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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
Myth v Reality: The Executive Branch’s Authority Over Tax-Exempt Organizations
With the Harvard v Federal Government lawsuit and the DOGE to Vera Institute situation, fear that nonprofits may be targeted by having their tax-exempt status is running high.
The National Council of Nonprofits and the Sandler Reiff Law Group (among others) have created resources to help allay the nonprofit sector’s fears, even just for the moment.
Resource: Myth v Reality: Executive Branch Lacks Authority to Target Nonprofit Organizations
Legal Guidance: What is the Threat to Tax Exempt Status by Sandler Reiff Law Group
Did you Know? The IRS Can Automatically Revoke Tax Exempt Status…
…if an organization’s tax forms are not filed for three consecutive years. According to the IRS website:
The IRS publishes the list of organizations whose tax-exempt status was automatically revoked because of failure to file a required Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF or Form 990-N (e-Postcard) for three consecutive years.
Organizations whose tax-exemption was automatically revoked due to failure to file may apply to have their tax exemption re-instated.
Highlights – What Chorus America is Monitoring:
The Federal Budget Process: When Congress returns next week, they will dive back into creating what President Trump calls, “one big, beautiful bill.”
Changes at the NEA: As a federal agency, the NEA is under orders to comply with Executive Orders, Reduction in Force plans, respond to DOGE, and more. We expect more public information to be available soon. In addition, the ACLU/Theaters lawsuit v the NEA is still ongoing.
Charitable Giving Incentives: The Charitable Giving Act continues to gain bi-partisan co-sponsors. Chorus America, as part of the Charitable Giving Coalition, will continue to champion this legislation.
White House Actions: Most recently, the White House released the Executive Order to defund NPR and PBS.
Guidance for the LGBTQ+ Arts Community: The President’s Administration only acknowledges two sexes, legally requiring all federal agencies to comply with this position. How does the arts community function in this current environment? One resource re documentation is provided by Lambda Legal.
Arts & Immigration Developments: From consulate closures to changes in visa processing, the Artists from Abroad website, maintained by two coalition partners, tracks all the latest developments in the arts & immigration.
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools
These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
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Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
