Confero Spring 2014: Issue 6 | Page 16

Res Ipsa Loquitor RES IPSA LOQUITOR The New York Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 “It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” —Moliere DIANA K. POWELL, ESQ. 14 | SPRING 2014 T he New York Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 was signed into law by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo last December and will take effect on July 1, 2014. This Act resulted from the culmination of efforts put forth by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization. The Leadership Committee was convened in 2011 by AG Schneiderman and consisted of members made up of experts, who worked together on the legislation to produce the first significant changes since 1969. Investopedia defines a nonprofit organization as “a business entity that is granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations to a nonprofit organization are often tax deductible to the individuals and businesses making the contributions. Nonprofit organizations must disclose a great deal of financial and operating information to the public, so that donors can ensure their contributions are used effectively.” The individual state’s laws within which they reside govern nonprofit organizations. Therefore, each state passes its own legislation with regard to nonprofit organizations.