-obama_n_1371642.html”stop “that socialist,” President Barack Obama/a — remains in second place among super PAC donors.

  • Bob Perry

    Texas homebuilder Bob Perry contributed $13.9 million to super PACs. Perry is one of the most prolific donors in contemporary political history. He was a major backer of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outside group that helped torpedo John Kerry’s presidential campaign in 2004. Perry’s net worth has been estimated at around $650 million.

    Perry has given $8 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $4.5 million to American Crossroads, $1 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, $300,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst), and $100,000 to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry, who is of no relation).

  • National Education Association

    The National Education Association, the largest U.S. labor union representing teachers, contributed $5.33 million to super PACs.

    The union gave $4.9 million to its own super PAC, the NEA Advocacy Fund, $250,000 to DGA Action, $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century and $5,000 to the Patriot Majority PAC.

  • Peter Thiel

    Peter Thiel, the hedge fund manager, venture capitalist and early Facebook investor, contributed $4.73 million through June 2012 to super PACs. Thiel, a radical libertarian, ranks 293 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.5 billion.

    The majority of Thiel’s money, $2.73 million, has gone to Endorse Liberty, a super PAC supporting Ron Paul in the Republican presidential race. He has since switched his giving to Club for Growth Action, the super PAC of the ultra-conservative free market Club for Growth. Thiel has given $2 million to the Club super PAC.

  • Robert Rowling And TRT Holdings

    Robert Rowling, the Texas billionaire who runs the business holding company TRT Holdings, has contributed $4.135 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Rowling ranks 66 on emForbes’/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $4.7 billion.

    He gave $4 million to American Crossroads, $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $35,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst).

  • Service Employees International Union

    The Service Employees International Union, the nation’s fastest growing labor union representing close to 2 million people, contributed $4.11 million to super PACs. SEIU is one of the most politically active unions in the country.

    SEIU has given $1.35 million to Florida Freedom PAC, $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $550,000 to Service Employees International Union PEA-Federal, $425,000 to Rethink PAC (opposing Scott Brown), $311,000 to House Majority PAC, $250,000 to Majority PAC, $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century and $17,750 to Working For Us PAC.

  • Fred Eychaner

    Fred Eychaner, the Chicago-based media mogul who made his fortune with Newsweb Corp., gave $3.25 million to super PACs. He is a longtime funder of outside groups backing Democrats, having contributed $2 million to so-called 527 groups in the effort to defeat President George W. Bush in 2004. Eychaner is also a noted LGBT activist and has funded efforts to promote equality.

    Eychaner gave $1.5 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $800,000 to Majority PAC, $750,000 to House Majority PAC and $200,000 to America Votes Action Fund.

  • Crow Holdings LLC, Harlan Crow and Trammell Crow

    Crow Holdings LLC, which manages the wealth of the late real estate developer Trammel Crow, its director Harlan Crow and his brother Trammel S. Crow have contributed $3.135 million to super PACs through June 2012.

    Harlan Crow, Trammel S. Crow and the company combined to give $1.5 million to American Crossroads, $1.3 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $250,000 to FreedomWorks for America, $50,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst) and $35,000 to Campaign for Primary Accountability.

  • William Koch, Oxbow Carbon And Huron Carbon

    William Koch, the lesser-known Koch brother, and two of his companies, petroleum, energy and minerals companies Oxbow Carbon and Huron Carbon, gave $3 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney).

  • Robert And Rebekah Mercer

    Robert Mercer (left), the co-CEO of the $15 billion hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, gave $2.865 million to super PACs.

    Robert Mercer contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $1 million to American Crossroads, $600,000 to Club for Growth Action and $200,000 to National Horizon. Rebekah Mercer gave $50,000 to the Coalition for American Values and $15,000 to the Club for Growth.

  • Cooperative Of American Physicians

    The a href=”http://www.capphysicians.com/about_us” target=”_hplink”Cooperative of American Physicians/a is a medical malpractice and medical liability insurer. The group has contributed $2.63 million to its own super PAC. No other information has been provided on the source of the funds contributed by the cooperative.

