COLUMBUS, October 30 - It's an annual formality required by the IRS of every nonprofit organization. And it increases in importance as federal, state, and local governments become more concerned about responsible use of funds entrusted to nonprofit boards and employees. This form provides a standard for evaluation of the operation of each nonprofit.

"Until we successfully qualify for and receive funding, our 990-PF is just a formality. It is important, however, to successfully file this form and to do so on time, which we just did," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and our 990-PF was mailed on time."

The IRS requires THNC to file the "Return of Private Foundation" during its 60-month probationary period. The challenge for all nonprofits is successfully interpreting the intricacies of the newer version of Form 990. The transition from old form to the new has received much attention and has increased costs for all nonprofits.

"We hope that we can successfully meet the challenge of completing our 990s with the resources presently available," Jack said. "Navigating this long, complicated form is just one more expense item that nonprofits must budget resources to do, every year."

COLUMBUS, October 14 - Two representatives of The Home Network Center attended the annual conference of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) on October 13 & 14. This event provides opportunities for networking; for meeting vendors that specialize in nonprofit services; and for educating, strengthening, and advancing the abilities of all that choose to attend. Representatives from many Ohio nonprofits were there, including directors, board members, and others with a wide range of responsibilities in their respective organizations. THNC is a member of OANO.

This event, held annually for the past 15 years, was a joint venture this year with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Charitable Law Section. Keynote speaker for the luncheon on October 14 was Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

"Each year we attend this conference, and each year we gain useful insights," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "This year was doubly true, due to the collaborative preparations by the staff of Jennifer Williams, Executive Director of OANO and the staff of Mr. Cordray. We were subtly reminded of fiduciary responsibilities of Ohio nonprofits."

THNC was also represented by Mrs. Liza Farnlacher, a member of THNC's board of directors. Breakout sessions that THNCers attended were "Charitable Fundraising" and "Turning the Reluctant Board Member Into the Effective Fundraiser".

"We have also spoken during the conference with representatives of businesses that serve the nonprofit sector," Jack said. "These contacts may be the most valuable aspect of the conference. Their skills and background may help THNC become a better, more efficient, and more beneficial organization for our members."