Is your board staring at financial red flags without knowing it? Although some warning signs — such as those experienced when the pandemic first hit — are obvious, others are easy to overlook. Here are several signs of trouble that board members need to be aware of and prepared to act on. Unexplained variances and
Non-Profit Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Crawford Ellenbogen
Mar 8, 2022
Your nonprofit’s board needs to know these financial warning signs
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
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Dec 22, 2021
A credit card use policy can help prevent abuse
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
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
Dec 2, 2021
Established nonprofits must continue to build and grow
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
As not-for-profits transition out of pandemic “survival” mode, even established organizations need to watch out for pitfalls. For example, “mission creep” can alienate longtime supporters and cause your nonprofit to become overextended. To remain true to your mission, yet grow and become sustainable, consider adding more experienced board members capable of taking on greater leadership
Nov 23, 2021
When nonprofits should return donations
- By Victor Dozzi
- Charity, Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Return requests generally are rare, but occasionally donors may ask your not-for-profit to return their contribution. Are you required to comply? What if you’ve already spent the money? There’s no federal law that requires nonprofits to return donations. Individual states have enacted various laws that could come into play, but these generally are vague about
Nov 17, 2021
Nonprofit restructuring has become easier, but not without challenges
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
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,
Nov 9, 2021
Nonprofits shouldn’t venture abroad without a map
- By Victor Dozzi
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
If your not-for-profit is considering soliciting donations, recruiting members or selling products in foreign countries, know that such activities can raise tax and legal issues. Be sure to research the country’s relevant laws and regulations. If the country isn’t a party to a free trade agreement with the United States, high tariffs might prove an
Aug 3, 2021
Tackling volunteer liability issues
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
If your not-for-profit operated without volunteers during the pandemic, it’s probably a great relief to welcome them back. However, volunteers can represent risk to your organization. For example, you could be hit with lawsuits if volunteers are harmed or harm others while working for you. To protect your nonprofit, background screen new volunteers, provide thorough
Jul 7, 2021
Collective impact projects find strength in numbers
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
As not-for-profits increasingly take on big issues, some are turning to “collective impact.” This cross-sector approach involves nonprofits, government, businesses and communities working together to solve a specific problem. Collective impact adherents often cite several requirements for success: a common vision, a shared measurement system, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication and a separate support organization.
Jun 15, 2021
Is a merger in your nonprofit’s post-pandemic plans?
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
As the pandemic finally seems to be fading, your not-for-profit may be making plans for its post-pandemic future. If those plans include a merger, know that it can provide your organization with greater stability. There are good reasons to merge, such as to enjoy economies of scale, gain access to a new audience or reduce
Jun 10, 2021
Making the decision to hire new nonprofit staffers
- By Victor Dozzi
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Many Americans remain unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — at least 9.8 million at the end of April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that’s expected to change quickly as employers ramp up hiring activities. If your not-for-profit will soon need new staffers, you might want to start putting out feelers now.