STAND-LA has organized residents, produced reports and videos, held events, spoken to media, raised funding, gained other support from partners, spoken in front of the Los Angeles City Council – and directly lobbied local elected officials to end oil and gas operations in Los Angeles.

In fact, as recently as Tuesday, August 21st, 2018, STAND-LA representatives appeared before the Los Angeles City Council Energy, Climate Change and Environmental Justice Committee to push to end oil and gas operations in Los Angeles.

But what hasn’t STAND-LA done?  Registered as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit with the California Secretary of State.

By not registering as a nonprofit, STAND-LA avoids important disclosures, including filing an IRS 990 Form. The disclosures in an IRS 990 Form allow the IRS and the general public to evaluate a nonprofit’s operations and activities, including its mission, programs, governance, funding and finances. These disclosures help determine whether an organization should or should not qualify for tax-exempt status, and help identify nonprofit organizations that are abusing tax-exempt status.

According to The Foundation Group, a consultancy committed to “inspiring and empowering nonprofit success,” nonprofit organizations could face penalties if they do not properly register. The group advises: “If you are serious about operating a successful nonprofit, one that is run according to best practice, transparency, and in full compliance, it’s a no-brainer.  Know what’s required of your organization, get registered where you need to be, and rest comfortably at night, knowing you are doing everything the right way.”

What is STAND-LA hiding?