Many not-for-profits increase their occupational theft risk by
devoting too little of their budget to internal controls, placing excessive
trust in staffers and volunteers and failing to punish fraud perpetrators
appropriately. Board members who lack the financial knowledge to spot
irregularities are another risk. Because your organization likely can’t afford
any fraud losses, you need to address such risks. For example, provide strong
management oversight, conduct background checks on new hires, ensure board
members understand their fiduciary duties and hire a fraud investigator if you
suspect theft.