[susanpond]

I'm pro-tem Treasurer of a NYS 501c3 Board. The webmaster has linked one of the few links directly to his for profit business. He also added a "LinkedIn" type of profile. He doesn't pay advertising, is taking a $99 tax write-off and has singular content control of what he describes limited real estate on the site. The pro-tem President and the Secretary don't see this as conflict. "It's free and besides it's on a tab". Www.capitalregionbluesnetwork.org is the site.

We are supposed to be supporting venues and musicians which is our mission. Rarely does this occur when compared to other Blues Society webpages. I feel it is at least ethically incorrect. Perhaps there is also a legal caveat. Please advise.

[ScottGem]

Who is paying for the domain? If he is paying for it as a contribution then the link would be OK. Otherwise, it should be removed. However, there is nothing wrong with him taking credit for the design and listing his URL as part of that.

I did check out the site and don't see anything untoward.

[susanpond]

Scott,
I read a similar problem from another 501c3 corp. The answer was that while it might be legal, it was unethical. I believe the domain is no charge, which is the reason and problem for the severe limitations.

Our Mission is to promote the local venues and musicians. Something he refuses to do. Instead he promotes his own business, using one of the few available links. Members and non-members has taken umbrage. The previous Blues Society, whose 501c3 we were able to capture, had a very bad reputation for manipulation, such as this. The IRS segment on Not For Profits says "private benefit" and "inurement" as no-nos. We are an all volunteer group. In many cases, putting up our own money to keep things going.

[ScottGem]

Again, if he is donating the web hosting, then I think he is entitled. But the bottom line is if you don't want the link, then tell him to remove it. If he refuses then get a different web host.