  • John Childs

    John Childs, the head of the Boston-based private equity firm J.W. Childs Associates, has contributed $2.625 million to super PACs.

    Childs has contributed $1.125 million to Club for Growth Action, $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $500,000 to American Crossroads.

  • Jerry Perenchio

    Jerry Perenchio, founder of the Spanish language television network Univision, contributed $2.6 million to super PACs. Perenchio ranks 171 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.3 billion.

    Perenchio gave $2 million to American Crossroads, $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), and $100,000 to Our Destiny (supporting Jon Huntsman).

  • Joseph Craft And Alliance Management Holdings

    Joseph Craft and his holding company, Alliance Management Holdings, gave $2.6 million to super PACs. Craft is ranked 331 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. Alliance Management Holdings is a privately held company run by Craft with significant shares in the managing partner of Alliance Resource Partners.

    Craft and his company gave $2.1 million to American Crossroads, including $1.675 million in May, and $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

  • John Ramsey

    John Ramsey, a 21-year old college student who inherited millions from his banker grandfather, contributed $2.45 million to super PACs.

    The majority of the young libertarian’s contributions went to his own super PAC, Liberty for All. Another $450 went to Revolution PAC, which supported Ron Paul for the Republican nomination for president.

  • Foster Friess

    Foster Friess, the Wyoming investor, contributed $2.425 million to super PACs, mostly to those supporting the presidential candidacy of Rick Santorum. Since Santorum dropped out of the race, Friess has shifted his contributions to help Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans. Friess is estimated to be worth above $500 million.

    He has given $2.1 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum), $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $100,000 to FreedomWorks, $50,000 to Leaders for Families (also supporting Santorum), $25,000 to Friends of the Majority, $25,000 to USA Super PAC, $10,000 to Freedom Born Fund, $10,000 to Club for Growth Action and $5,000 to Fund for Freedom.

  • AFL-CIO

    The AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of unions, contributed $2.3 million to super PACs. The federation, boasting 12.2 million members, is made up of 57 national and international labor unions. Its funds come from the dues paid by members.

    The AFL-CIO gave $2.2 million to its own super PAC, and that super PAC gave $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

  • William Dore

    William Dore, the Louisiana energy executive, gave $2.25 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum). This was the biggest foray into political giving by Dore, who has previously cut large checks for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Republican Governors Association. He is estimated to be worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Credit: a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_KzFkneorU” target=”_hplink”YouTube/a

  • Amy Goldman

    Amy Goldman, the author and activist who has been called “perhaps the world’s premier vegetable gardener,” contributed $2.25 million to super PACs. Goldman is the heiress to the fortune of New York real estate titan Sol Goldman.

    Goldman gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $1 million to Planned Parenthood Votes, the super PAC for the family planning services provider, and $250,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

  • Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties, Waterbury Properties (Bob Brockman)

    Four companies — Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties — sharing the same address as The Reynolds Reynolds Company headed by Bob Brockman, have given $2.25 million to super PACs.

    CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties combined to give $1 million to Restore Our Future and another $1 million to American Crossroads. Dealer Computer Services has given $200,000 to the pro-David Dewhurst Texas Conservatives Fund and $50,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund.

  • American Federation Of State, County And Municipal Employees

    The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the nation’s largest public employee union with 1.6 million members, contributed $2.239 million to super PACs. AFSCME is very politically active in local and national politics. In 2011, it faced direct attacks in such states as Ohio and Wisconsin, when Republican governors sought to curtail collective bargaining rights for public employees.

    AFSCME gave $575,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $500,000 to the AFL-CIO Workers’ Voices PAC, $500,000 to Majority PAC, $315,000 to House Majority PAC $200,000 to Working Families For Hawaii (supporting Mazie Hirono), $100,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman (supporting Howard Berman), $25,000 to Women Vote! and $24,900 to Working For Us PAC.

  • Jon Huntsman Sr.

    Jon Huntsman Sr., the billionaire Utah industrialist, contributed $2.22 million to a super PAC supporting the presidential candidacy of his son, Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman Sr. has given away much of his fortune in recent years and is estimated to be worth slightly north of $1 billion.

