Foundation Has Paperwork Problems
UPDATE 1:22pm 12/01/2009: Per the Inaugural Committee, contributions will no longer be tax deductible. However, no tax dollars will be spent on this event. All contributions will be handled in a separate account.
Yesterday, we questioned the process of soliciting funds for Mayor-Elect Cohen’s inauguration via a non-profit foundation. Yesterday, Annapolis Capital Punishment detailed the intricate web between the foundation and the current Mayor as well as many of her appointees. Later, they revealed that the foundation, currently headed by City Attorney Steve Kling may have had their status forfeited according to SDAT filings.
As a result, it appears that the Inaugural Committee is not soliciting funds and requests that the checks be made payable to “The City of Annapolis”. Will these donations be tax deductible as originally intended? How is the City handling the funds? Now that the City is handling the event, will there be a public accounting of the funds received, the costs and disbursements? Does this now mean that indeed taxpayer dollars are funding this party?
The following was received by the Inaugural Committee:
Dear Inaugural Sponsors,
We were just alerted that the nonprofit Annapolis Community Foundation (ACF) may need to file additional state paperwork. It appears to be either an oversight or a delay in updating the State Department’s website. Because of the time constraints for the Inauguration next week, we made other arrangements.
Please let me know if you would be so kind as to reissue your check to the “City of Annapolis” and mail to the following:
City of Annapolis
Attn: Inaugural Committee
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, MD 21401If you have already mailed your first check to the Annapolis Community Foundation’s mailbox, its Executive Director Jennifer Navabi will return it promptly. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks again for contributing to Mayor-Elect Josh Cohen’s ceremony and celebration on December 7th. It is appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you next week!
Regards,
Kathy Nieberding
Transition Team–Inaugural Committee
