Tis’ the season. To get a little bit political. This month’s Phil-In has some political news, but we’ve balanced that out with new arts-related commercial real estate endeavors, a fundraiser and a professional development opportunity.
Oops. Political Donations from Nonprofit Returned
When Barbara Lewis, a Virginia Beach philanthropist and owner of BHL Community Service Inc. incorporated the organization as a nonprofit so it could support charitable community causes, she didn’t realize that federal law prohibits 501(c)(3)s from making political donations. When the IRS regs were brought to her attention, she asked the two Virginia Beach City Council candidates and the current city mayor who each had received $10,000 donations to return the money, which they did. The Virginian Pilot has the “oops, my bad” story.
Speaking of Politics…
Two Virginia-based nonprofit organizations have joined the federal government’s lawsuit against the Commonwealth, arguing that Virginia is “illegally and systematically removing voters from the rolls only one month before the upcoming election.” According to the joint news release issued by the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights and the League of Women Voters of Virginia, the action taken under the direction of Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin violates the National Voter Registration Act. Said Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia: “We are proud to stand up for voters today against the Governor’s illegal purging of registered voters based on flawed and outdated information.” Read the entire news release.
Lost (Nonprofit) Leader
The Richmond community mourns the passing this past September of one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit leaders. For more than a decade, Stephen A. Hicks – affectionally known as “Coach” to those he touched – worked to empower boys and men in the region to be the best versions of themselves. Hicks was founder and executive director of My Brother’s Keeper of Greater Richmond and was responsible for uplifting thousands of men and boys over the years. “Stephan Hicks was the father of fathers,” MBK Director Nathan Womack Jr. said in a statement. “He dedicated his life to helping fathers young and old become better.” Hicks was 63. The Richmond Free Press has more details on Hick’s life and passing.
Mixed Use Arts Project Coming to Roanoke
The nonprofit real estate developer Artspace announced that it has begun a major renovation project designed to turn an old industrial site in Southeast Roanoke at the foot of Mill Mountain into a vibrant, creative destination. The dilapidated former home of American Viscose will be transformed into a mixed-used affordable artist housing project, a three- to four-story building with 60 to 80 units of affordable live-work housing, as well as gallery space for artists and their families. Pending final financing arrangements, Roanoke becomes the 33rd Artspace City in the U.S. and the first in Virginia. More on the story from Cardinal News.
Playing Through
Mark your calendars for the 2024 T21 Golf Tournament on Friday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Sycamore Creek Golf Course in Goochland. The cost (including greens fees, carts and lunch) is $500 per foursome and $125 for individuals. Proceeds benefit the Virginia Down Syndrome Association. More information and a link to sign up here.
In Case You’re “Board”
LMR has announced its 2024-25 schedule of board governance workshops, including sessions on conducting effective board meetings, guidance on engaging in advocacy, the board-chair-CEO partnership and board recruitment and onboarding, among others. Each workshop is $50 with organizations registering at least five participants receiving a 20% discount. You’ll find links to register to all LMR events, including workshops, here.
Featured image: The Cardinal News, Photo Caption: “The former American Viscose plant in Roanoke.” Photo by Dwayne Yancey.