    Huntsman’s contributions to Our Destiny, the super PAC backing his son in the Republican primary contest, came under scrutiny based on the laws banning coordination between super PACs and campaigns.

  • Jeffrey Katzenberg

    Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of DreamWorks Animation, has given gave $2.125 million to super PACs. Katzenberg’s net worth is estimated to be above $800 million.

    His biggest contribution was a $2 million gift to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama’s reelection bid. Katzenberg has also given $100,000 to Majority PAC and $25,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman, the super PAC supporting Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), a staunch ally of Hollywood.

    Katzenberg is also a major fundraiser for the Obama reelection campaign, having brought in more than $500,000.

  • Paul Singer

    Paul Singer (pictured far right), the hedge fund titan in charge of Elliot Associates, contributed $2.123 million to super PACs through June 2012. Singer has an estimated worth of $900 million.

    He has given $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $1.123 million to American Unity, a super PAC meant to support pro-gay marriage Republican candidates for office.

  • Irwin Jacobs

    Irwin Jacobs, a founder of Qualcomm, has contributed $2.1 million to super PACs. Jacobs is worth $1.15 billion and ranks 372nd on the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans.

    Jacobs has given $2 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama) and $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

  • Kenneth And Anne Griffin

    Kenneth Griffin, the head of the massive hedge fund Citadel, has contributed $2.08 million to super PACs. Griffin is ranked 173rd on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans.

    In 2008, he helped raise money for then-Sen. Barack Obama during the Democratic primary, but switched to support Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the general election. Griffin has since become increasingly critical of President Obama and what he considers to be class warfare rhetoric coming from the White House. He stated that the wealthy have “a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/11/ken-griffin-mitt-romney_n_1337721.html” target=”_hplink”insufficient influence/a” in politics and urged the rich to donate to political efforts to preserve their position atop the food chain.

    Griffin has given $1.05 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $1 million to American Crossroads. His wife, Anne, gave $30,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability.

  • FreedomWorks

    FreedomWorks, the conservative nonprofit organization, contributed $2.02 million to its super PAC, FreedomWorks for America. The group is run by former Rep. Dick Armey and was instrumental in organizing the original Tea Party protests in 2009.

    The super PAC has been active in Republican Senate primaries backing Richard Mourdock’s successful campaign to beat Sen. Dick Lugar in Indiana. The group also also thrown its weight behind Ted Cruz in Texas and Don Stenberg in Nebraska. Stenberg lost his primary to state Sen. Deb Fischer and Cruz faces a run-off election against Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The group is also spending money to defeat Sen. Orrin Hatch in Utah.

  • James Simons

    James Simons, the billionaire chairman of the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, gave $2 million to super PACs. Simons is ranked 30 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $10.5 billion.

    Simons gave $1.5 million to Majority PAC, a super PAC that backs Democratic Senate candidates, and $500,000 to House Majority PAC, backing Democratic House candidates.

  • American Federation Of Teachers

    The American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest union in the nation with 1.5 million members, gave $1.85 million to super PACs. After nearly doubled its giving in March with $600,000 in contributions to super PACs the super PAC gave another $300,000 in April and added another $250,000 in May.

    The union donated $1 million to the AFL-CIO Workers’ Voices PAC, $300,000 to House Majority PAC, $300,000 to Majority PAC, and $250,000 to DGA Action.

  • Steve Amber Mostyn

    Steve and Amber Mostyn have contributed $1.828 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Steve, a multi-millionaire trial lawyer in Houston, Texas, and the president of the Texas Trial Lawyer Association, is a long-time donor to Democratic Party causes in both Texas and nationally. In May, the couple gave big by pumping $1.5 million into two Democratic super PACs.

    The Mostyns gave $1,003,850 to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $500,000 to House Majority PAC, Planned Parenthood Votes $200,000 and $125,000 to Texans for America’s Future, a super PAC that opposed Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential bid.

  • National Association of Realtors

    The National Association of Realtors, the primary trade association for realtors, has contributed $1.81 million to its own super PAC in the 2012 election cycle. The group has long been a player in congressional elections and has already spent significant amounts to help Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) hold his newly redistricted seat in the 2012 elections.

