Category: not for profit

In general, nonprofits can’t use restricted assets for purposes other than those specified by the original donor. Board-designated assets (or board-designated funds) are another matter. These are unrestricted funds that have been reserved by an organization’s leadership for a special purpose or a period of time. Your board can later decide to remove designations. But…

With fewer federal grants available to not-for-profit organizations, the competition to qualify for funding — from all sources, including foundations — has become more intense. Now, more than ever, your nonprofit needs to submit sharp, clear and attention-getting grant proposals to potential funders. Many organizations are enlisting AI tools to generate proposals. However, it remains…

Even if your not-for-profit isn’t legally required to obtain independent audits, such audits can enhance financial transparency, increase accountability and help you build trust with your stakeholders. But how do you find a truly independent auditor? Ensuring independence requires more than hiring an outside firm. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Code of…

It may be tempting to try to save money and perform your nonprofit’s accounting tasks internally. But if your staff isn’t experienced and properly trained, mistakes are likely to occur — with potentially serious repercussions. Some accounting mistakes are common among newer nonprofits and smaller organizations that attempt to go it alone. In particular, work…

In the process of slashing expenses? Just be careful not to cut essential items, such as sufficient staffing to maintain strong internal controls, from your not-for-profit’s budget. Internal controls are critical for preventing occupational theft. Cybersecurity is something else your organization can’t afford to do without. The good news is fraud prevention measures don’t have…

Whether you’re planning an off-site retreat for board members, a luncheon for potential corporate funders or a formal fundraiser, you likely will encounter opportunities to cut expenses. Although no one wants a meeting or event to look “cheap,” most of your nonprofit’s stakeholders will appreciate attention paid to thrift. How can you reduce costs yet…

Not-for-profits often work with limited resources, making efficient operations critical. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other forms of automating repetitive tasks can improve donor engagement, optimize fundraising and expand outreach. Human touch Nonprofits understandably might fear that automation will remove the human touch valued by everyone from founders to constituents, but they have plenty of reasons…

Does your not-for-profit use crowdfunding platforms — such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe and Indiegogo — to raise money? Many nonprofits have found they’re a great way to engage potential supporters, particularly younger adults. However, there are tax implications that may be different from what you’re used to with other fundraising methods. Let’s take a look. IRS definition…

Does your not-for-profit use crowdfunding platforms — such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe and Indiegogo — to raise money? Many nonprofits have found they’re a great way to engage potential supporters, particularly younger adults. However, there are tax implications that may be different from what you’re used to with other fundraising methods. Let’s take a look. IRS definition…

Under the Internal Revenue Code, “qualified sponsorship payments” to not-for-profits aren’t subject to unrelated business income tax (UBIT). Qualified payments refer to money, property transfers or the performance of services by a business without an expectation or arrangement that the business will receive any “substantial return benefit” in exchange. However, some corporate sponsorships don’t qualify,…