US Senator Chuck Grassley (Republican) of Iowa Investigates TV Preachers
http://grassley.senate.gov/public/in...8-82c8db4bb155
11/7/07 - Non-Profit Ministries, Accountability to Donors
I have recently asked six media media-based ministries for information regarding expenses, executive compensation and amenities given to their executives. This has nothing to do with church doctrine. This has everything to do with the tax exemption of an organization. Is that tax exemption being used according to law, and is the money that's donated under the tax exemption being used for legitimate, non-profit purposes?
This is part of a long-standing priority of mine to make sure that tax-exempt organizations are accountable to their donors. Over the years, my investigations have led to some real reform in other non-profit organizations.
Whether it’s using a private jet, driving a Rolls Royce or Bentley, or installing a $23,000 commode, there is obviously money going down the toilet. As a Christian myself, and a person who believes in tithing, I feel I have a right to know where my money goes. If a person gets a tax deduction for a donation, the deduction and donation should be for a legitimate purpose.
My job as a member of the tax writing Senate Finance Committee is to make sure the tax code is upheld and to make sure tax breaks for charitable work donations are not abused. Andon-profit board independence is important. Family members shouldn’t be approving salaries for family members or themselves.
What I’m from the six ministries is some basic information on how they use their money. I won’t draw any conclusions until after they report back to me.
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For Immediate Release
November 6th, 2007
GRASSLEY SEEKS INFORMATION FROM SIX MEDIA-BASED MINISTRIES
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, has asked six media-based ministries for information regarding expenses, executive compensation, and amenities given to executives. The inquiry is part of Grassley’s long-standing interest in making sure tax-exempt organizations are accountable to donors.
"I’m following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries," Grassley said. "The allegations involve governing boards that aren’t independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces. I don’t want to conclude that there’s a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more. People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code."
Grassley wrote to Randy and Paula White ofWithout Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla.; Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church, Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas; David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo.; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas; Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia, Ga., and Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Ga.
Grassley has reviewed a wide range of non-profit issues over the last five years, first as Finance Committee chairman and now as ranking member. The committee has exclusive Senate jurisdiction over federal tax policy, including the policy governing the billions of dollars donated to and controlled by the nation’s tax-exempt groups.
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