  • Warren Stephens, Stephens Investment Holding Stephens Inc.

    Warren Stephens, the head of Stephens, Inc., has contributed $1.75 million to super PACs. Stephens is tied for the position of 130th richest American, according to Forbes.

    Stephens has given $1.25 million to American Crossroads and $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

    (Pictured: Stephens, right, with President George W. Bush.)

  • Communications Workers Of America

    The Communications Workers of America, the largest telecommunications union in the world with a membership above 700,000, contributed $1.68 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle.

    The union donated $1.15 million to the Communications Workers of America super PAC, $220,000 to Independent Source, $57,000 to Progressive Kick Independent Expenditures, $50,000 to House Majority PAC and $45,000 to American Worker.

  • National Air Traffic Controllers Association

    The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has given $1.45 million to super PACs during the 2012 election cycle. The union represents 20,000 controllers, engineers and other professionals involved in air traffic control.

    The union gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $350,000 to Majority PAC and $100,000 to the AFL-CIO Workers’ Voices PAC.

  • The Morses, The Villages Other Companies

    H. Gary Morse, his wife, their children, the retirement community they operate, The Villages, and a number of subsidiary companies have combined to contribute $1.552 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) in the 2012 election cycle.

    H. Gary Morse is part of Romney’s Florida finance team and has hosted fundraisers for the former Massachusetts governor. The family’s super PAC giving has all gone to support Romney’s bid.

    Through June and July, a series of subsidiary companies controlled by The Villages and H. Gary Morse contributed $600,000 to Restore Our Future.

  • Republican Governors Association

    The Republican Governors Association, a 527 political committee currently headed by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, gave $1.58 million to the super PAC RGA Ohio PAC.

  • Jon Stryker

    Jon Stryker, an architect and heir to the Stryker Corporation fortune, has contributed $1.5 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama.

    Stryker is worth $1.1 billion and ranks 375th on the Fortune 400 richest Americans list. He is a noted GLBT activist having donated money to groups including the Gay Lesbian Victory Fund. Stryker is also the founder of the Arcus Foundation, the largest grant maker for gay and lesbian activism in the nation.

    Stryker has spent big in the past to help elect Democrats and oust Republicans from office in his home state of Michigan.

    (Pictured: President Barack Obama, the candidate supported by Stryker’s contribution.)

  • J. Joseph Ricketts

    J. Joseph Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and head of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs, has given $1.485 million to super PACs. Ricketts ranked 371 on emForbes’/em list of richest Americans in 2009, with a net worth of $1 billion.

    He has donated $885,000 to his own super PAC, Ending Spending Action Fund, which spent all of that money to help Nebraska state Sen. Deb Fischer win the Republican Senate primary in the state. Ricketts has also given $500,000 the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC supporting challengers to incumbent Democrats and Republicans in contested congressional primary elections, and $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

    Ricketts a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/joe-ricketts-jeremiah-wright-super-pac-ad_n_1525658.html” target=”_hplink”became the focus of controversy/a in May 2012 after the New York Times revealed that he was considering a proposal to fund, through a super PAC, advertisements attacking President Barack Obama with his relationship with his former pastor, the controversial Jeremiah Wright. After the publicity Ricketts and the consultants involved all stated that they were not going forward with the plan.

  • Weaver Popcorn

    Weaver Popcorn, the Indiana-based popcorn maker owned by Michael Weaver, has contributed $1.4 million to American Crossroads, the super PAC founded by Republican operative Karl Rove.

    The company is one of the largest popcorn companies in the United States and is best known for their Pop Weaver brand.

  • Philip Geier

    Philip Geier, the former advertising magnate turned communications and venture capital adviser, contributed $1.35 million to super PACs. Geier previously served as CEO of the Interpublic Group of Companies, a large advertising holding company. He currently helms the Geier Group, which provides consulting services on communications, advertising and venture capital.

    Geier gave $1,000,000 to American Crossroads and $350,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

  • Anne Earhart

    Anne Catherine Getty Earhart, the granddaughter of the oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, has given $1.35 million to super PACs. Earhart received $400 million when Texaco purchased Getty Oil in 1986. She is active in environmental issues.

