(Note: This is the fourth in a series on whether non-profit organizations are illegally funneling tax-exempt donations to finance political objectives. The other posts covered ANSWER, MoveOn.org, and The American Cause.)
Organization: Gary Bauer's American Values
What they tell the IRS they do: (From IRS Form 990 pg. 15) "Enable Gary Bauer to educate the public by representing the values of the members by appearing on such broadcasts as "Fox Morning News", "NBC's "Today Show," "Crossfire," and National Public Radio among others."
Description: (From their website) "Through American Values, I want to work to share the vision of liberty from our Founding Fathers. I want to remind the American people of that vision and unite public support behind our conservative principles. I want to bring support and ideas to policy makers and empower our elected officials to have the support they need to do what is right, noble and good."
Eligible for tax-exempt status?: Yes. Set up as a 501(c)(3) foundation, the organization is allowed to receive tax-deductible donations in order to "educate" the public on the issues.
Are they in violation of the law?: Hard to tell. Though not as open about it as the other non-profits previously looked at, American Values still attempts to influence legislation on the issues the group supports.
Analysis: American Values is very similar to Pat Buchanan's "The American Cause." Both groups
attempt to influence Congress by promoting a particular political agenda. While I have to admit that I agree with their principles and issues of the group, these actions prohibit the organization from being eligible for tax-exempt donations.
(Hat tip: Public Interest Watch)
