Not for Profit

Social media is an essential tool for not-for-profit outreach, engagement and fundraising. But social media also poses a reputational threat if your organization doesn’t clearly communicate rules for its use and prepare for “emergencies.” If you haven’t already, it’s time to implement some best practices. Rules of the road The line between employees’ personal and work lives was already blurry, and the shift to remote [...]

During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, a small community group decided to organize grocery deliveries to low-income seniors. Time was of the essence and participants in the fledgling project didn’t have time to file for 501(c)(3) status or build fiscal infrastructure. Fortunately an established nonprofit agreed to act as a fiscal sponsor — providing a legal and financial umbrella to the project. Should your not-for-profit consider [...]

Budgeting, like many other things, was generally easier before COVID-19. Even though the pandemic isn’t over and much remains uncertain, not-for-profits need to plan their financial needs and project financial resources. But you might be able to make the budgeting process more effective by trying a new approach — for example, a rolling budget — or by reforecasting an existing budget. Roll with it Most [...]

Emily was a dedicated board member of her community’s most prominent social-services charity. But her commitment to the cause and the nonprofit’s programs didn’t prevent her from inadvertently violating the rule against excess benefit transactions. This happened when the organization wanted to build a new facility and bought land from her even though similar, and potentially cheaper, property was available from nonaffiliated sellers. Emily made [...]

Contending with a large outpouring of support sounds like a problem any not-for-profit would embrace. But, in fact, it’s possible to become overwhelmed by supporter interest and donations — particularly if your organization is small or relatively new. Expanded tax deductions for charitable gifts made in 2021 may boost giving this holiday season. Make sure you’re prepared. Don’t let your site get overwhelmed Disaster-relief charities, [...]

During the busy holiday season, not-for-profit executives may rely on staffers to purchase gifts and holiday party supplies for the organization. But before you hand over a credit card, you need to make sure that the employee is trustworthy and understands your nonprofit’s credit card use policy. Don’t have a policy? Here’s how to establish one. Limit access Your policy should start with who is [...]

To remain financially afloat and retain staffers, many not-for-profit organizations took advantage of government loan programs in 2020 and 2021. But nonprofits shouldn’t think about borrowing only as an emergency solution. If, for example, your nonprofit is in good shape and wants to make a major capital purchase or launch a new program, you may want to consider borrowing. Position for success Before you start [...]

If your not-for-profit was well-established before 2020, it has probably weathered the pandemic and economic stress of the past year-and-a-half better than younger organizations. But as you transition out of “survival” mode, challenges remain, including those faced by most nonprofits, such as finding staffers and fundraising in an inhospitable environment. Then there are obstacles specific to mature nonprofits. Here are some to watch for. Potential [...]

If your not-for-profit’s board members don’t have the information they need to make decisions, the repercussions can be severe. Board time can be wasted, voting may be delayed and your organization may be unable to act when it needs to. Worse, board members might make decisions based on faulty information, negatively affecting your mission. Here’s how to prevent such outcomes. For fiduciary success To properly [...]

Return requests generally are rare, but occasionally donors may ask your not-for-profit to return their gifts. Are you required to comply? What if you’ve already spent the money? Such requests raise many difficult questions — and even the answers can be complicated. But establishing a return policy can help. Common reasons There are several reasons donors commonly ask for their gifts back. For example, a [...]

According to a recent survey conducted by fundraising platform FrontStream, the vast majority (87%) of Americans say they’re donating to charity in 2021. And almost 20% claim they’re giving more this year than they did in 2020. However, remaining uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the economy is making fundraising challenging for many not-for-profits right now. Social media and mobile apps have made asking for donations easier [...]

A few years ago, IRS Revenue Procedure 2018-15 changed the rules regarding not-for-profit restructuring. If you’ve participated in a restructuring in the past, you’ll be relieved to know that in many cases it’s now easier. Even so, if recent challenges have led your organization to consider restructuring, it’s important to work with a professional advisor, such as a CPA. That was then Under previous IRS [...]

Budgetary shortfalls may have your not-for-profit looking for new sources of support. If those sources are international, be careful. Activities such as soliciting donations, recruiting members and selling products in foreign countries can raise tax and legal issues. Is there a need? Before your nonprofit adopts a global strategy, make sure that the need for your services or products is robust enough in target countries [...]

Since the beginning of the pandemic, financial markets have been riding a roller coaster. This volatility is a good reminder that if your nonprofit has an endowment, it could benefit from management by a professional investment advisor. Here’s how to find a qualified advisor. Nonprofit experience required Finding the right investment advisor for your organization starts with identifying a pool of qualified candidates with proven [...]