    Earhart gave $600,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $500,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting President Obama) and $250,000 to House Majority PAC.

    (Pictured: President Obama, the candidate Earhart’s contributions support.)

  • Donald Sussman

    Donald Sussman, the billionaire hedge fund manager and husband of Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), has given $1.35 million to super PACs. Sussman is the founder of investment firm Paloma Partners.

    Sussman has given $1.15 million to House Majority PAC, $100,000 to Women Vote! and $100,000 to Young Democrats of America.

  • Leo Linbeck

    Leo Linbeck, the Houston construction mogul, has given $1.26 million to the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC opposing both incumbent Democrats and Republicans facing primary challenges.

  • Julian Robertson

    Julian Robertson, the hedge fund titan and founder of Tiger Management, contributed $1.25 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) in the current election cycle. Robertson is ranked 166 on the emForbes/em list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

  • Richard Uihlein

    Richard Uihlein, the son of the founder of the U-Line Corp., contributed $1.185 million to super PACs.

    Uihlein gave $510,000 to Club for Growth Action, $350,000 to FreedomWorks for America, $225,000 to New Prosperity Foundation, $50,000 to USA Super PAC and $50,000 to Liberty Principles PAC.

    (Pictured: The website of FreedomWorks, the biggest recipient of contributions from Uihlein.)

  • George Soros

    George Soros, the noted hedge fund investor and long-time Democratic donor, has contributed $1.175 million to super PACs.

    Soros became famous for his political contributions after he gave more than $30 million to 527 groups to defeat former President George W. Bush in 2004. He has reached a mythological status with some conservatives as a wildly influential figure in world politics.

    Soros has given $1 million to American Bridge 21st Century, $100,000 to Majority PAC and $75,000 to House Majority PAC.

  • Frank VanderSloot Melaleuca Inc.

    Frank VanderSloot and his multi-level marketing company, Melaleuca Inc., have contributed $1.1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). VanderSloot is a member of the Romney campaign’s financial team and has a checkered history of bullying reporters and newspapers for writing about his business, which has been labeled a pyramid scheme by some, and his political activities. The 2004 emForbes/em list of richest Americans estimated VanderSloot’s net worth to be $700 million.

  • Laborers’ International Union

    The Laborers’ International Union, which represents a half-million construction workers, has given $1.05 million to super PACs.

    The union gave $850,000 to House Majority PAC, $200,000 to Majority PAC and $5,000 to The American Worker.

  • Barbara Stiefel

    Barbara Stiefel, a Florida-based philanthropist and Democratic Party donor, has given $1.05 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama).

    (Pictured: Barack Obama, the candidate supported by Stiefel’s contributions.)

  • The Lindners

    Members of the Lindner family, including Carl H. Lindner III and S. Craig Lindner, have contributed $1.1 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Carl and Craig are co-CEOs of the American Financial Group, a Cincinnati-based finance company.

    Family members have combined to give $600,000 to Restore Our Future, supporting Mitt Romney, and $500,000 to American Crossroads.


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14 Sep 2012

Art Van donates $1 million to food charity Forgotten Harvest

Forgotten Harvest, the metro Detroit organization that collects and distributes perishable and leftover food, received a $1-million donation Thursday from Art Van Furniture.

The corporate donation, the largest in the nonprofit’s history, was heralded at a breakfast at the Detroit Athletic Club as part of the ongoing “Hunger Has An Address” fund-raising campaign to raise $11 million. So far, $5.5 million has been raised.

“This is an incredibly generous campaign,” new Forgotten Harvest Chairman Dave Nicholson, vice president of PVS Chemicals in Detroit, told a group of about 60 Forgotten Harvest supporters, many from the metro Detroit business community.

“It costs us 20 cents to do a meal — so what is that, 5 million meals? That’s what it means to the organization. It’s incredible.”

Jaime Rae Turnbull, spokeswoman for Art Van’s charitable giving, said Forgotten Harvest provides food to 25 of the 150 charities the furniture retailer supports, including Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac and Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.

