House testimony paints a portrait
of the national nonprofit sector

Speaking at a Sept. 25 hearing of the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee in Washington, D.C., Elizabeth Boris explained to lawmakers some of the reasons why charitable organizations are not always able to adequately meet the needs of diverse communities.

Boris, director for the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy with the Urban Institute and board member of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, highlighted the importance of the Internal revenue Service’s Form 990 and how it should be improved to capture better information. Her testimony focused on these questions: 

• Who gives, how much, and to whom?
• Who benefits from charitable contributions?
• How do charities and foundations identify the needs of their communities?
• Are there gaps between needs and services?
• How can we improve the quality and scope of data on charitable beneficiaries?

Click here to read her testimony and that of other panelists.