Since the 1970’s I’ve been promoting putting not-for-profit organizations financed with taxpayer dollars or controlled by governments under the Freedom of Information Act.
Now the head of the Freedom of Information enforcement agency in Pennsylvania tells the Chicago Sun-Times it is the expectation in her state.
This quote appeared in a story about the Illinois High School Association (whose Director in years past, used to live near Crystal Lake Community High School on Walkup Avenue).
Other states open the books for tax supported axillary organizations.
Illinois should, too.
The Better Government Association is suing the Illinois High School Association for claiming it’s exempt from FOIA.
http://www.bettergov.org/ihsa_balks_better_government_association_sues
IRS Forms 990 (“Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax”) say on their faces: SUBJECT TO PUBLIC INSPECTION.
And they are. They’re most readily reviewed through http://www.Guidestar.com
Here’s a link to the 2012 return (which is the most recent one available) of the McHenry County Conservation Foundation:
http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/364/340/2013-364340160-09ddcced-Z.
And here’s the one for the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation: http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/237/418/2013-237418071-0a11c190-9.pdf
Through Guidestar, one can examine thousands of nonprofit returns from throughout the country. Guidestar offers the three most recent returns for free. (However, one must register with Guidestar first.) Through their subscription service, it’s possible to look back as far as 2009.
Some returns are missing. Some organizations should be filing but aren’t. And perhaps some don’t have to file. In any event, Guidestar is a terrific resource.
Transparency is just one solution to overcoming corruption in Illinois.
Its doubtful, that the kids will be in the candy jar if their parents are watching.
That makes sense.
Once again, why do you only care about non-profits?
Why don’t you care that many for-profit entities (for example: hospitals and nursings homes) take millions from the state – typically much more than the non-profits that you’re so worried about – yet have ZERO transparency.
Terry Mutchler is female, Cal
Very bright lady and committed to transparency in government.
Met her in 2006 when she worked for the Illinois attorney general. Her commitment is likely why she is no longer working here!
Correction made.