Nonprofit Football, BIPOC artists opportunities, and Galentines dates

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

This is a busy week as I gather my ingredients for my annual Super Bowl Stew. While two of our teams, the Seahawks and Packers, will not be on the field, we can claim the Kansas City Chiefs as we spent a few years in KC, and I also scouted the Chiefs one preseason for a national football magazine. So, what does football have to do with nonprofits? You may be surprised.

Go Pack Go! – Are a Nonprofit

According to the Green Bay Packers history, the Packers have been a publicly owned, nonprofit corporation since 1923. Initially founded by Curly Lambeau in 1919 – hence the stadium name. After several financially difficult years, the team was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation, with local fans contributing five dollars each for a share in the team. The Packers are the most unique franchise in the NFL with no owner -- they're owned by the people -- the team is run by a president who serves as the lead decision-maker. The corporation currently has approximately 361,300 stockholders (full disclosure I am a shareholder) who collectively own 5,009,400 shares. Before you get jealous, you should know that your share is essentially worthless. Although you're technically a part owner of the team – which is cool to brag about – that's about all you're going to get from your stock (that and the ability to buy official Shareholder merchandise). The shares don't appreciate, can’t be traded, and do not pay dividends. Also, buying a share doesn't allow you to offer input in the team's decision-making process. (Like whether they should keep Aaron Rodgers).

NFL – Not a Nonprofit?

Speaking of the NFL, you may be surprised to learn that until 2015, the NFL was a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. In 2015, the NFL announced that it would voluntarily give up its tax-exempt status, which it had since 1942. Like the Packers, early on, the NFL struggled financially and successfully filed for tax-exempt status with the IRS. The IRS ruled that the NFL was a trade association for the individual teams and was therefore exempt from taxes under section 501(c)(6) of the tax code. Not surprisingly, tax-exempt status was good for the NFL, so why voluntarily relinquish this benefit? The NFL’s tax-exempt status had become increasingly controversial, and, in the end, the NFL decided that it was no longer worth it -- calling the issue a “distraction.” Don’t feel badly for the NFL though, in exchange they will get a few benefits including the end of federal disclosure requirements, which means the NFL no longer has to disclose its income or the salary of its commissioner.

Opportunity for BIPOC Artists

Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) has opened the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Artists Fund, a new fund designed in partnership with WESTAF’s Leaders of Color Network that provides resources to and for BIPOC artists living and working in the 16 states and jurisdictions in the WESTAF region in order to advance their own artistic practice and goals. According to their website, WESTAF aspires to be in solidarity with artists by centering their ability to fund the needs that they identify as they impact their artistic practice. When the needs of BIPOC artists are met, they have the clarity and energy to show up in new ways for themselves and their communities. To that end, WESTAF seeks to invest in the well-being and safety of BIPOC artists, cultural practitioners, and collaborators by providing no-strings-attached funding. The deadline for submissions is February 12.

Date Night or Friendship Night Idea

Watershed Park is among the recommended park venues to celebrate either Galantine’s Day (February 13^th) or Valentine’s Day (February 14^th) next week (honestly, you can do this any day).

Here are the ingredients of the Date Night Box:

• Step 1 – Place a take-out order at one of your favorite restaurants or schedule a food delivery to the designated location.
• Step 2 – Create some acts of service coupons as gifts (keep it clean if you are going to be at a public location). Coupon Ideas for guys and gals
• Step 3 – Consider creating a digital love jar to share what you love about your person or use a vision board to visualize your future.
• Step 4 – Download a couples game app. Here are some fun options, The 17 Best Couple Game Apps to Download Today (iOS and Android

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com