The organization rescued 43.9 million pounds of food in 2011, providing it to needy people in metro Detroit.

One in five children in metro Detroit faces hunger. Much of the need is among metro Detroit’s working poor people, estimated to be about 21% of the region’s population.

“Those are the people that are working two and three jobs to provide for their family,” Forgotten Harvest Chief Development Officer Russ Russell said. “Those are the people you’re helping.”

Forgotten Harvest founder Nancy Fishman, 63, who picks food out of fields and volunteers at the warehouse once a week, called the donation incredible.

“It’s grown to a proportion that is so surreal to me that I find it personally necessary to be in the fields and in the warehouse, to have my hands on the food, to remind me why we do what we do,” Fishman said.

She started picking up and distributing food from the back of her Jeep Cherokee in 1988. She created Forgotten Harvest in 1990.

Frank Kubik, food program director for Focus: HOPE, an organization that distributes food, said he continues to see incredible need.

“More and more people are coming in every day. … Numbers are one thing, but behind every number there’s a face. And on their dinner plate tonight will be food that Forgotten Harvest provided for them,” Kubik told the group.


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14 Sep 2012

Our take: Fundraising transparency crucial for charities

The vast majority of non-profits in York County – organizations that do good work and provide vital services in the community – try to be accountable to the people who donate to their causes.

They try to report, accurately, how much of the money they raise from the community goes toward performing their missions and how much is used to raise more money. It’s important information. A nonprofit that puts more resources into raising money than serving the people it intends to help may have some skewed priorities.

And it’s important that the public, being asked to give hard-earned money to the cause, knows where its dollars are going.

In recent years, there has been a large increase in what are known as entrepreneurial charities, charities that exist, pretty much, to enrich the business-people who run them at the expense of people in need. Among the worst offenders are some fly-by-night veterans charities, preying on donors’ patriotism.

Fortunately, our local nonprofits do not fall into that category. They are organizations that, among other things, provide health care and services for the disabled and hospice care and assistance to those seeking decent, affordable housing. And for the most part, they try to do a good job at reporting financial information so that donors know how their money is being spent.

But there is a problem. Sometimes, it is difficult for organizations to determine how much money is spent on fundraising. And sometimes, the forms and reports that the organizations are required to file with the Internal Revenue Service are complicated and the instructions are confusing – something to which anyone who has grappled with the 1040 and associated schedules can attest.

For instance, Shadowfax, a local nonprofit that provides services for the mentally disabled, reported that it had spent no money on fundraising in 2009, raising $44,539 without spending a penny to do so. Then, in 2010, the organization reported spending $123,545 to raise about the same amount of money – the result of an accounting error that incorrectly claimed $82,000 in management and general expenses as fundraising costs.

Something like that raises questions for watchdogs of nonprofits. But if it’s an honest error – and according to Shadowfax’s accountant, that’s what it is – it raises doubts that could harm the organization’s ability to raise money to do the good work that it does.

To be sure, nonprofits have to be accountable. As Robert Ottenhoff, president and CEO of the nonprofit watchdog

GuideStar, said, “In return for not paying income taxes, getting the tax-exempt status, they have an obligation to tell their donors how they are spending their money, to be transparent about it, to be accountable.”

That pretty much nails it.

It shouldn’t be difficult for nonprofits to provide that information. But, as the case of Shadowfax shows, sometimes it’s not that easy.

Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, said, “The IRS has come up with such a complicated set of reporting forms … it takes days to complete, and a layman can’t complete it anymore.”

He said small nonprofits cannot afford to pay the thousands of dollars it would take to hire a CPA to complete the forms, much less perform a thorough audit. The way around it is for charities not to report any fundraising costs. An investigation by the Scripps Howard News Service found that 41 percent of charities with budgets in excess of $1 million do not report any cost related to raising money. It’s hard to believe that that many charities didn’t have any fundraising expenses.

Still, the complexity of reporting the information to the IRS should not be an excuse for charities not to be completely transparent about finances.

Until those regulations and forms are reformed and simplified, nonprofits need to let donors know where their money is going.

The bottom line, as always, is they need to be accountable.


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