Revenue Sources Generation for Appalachian Trail Conservancy Revenue Structure

Appalachian Trail Conservancy exist not to make money but to fulfill one of the purposes recognized by federal law; charitable, educational and scientific requirements. Under state and federal tax laws, however, as long as the corporation is organized and operated for a recognized nonprofit purpose and has secured the proper tax exemptions, it can take in more money than it spends to conduct its activities. Based on this, revenue is the society's way of paying for the services provided by Appalachian Trail Conservancy. A revenue structure describes the many sources of income a local government receives. The major sources of revenue include taxes, other revenue sources and inter-governmental transfers, which are defined below.

Compulsory Income

The organization's compulsory income sources include cash and non-cash sources got through taxes, license and permits. Since the firm is a corporation of the federal government, local revenue structures are largely determined by state doctrine. While state governments generally aim to provide sufficient autonomy and support to the firm, there are fifty state-local revenue systems that even vary within states (Government Finance Officers Association, 2010). The revenue structure is influenced by the organization's size, geography, land use and coverage of government services. Other local determinants include numerous legal, political and economic influences, including historical precedent, national economic trends, federal mandates, state laws, intergovernmental relations, regional precedent, citizens' preferences and the city administration's preferences.

In order to bolster revenue, there are several other revenue sources, including local option taxes, service charges, and fees levied by the organization with state approval. These additional sources help the organization gain financial stability, broaden the tax base, expand the types of activities taxed and increase their independence from state and federal finances. Taxes are an essential source of revenue for Appalachian Conservancy and it is...

Taxations and permits issued to hikers are one of the major revenue sources for the organization and the organization is reliant on one tax with only a limited degree of reliance on a second.
Gratuitous Income

This type of income is given unearned and without recompense and does not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration. Examples falling in this include grants and donations. Appalachian Conservancy receives most of its funds from grants and donations. The firm earns a large percentage of its income from public support and as example, the firm received $1,342,372 in 2011 and in-kind contributions were at approximately $101,618. The organization's donations come from individuals, companies, other charitable trusts and foundations. Unless they have been given in response to a particular appeal they have considerable freedom in how to apply them. Gifts and donations are a particularly important source of income for the charity and attract tax relief (Hoene & Pagano, 2008).

In addition, grants are made by the public sector and charitable trusts as well as foundations. The money is not repaid and is usually exempt from tax; most grant funders will are capable of funding the organizations since it has a charitable status. This is an advantage to the organization since it enables the firm run a sustainable social enterprise. Nonetheless, the firm's grants come with some conditions including achieving agreed milestones and unused monies are returned to the funder.

Investment Income

This is income from securities and other non-business investments; such as dividends, interest, option premiums, and income from a royalty or annuity. Interest on margin accounts may be used to offset investment income without limitation. Investment income earned by passive activities must be treated separately from other passive income. Expenses incurred to generate investment income can reduce investment income to the extent they exceed 2% of adjusted gross income. By excluding capital gains from the calculation, tax law, in effect, prevents…