Financial, logistical, emotional. –What about legal/definitional?

J____ wrote me a quick note about 8:30 this morning:

I have just a few minutes before I have to leave for a meeting, but I think it would be helpful for our discussions if you categorize your questions/concerns/needed clarification in one of three categories:

1. Financial
2. Logistical
3. Emotional

I think you will find that almost all of the matters that you are evaluating are either logistical or emotional. In other words, how would we do this or does this feel good? Both concerns are entirely legitimate, but how you think through them (and how we would respond to them) is totally different depending on whether it is a logical or an emotional issue.

Anyway, I just thought this might be helpful for you to identify your source of reactions/concerns as being either financial, logistical or emotional.

!!!!

Somehow . . . I’m feeling slightly . . . I think the word is . . . condescended to. Yes, of course, there are emotions involved, but when one lays out key issues as I did yesterday afternoon; and when, then, I get the kinds of responses I received from two long-time friends who have some serious experience in this area (responses, of course, that I forwarded to him): why does he even bring up the “emotional” question and seriously suggest that Sarita’s and my emotions might be the key issue at play, here?

I replied:

. . . 2) Questions raised concerning 501(c)(3) requirements:

[Can we] really “prove” our sales of Sonlight Curriculum materials are related activities (rather than taxable “unrelated” activities)? –Legal/Definitional

According to the list of 501(c)(3) responsibilities, a 501(c)(3) must “generate public support” for its activities. –What does that mean? –Legal/Definitional Can sales of goods to lots and lots of people really be construed, accurately, as “public support”? Or does “public support” mean (and require) donations? –Legal/Definitional

3) Questions about acquiring good counsel and help in setting up board governance to ensure long-term pursuit of missional goals in a disciplined/”business-like” manner within a non-profit context. –Logistical. . . .

I have written to [name of leading non-profit accounting firm] for input on the general questions in part 2.

Thanks!

This stuff is beginning to really bother me! . . . And for him to suggest these may be simply emotional issues . . . and to completely ignore the legal-definitional issues?!? –I am not pleased!

I almost get the feeling he is trying deliberately to ignore what is really on our hearts and minds. . . .

Share and Enjoy: