07.20.23

Charge It! Credit Card Issues for Not-For-Profits
Jeffrey Chiles

Credit cards are a common part of doing day-to-day business for most not-for-profits these days. Donors typically use credit cards to make contributions, whether one-offs or recurring, and employees often rely on the cards when procuring supplies and services or traveling on behalf of their organizations. Some not-for-profits have, or have considered, so-called “affinity cards” […]

05.16.23

Tasks for a Successful Not-for-Profit Finance Committee
Sarah G. Widlock

A not-for-profit’s finance committee oversees and keeps its board of directors apprised of the organization’s overall financial health. This should be more than simply scanning financial reports. An active finance committee is crucial to maintain a not-for-profit’s health and reputation. The success of your finance committee depends on your board, staff and committee members understanding […]

04.05.23

Is It Time to Write a Gift Acceptance Policy?
Alison Fetzer

In the current economy, many not-for-profit organizations are looking for new and different ways to engage donors and solicit contributions.  Some people believe that anything is better than nothing when it comes to gifts, but that is not always true.  Not all gifts should be accepted, and saying no is okay.  Navigating what an organization […]

01.26.23

Tips for Navigating a Tough Labor Market
Barbara Miller

Employers in all sectors are facing a tight job market. Open positions may remain empty for months, and some employees seem to have few qualms about jumping ship, due in part to changes in the work force’s expectations. But the situation does not have to be dire for savvy not-for-profits willing to adapt to the […]

11.28.22

Monitor Your Organization’s Vital Signs with KPIs and Financial Metrics
Segdrick P. Byrd

Whenever you go to a doctor’s office or hospital, one of the first things they do is check your vital signs (i.e., pulse, temperature and blood pressure). Numbers that are unusually high or low, or change over time, may indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. For not-for-profit organizations, key performance indicators (KPIs) […]

09.26.22

Not-For-Profit News
Kenneth Tornheim

Volunteer time increases to $29.95 per hour According to calculations performed by the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute on behalf of the Independent Sector, the estimated national value of a volunteer hour has reached $29.95 per hour. The Do Good Institute, which is part of the university’s School of Public Policy, based the figure […]

09.22.22

It Is Time To Vote: Watch Out for IRS Limits on Not-For-Profit Political Activities
Charles J. Burke

The mid-term elections are almost here, and jockeying for the 2024 elections is not far behind. That makes this a good time to review the IRS rules regarding Section 501(c)(3) organizations and political activities. Noncompliance can lead to costly excise taxes and jeopardize your organization’s tax-exempt status. General prohibition The IRS is clear: Sec. 501(c)(3) […]

08.16.22

Tax Compliance: Understanding Tax Issues With Auctions

Auctions can be an effective way to raise funds at your not-for-profit organization’s fundraising events. However, preparing for an auction involves more than fun and games. Here are some suggestions that can help ensure that your organization does not run afoul of tax requirements. Related Read: Holding an Auction? Be Sure to Comply Acknowledge donated items […]

07.14.22

Data Analytics: Using Technology To Meet Your Organization’s Goals
James Quaid

In today’s technologically advanced world, data rules. But simply having highly relevant information will be of little use if your board of directors, management and staff do not know what to do with it. So how can your organization harness the power of data? You can use it in day-to-day decision-making and strategic planning. You […]

05.26.22

Has COVID-19 Hurt Your Public Support Test Percentage?
Alison Fetzer

Not-for-profit organizations that qualify as public charities are required to pass a public support test annually to maintain their tax-exempt status. For many organizations, this test has been more of a formality than a hurdle. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in March of 2020, many not-for-profit organizations have had to cancel or change […]