Prepared by the Task Force on Organizational and Financial Relationships with Government, Sam Goddard, chairperson. Recommended by the Task Force, 1-Dec-1981, approved by the membership of Independent Sector, 11-May-1983.

Quite apart from the fundamental financial relationship created by the availability of the charitable deduction and the tax exemption, voluntary associations have entered into direct financial partnerships with government to provide government services. One of the difficult dimensions of this kind of partnership relates to finding a balance between accountability for the use of government funds and flexibility for independent organizations accepting such funds. What follows is an Independent Sector position paper on the subject. It includes input from leaders and voluntary organizations and current and former officials and legislators at each level of goverment.

The position paper seeks to define policy in this area, outline opportunities and concerns, and offer discussion questions to assist independent organizations and government in assessing their financial relationships and in improving them. The goal of such an interchange is greater clarity and understanding of the relationship, improved accountability (through government and self-accountability measures of Independent Sector organizations, and ongoing dialogue to improve current and future relationships.

It is suggested that such a dialogue take place within independent organizations, among independent organizations, between independent organizations and government, and within government. Independent Sector is hopeful that this position paper and the discussion questions it raises will lead to a continuous exchange of views and to action within and among the above groups.

CONTENTS
1. Introduction.
2. Policy Statement.
3. Opportunities and concerns.
4. Implementation of the report:
         A. Role.
         B. How members can use the report: 
             1. Current resources in government and the independent sector to promote
                 cooperation and balance.
             2. Ongoing dialogue between the sectors.
5. Appendices:
         A. Types of federal financial assistance.
         B. Illustrations of opportunities and concerns.
6. Bibliography.

Prepared by the Task Force on Organizational and Financial Relationships with Government, Sam Goddard, chairperson. Recommended by the Task Force, 1-Dec-1981, approved by the membership of Independent Sector, 11-May-1983.