Meeting minutes may seem like the least important aspect of your nonprofit’s board meetings. But these records of attendance, discussions and votes are critical to protecting your organization and demonstrating your directors’ proper execution of fiduciary duty. Minutes also lend structure to meetings and motivate members to act on board decisions. So it’s important to […]
Category: Nonprofit
Take cybercrime seriously: Your donors’ identities depend on it
Financial transactions increasingly are being conducted online — and that includes charitable donations. The Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact reports that online giving grew more than 17% between 2016 and 2018. For nonprofits without the appropriate IT infrastructure and security policies, such increased online donations can also mean greater cybercrime risk. Many nonprofits blame budgetary […]
Fraud prevention is easier than you may think
Most research has found that nonprofit organizations are no more likely to fall victim to occupational fraud than their for-profit peers. On the other hand, there’s reason to believe that nonprofits underreport fraud incidents and are reluctant to prosecute thieving employees to protect their reputation with donors and the public. The fact is, according to […]
The treasurer may be your board’s most valuable asset
In many organizations, the treasurer is the board of directors’ hardest working member. Depending on the duties outlined in your organization’s bylaws, this individual might manage cash flow, act as a liaison to outside auditors and craft investment policies. A role this critical to your nonprofit’s financial health should be filled by a highly qualified […]
How to attract donor-advised fund gifts
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have been around since the 1930s, but they’ve exploded in popularity in the past decade. Between 2007 and 2016, DAF assets grew from $32 billion to $85 billion, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. Assets are expected to continue to grow exponentially thanks, at least in part, to the Tax Cuts and […]
Nonprofit accounting is different
Carolyn, the executive director of an educational nonprofit, was thrilled, after a long search, to welcome two new members to her charity’s board of directors — both from the for-profit business world. However, she was a little concerned about a few of the comments and questions that arose in their first board meeting. It was […]
After the TCJA: How to keep the giving going this holiday season
Thanksgiving through the end of the year is traditionally the big fundraising season for nonprofits. In one GuideStar survey, U.S. charities received as much as 50% of their annual donations between October and December. And although the holiday spirit moves many donors to give, it’s the charitable tax deduction that typically spurs them to make […]
New revenue guidance provides direction to nonprofits
In 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition (ASU 2014-09). The ASU was intended to clarify and standardize across various sectors revenue reporting. But many nonprofits found the new standard confusing because it didn’t account for the unique nature of revenue sources such as contributions and grants. Now, […]
Employee retention: Keep them if you’ve got them
In April, the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.9%, its lowest point since December 2000. That’s great for the economy — but not so great for organizations struggling to remain fully staffed. Unfortunately, many nonprofits are in this position. They can’t afford to pay employees as much as their for-profit counterparts and, thus, have a […]
Educating donors about what they can — and can’t — deduct
Education may not officially be part of your nonprofit’s mission. But while working with donors, you’ve probably noticed that many are confused about the federal tax deductibility of their contributions. To help prevent unwelcome surprises when donors file their returns, inform them about the tax benefits of different types of donations. Cash, ordinary income and […]