Category: Nonprofit

Cross-training staffers to do one another’s jobs isn’t a new idea. But it can be a simple and effective way to boost your nonprofit’s resilience to unplanned and potentially harmful events....

The IRS strictly prohibits self-dealing between private foundations and “disqualified persons.” But how are these terms defined? Among people who are considered disqualified are large donors, foundation managers or owners, substantial owners of major donor corporations, ...

The deadline for calendar-year not-for-profits to file Form 990 with the IRS has come and gone. But it’s never too early to think about reporting responsibilities for the next deadline. Be careful to keep records of fundraising expenses, which you must report on Schedule G...

External audits can help assure your not-for-profit’s stakeholders that your financial statements are fairly presented according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. They can also help prevent occupational fraud. Often, audit reports contain recommendations fo...

Alternative investments may appeal to your not-for-profit because they often offer higher long-term performance than traditional securities do. But these investments can come with tax liabilities. They also typically are riskier, which may not be appropriate for your organiz...

Comprehensive risk management is one of the primary responsibilities of not-for-profit leaders. You probably regularly consider and act to mitigate risk to your facilities and assets and your staffers and clients. What about your volunteers? Even though the federal Volunteer...

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE’s) Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations, not-for-profits suffer roughly half the median loss per fraud scheme of for-profit businesses and government entities — $76,000 vs. $150,000. That may ...

Even if current donations are your not-for-profit’s bread and butter, you can’t afford to neglect planned, legacy or deferred gifts. These gifts, generally made through wills and living trusts, often are much larger. Your employees don’t need to be directly involved wh...

Not-for-profits aren’t required to produce audited financial statements. But audited statements are more likely to reassure big donors and grant makers about your financial stability and generally will be required if your organization applies for a bank loan. When you hire...

Economic, social and political events in 2024 have the potential to negatively influence your not-for-profit’s budget. So if you generally prepare static budgets well in advance of each fiscal year, you may want to switch things up. Rolling budgets can provide your organiz...

If your not-for-profit is shorthanded, you may decide to engage independent contractors to pick up some of the slack. Just make sure you’re collecting the right information. Organizations need a completed Form W-9 for every nonemployee they pay for services. Obtain this in...

Even when they’re nonprofits, trade associations and chambers of commerce generally qualify for a tax exemption under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, not Sec. 501(c)(3). And these “business leagues” (as the IRS terms them) must adhere to a different s...