Charitable activity must demonstrate public benefit but that does not mean it has to be, or indeed ever has been, largely pro-poor.

BBC: Keeping up with the Hohnses

Finally, in an interesting twist of logic, he uses the existence of volunteers, of charitable activities, to prove that volunteers and charitable activity cannot solve problems.

FORBES: Hunting Hari: Judging Johann's Journalism

Latest filings show little or no charitable activity for tax-exempts created or championed by Jerry Bruckheimer, Don King, Mike Tyson and Julia Roberts (whose spokesman says it never really got off the ground).

FORBES: Sweet Charity

Under current law, when you donate tangible personal property, such as art or furniture, you can deduct only the lesser of what you paid for it or what it's currently worth--unless the charity keeps and uses the item for an activity related to its charitable work.

FORBES: Charitable Changes

Unlike other charitable groups, these organizations are allowed to participate in political activities, but their primary activity must be social welfare.

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