Nonprofit Agendas
Showing 321–336 of 387 results
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News for Nonprofits – Tax credit for health insurance coverage
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 405
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at a new, refundable, health care insurance tax credit that can benefit smaller nonprofits. It discusses one consulting firm’s findings that 33% of donations to charities’ own Web sites failed to go through, and provides tips on lowering unrelated business income tax (UBIT).
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How to approach succession planning
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: Some nonprofits delay detailed succession planning, thinking of it as a project they’ll get to “someday.” But that’s a mistake. Early succession planning not only makes for a smoother transfer of responsibility, but might also enable leaders to spot some issues that need to be cleared up before the transition. This article examines three common planning approaches, while a sidebar takes a look at key person insurance.
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Online donation portals are contributor-friendly
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: Every charity needs an effective way to receive donations. A Web site may have that capability, but contributors might find it awkward to use. If so, or if the site isn’t set up to handle online donations, charities can consider combining forces with an online donation portal. The giver decides on the amount to give and gives it; the online portal handles almost everything else, including online security. One big advantage of registering with a donation portal is that potential donors will likely discover organizations supporting their favorite causes.
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Different strokes – There’s more than one way to form an alliance
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: Not-for-profit organizations often collaborate among themselves to achieve a common goal. But organizations also team up when their objectives differ — not only with other nonprofits, but with for-profit entities, too. A shared day-to-day working environment exists in “coworking” arrangements, as two entities carry out independent activities. They may share not only overhead, but perhaps even ideas. Even sharing employees can be mutually beneficial.
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News for Nonprofits – Should you accept text message donations?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 388
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at the pros and cons of accepting text message donations, and the importance of meeting the compliance audit requirements for receiving funds under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).
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Event financing: 3 ways to land a sponsor
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 317
Abstract: With the economy gaining steam, some not-for-profits are considering bringing back the annual events that they eliminated a few years ago. But others, experiencing delayed effects from the recession, are canceling these events until more funding materializes. One way a nonprofit can ensure it will be able to hold its special occasion is to get a financial sponsor. This short article describes how, to attract one, it will be necessary to provide good data about past attendees; offer a variety of incentives according to sponsor involvement; and deliver on promises.
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Breaking down the numbers – Tune up your board’s financial literacy
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1080
Abstract: A not-for-profit organization’s board of directors has a mix of talents. So how can a nonprofit best share its financial results with the board members who are not financial experts as well as with those who are? One method is to use graphs and pie charts instead of long lists of numbers. Another is to provide a cash flow analysis, along with ratios that allow the board to see if the organization’s costs and revenues are in line with its expectations. And it may be helpful to provide the financial training appropriate for serving the needs of a nonprofit. A sidebar to this article provides a description of some common financial terms.
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Be sure to lobby by the rules
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: Most nonprofits are involved in lobbying at one time or another. But what are the rules not-for-profits must follow when participating in these activities? The answer depends on the type of organization, what kind of activity it’s conducting and how much lobbying is involved. Lobbying is different from political activity (which is prohibited to charities), and there’s a distinction between direct and grassroots lobbying. But certain actions are permitted without restrictions and aren’t considered to be lobbying.
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News for Nonprofits – HOW CAN YOU FIND NEW STAFF?
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 474
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at Web sites that are useful for recruiting personnel; a survey addressing donor contribution trends; and new, lower IRS mileage rates for employees who use their vehicles for work.
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Goodbye SAS 112, hello SAS 115 – Don’t over-rely on your auditors for financial statement prep
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 987
Abstract: Applying AICPA Statement on Auditing Standards No. 115, Communicating Internal Control Related Matters Identified in an Audit (SAS 115), will be required during the next fiscal year audit (for periods ending on or after Dec. 15, 2009). This new standard supersedes SAS 112 of the same title. As with SAS 112, understanding what constitutes “control deficiencies,” “significant deficiencies” and “material weaknesses” is key to applying the standard. This article shows how to spot control deficiencies, determine their severity, and book adjustments for them. A sidebar explains what constitutes a material adjustment.
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Get in shape – How to form — or improve — an audit committee
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 648
Abstract: Some states require not-for-profits with a certain level of annual revenue to have an audit committee in place. Others strongly encourage it. But, even without regulatory prodding, forming an audit committee allows nonprofits an opportunity to get financial experts involved who have knowledge of the audit process. But it’s important to adopt best practices, and make sure that participants are independent and have the right financial backgrounds.
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Outsourcing bookkeeping
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: The economic downturn has many nonprofits strapped for cash and outsourcing routine functions to cut costs. Bookkeeping is one of them. And while outsourcing this task has many benefits — such as saving time, labor and resources — it also has a few drawbacks. But setting clear expectations and strong lines of communication from the start can usually ward off potential problems.
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News for Nonprofits – NEW M&A ACCOUNTING STANDARD KICKS IN
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 164, Not-for-Profit Entities: Mergers and Acquisitions, which offers guidance on merger and acquisition accounting and disclosures specifically for nonprofits, while also addressing the treatment of goodwill. Also mentioned in this issue are two surveys detailing executive compensation at not-for-profit organizations.
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Board-staff harmony
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 301
Abstract: Two planes flying in the same airspace need instruction from the tower to make sure they don’t collide. Likewise, a nonprofit needs to give direction to its board (and staff) — about “who does what” — to ensure that both reach their goals without distress. This can be especially important in a small organization. To avoid a collision, it’s important to make sure that board members receive a thorough orientation, work through the executive director when making requests of employees, and interact regularly with staff.
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Being “accountable” – Certain expense reimbursements not taxable in accountable plans
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 713
Abstract: Certain expense reimbursements and allowances aren’t viewed by the IRS as taxable income to the employee if they’re made under an accountable plan. In turn, if these amounts aren’t taxable income to the employee, they’re not subject to the employer portion of FICA taxes either. But there are four requirements for this type of plan: The expenses must have a business connection; they must be reasonable; there must be reasonable accounting for the expenses; and all excess reimbursements must be repaid in a reasonable time.
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Getting financing in today’s economy
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1103
Abstract: Nonprofit organizations, large and small, often consider borrowing money only as a last resort. But there are certain times when going to the bank is the right answer. This article discusses the steps necessary to prepare a loan application, and discusses the different kinds of loans available (line of credit, term loan, and tax-exempt bond) and the circumstances in which each may be most appropriate. A sidebar lists three bond options made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that allows nonprofits to access more attractive and cost-beneficial tax-exempt financing through 2010.