The New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support and promotion of libraries and the development of library personnel through education and the exchange of ideas to enrich the lives of all New Mexicans.
To help in this regard, we have information on Legislation & Advocacy, Grants & Scholarships, Job Openings, as well as many other ways to promote libraries and librarians, such as our Annual Conference and Mini-Conference.
NMLA has various Committees to help direct the work of NMLA and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that support groups with a specific focus.
NMLA wants you to know how funds are spent and that we are complying with various federal and state laws governing non-profits. The following are some of the requirements with which non-profits must comply:
1. All non-profit organizations must have a 501(c)3 designation letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) attesting to the fact that they are tax exempt. The IRS issued NMLA’s 501(c)3 letter July 23, 1985. A copy of this letter from the IRS affirming our tax-exempt status is provided to donors upon request.
2. Non-profits must file annual tax returns—called 990s—with both federal and state government agencies. Once filed, the New Mexico Attorney General’s office issues the charity a letter attesting that it is in good standing as far as filing the tax documents and financial reports required by the New Mexico Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act. We annually receives such a letter from the Attorney General’s office.
3. Non-profit organizations must be incorporated, have articles of incorporation and bylaws on file with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (formerly, the State Corporation Commission), and periodically file various reports with this agency. You can call the Corporation Bureau (505/827-4508) or visit the Regulation Commission’s web site to check on the charity’s standing. For a modest fee, you can also obtain copies of the incorporating documents, amendments etc. from the Commission.
4. Online, charities throughout the nation are listed at Guidestar, billed as the “Donors Guide to the Charitable Universe.” To check NMLA’s (or any other charity’s status), go to the site map and enter the name of the name of the organization in which you are interested. Click on the organization’s record. Its assets and income will be displayed. You can view its tax return by selecting “more financial information.” The New Mexico Attorney General’s office is linking its own web site with the Guidestar site so prospective donors can access this kind of information at all times.
Consistent compliance with these regulations is one more reason donors can give with confidence. NMLA welcomes your membership gifts, estates, and stock.