Nonprofit Observer

Showing 17–32 of 242 results

  • News for Nonprofits – Fundraisers seek protection with “bill of rights”

    Fall 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 443

    Abstract: This issue’s News for Nonprofits highlights a task force created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals that aims to address issues such as bullying and harassment, racial and gender equity, accessibility and “donor dominance;” reviews a survey revealing how foundations, charitable trusts and corporate giving programs make funding decisions; and summarizes a study’s findings regarding the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion issues to nonprofit organizations.

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  • Do you understand the public support test?

    Fall 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 605

    Abstract: Nonprofits that aren’t careful can stray over the line that distinguishes between public charities and private foundations. This can expose nonprofits to lower tax-deductible donation limits as well as potential excise taxes and penalties. Certain organizations, including universities and churches, automatically qualify as public charities, but others must pass a public support test. This article reviews the role of public support organizations and the IRS tests that qualify such organizations.

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  • Ways to improve your organization’s accounting function

    Fall 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 592

    Abstract: Although nonprofits may be exempt from income tax, they still have financial and accounting requirements. This includes projecting budgets and monitoring the results, preparing financial statements and collecting payroll taxes. Accounting processes can become inefficient over time if they’re not monitored. This article presents some suggestions of areas nonprofit organizations should review regularly.

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  • Lease accounting rules are (finally) here – Implementing the FASB’s Accounting Standards Update

    Fall 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 816

    Abstract: The updated accounting standard for leases, released back in 2016, is finally taking effect this year for all organizations, including nonprofits, that haven’t already adopted it. Nonprofit organizations might be surprised at how many “leases” they have under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) — whether for real estate, vehicles, machinery or equipment. This article examines how the changes are likely to complicate accounting and financial reporting.

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  • News for Nonprofits – How federal legislation may affect DAF distribution timelines

    Summer 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 434

    Abstract: The latest News for Nonprofits covers how federal legislation may affect donor-advised funds and why it’s important for fundraisers to demonstrate impact and cultivate empathic responses from donors. It also reviews a study showing how COVID-19 may have accomplished what years of calls for change couldn’t: convincing foundations they should adjust some of their long-standing practices.

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  • Have a little faith – IRS and fraud concerns for faith-based nonprofits

    Summer 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 709

    Abstract: Religious congregations must comply with IRS rules and federal and state laws. But because they don’t have to file income tax returns, some fail to engage independent financial experts. Without that oversight, congregation leaders may not know all the requirements to which they’re subject and internal controls could be lacking. This article looks at some financial best practices for any church, synagogue, mosque or other religious congregation to help prevent financial and other critical mistakes.

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  • Giving circles surge in popularity – What it means for nonprofits

    Summer 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 601

    Abstract: According to the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, giving circles have tripled in number since 2007, to about 1,600 groups with more than 46,000 members in the United States. With almost $1.3 billion in grants already made by giving circles, nonprofits should ensure they’re on the circles’ radar. This article summarizes what giving circles are and their benefits, and introduces Charity Navigator’s Global Giving Circle Directory and the impact it seeks to have on the use of giving circles.

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  • Ready for the new gifts-in-kind reporting requirements?

    Summer 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 814

    Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has new rules for how nonprofits that follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles must report and value “nonfinancial assistance” — commonly known as gifts in kind. The changes are effective for annual periods beginning after June 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after June 15, 2022. For nonprofits that didn’t adopt the standards early, this article covers what they need to know. A sidebar discusses the impetus for the new requirements according to the FASB.

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  • News for Nonprofits – Support for female causes growing slowly

    Spring 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 454

    Abstract: The latest News for Nonprofits covers the gains in support for women’s and girls’ organizations in recent years, the U.S. Department of Education’s revamping of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which cancels loans after 10 years of public service by eligible borrowers, and Microsoft Corporation’s recently launched Security Program for Nonprofits.

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  • Changes are coming to your auditor’s report

    Spring 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 585

    Abstract: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Auditing Standards Board’s latest standards are kicking in, and many nonprofits will notice resulting changes to the format and content of auditor reports on their organizations’ financial statements. This article describes how the updates are intended to make auditor reports more meaningful and transparent for the users of financial statements, including potential funding sources. Source: Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 134, Auditor Reporting and Amendments, Including Amendments Addressing Disclosures in the Audit of Financial Statements (AU-C section 701).

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  • Internet phishing schemes – How to protect your nonprofit from cyberattacks

    Spring 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 605

    Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the threat of cyberattacks for nonprofit organizations. Hackers often target nonprofits because charities hold confidential donor data but may fail to safeguard such data. And the cost of a cyberattack can be steep. This article provides suggestions for ways to stay current on hacking threats and do what’s necessary to secure organizational systems.

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  • 4 tips for rebuilding your operating reserves

    Spring 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 875

    Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has driven home many lessons for nonprofits, perhaps none so much as the importance of operating reserves. This article provides some steps nonprofits with dramatically depleted — or nonexistent — reserves can take to remedy the situation, including achieving leadership buy-in, committing to a formal reserves policy, developing a funding plan and being realistic about the amount of time it takes to build or replenish operating reserves. A short sidebar summarizes the results of a 2021 survey showing that the number of nonprofits reporting at least four to six months of reserves ticked up.

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  • News for Nonprofits – Survey finds mixed results on public trust

    Winter 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 450

    Abstract: The latest “News for Nonprofits” highlights a recent study delving into the public’s trust in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, when the nonprofit industry should fully recover its pandemic-related job losses, and the impact of donor-imposed restrictions on their donations to nonprofits.

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  • Strategic planning – Using a “real-time” approach to guide your future

    Winter 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 681

    Abstract: As nonprofits move toward a post-COVID-19 economy, it’s a great time to do some strategic planning. And the way nonprofits go about strategic planning may be ready for an update as well. This article examines how adopting a more fluid and ongoing approach known as “real-time strategic planning” can allow nonprofits to quickly and efficiently identify, understand and act on challenges and opportunities to advance their missions.

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  • 3 tips for getting your budgeting back on track

    Winter 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 582

    Abstract: The pandemic has wreaked havoc with many nonprofits’ budgets over the past two years. Some organizations have taken a more permissive approach to budgeting, but they can’t afford to continue it indefinitely. This article offers three tips to help nonprofits develop the realistic budgets they need to return to financial stability.

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  • Independent contractor or employee: What’s the current test?

    Winter 2022
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 752

    Abstract: With a labor shortage and COVID-19-related budget crunches, some nonprofits have turned to freelancers and contractors to fill staffing gaps. But are those individuals actually employees? Employers that misclassify workers can face harsh consequences, so it’s important to know the proper standard. This article reviews the status of the rule after a Trump administration revision failed to take effect, and the test as it currently exists under U.S. Supreme Court and Department of Labor rules. A short sidebar looks at the IRS approach to worker classification.

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