Leaked ‘memo’ raises concerns ('public charity' Blueprint NC scores Reynolds Foundation $400K)

Yes Weekly ^ | 2/27/13 | Jim Longworth

[Libloather]

**SNIP**

I was dumbstruck. $400,000 is a huge sum of money... so huge that it comprised 40 percent of Blueprint NC’s entire budget. It is also significant because it’s coming from a foundation who thought they were giving money for a 501(c)3 to “strengthen democracy,” but instead awarded it to what appears to be an organization who engages in partisan politics.

Winner was understandably upset after reading the initial column in the Observer, and told me, “We want citizens to be more engaged, but distributing this memo does not further those purposes.... It’s bad judgement.... We do not support attacking people.... We are taking this matter seriously and will explore our options.... They [Blueprint NC] violated the spirit of our agreement.”

**SNIP**

And that brings me back to the money. In order to apply for a grant, Blueprint NC would have had to transmit information about their mission. And if they received the $400,000 by mail or wire under false pretense, then that could possibly constitute mail fraud. Meanwhile, since Z. Smith Reynolds does not support partisan activities or attitudes, they should ask Blueprint to return the grant money.

Those funds could be put to better use, like strengthening public education, protecting the environment and promoting economic development — all of which are part of ZSR’s stated mission. I only hope the foundation does something soon. Inaction could give the wrong impression, and that could be a blueprint for disaster.

[Libloather]

From http://blueprintnc.org/ -

Blueprint NC is a public charity that only engages in activities that are permissible under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Blueprint NC and the members of the coalition are strictly prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. All Blueprint activities will be strictly non-partisan. In addition, Blueprint activities will not be coordinated with any candidate, political party or other partisan entity.

And from the web -

NC Director Of America Votes Admits Writing Blueprint NC Memo

America Votes is allowed to participate in political efforts as a 501(c)4 nonprofit under federal tax law.

In a statement, Blueprint Executive Director Sean Kosofsky said his group is the victim of a political disinformation campaign.

[45semi]

"In a statement, Blueprint Executive Director Sean Kosofsky said his group is the victim source & author of a political disinformation campaign"

There....fixed!