Nonprofit Observer
Showing 81–96 of 242 results
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Building an effective audit committee
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: Nonprofit boards aren’t required to form audit committees, but having one can promote better financial reporting, fewer fraud incidents and a smoother audit process. This article explains that committee members can’t be employed by the nonprofit or its auditing firm. It also outlines some of the committee’s responsibilities.
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Nonprofit accounting is different: Here’s how
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: Nonprofit board members who come from the business sector may not grasp the differences between nonprofit and for-profit financial reporting. This article provides a cheat sheet on how financial approaches and statements, particularly for assets and liabilities, differ.
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New revenue guidance provides direction to nonprofits
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: This article summarizes ASU 2018-08, which the Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued to resolve for nonprofits’ revenue recognition issues. It covers the 2014 standard that gave rise to questions, explaining when grants should be characterized as reciprocal exchanges vs. contributions and defining conditional contributions.
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After the TCJA – How to keep the giving going this holiday season
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: The new tax law’s increase of the standard deduction means that fewer taxpayers will now itemize, and thus be motivated to make deductible gifts to charity. This article urges nonprofits to rethink their approach to holiday fundraising. For example, they should promote the idea of “bunching” donations, take part in deadline-oriented fundraisers such as Giving Tuesday and encourage supporters to make charitable donations in lieu of giving physical gifts. A sidebar summarizes congressional efforts to enable universal charitable deductions.
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Employee retention – Keep them if you’ve got them
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 418
Abstract: Today’s tight labor market can make it hard for nonprofits to recruit and retain good people. This short article gives readers several low-cost tools for holding on to the staffers they have, including career development paths.
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Nonprofits: You too could fall victim to a celebrity scandal
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 575
Abstract: Celebrity spokespeople can help raise awareness of a charity’s mission, attract new audiences, generate donations and change public opinion on a subject. But as fallout of the #MeToo movement has shown, nonprofits can also be hurt by association with a disgraced celebrity. This article talks about how to handle celebrity-related PR disasters — and prevent them from happening in the first place.
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Educating donors about what they can — and can’t — deduct
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: To help prevent unwelcome surprises when donors file their returns, nonprofits should inform them about the tax benefits of different types of donations. This article summarizes the tax treatments of various donations, including cash, ordinary income property, capital gains property, tangible personal property, vehicles and other items.
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How to secure lasting corporate support
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 830
Abstract: For nonprofits, increasing corporate support is similar to establishing relationships with individual donors. But while emotional factors generally drive individuals to support a charity, companies need both emotional and strategic rationalizations. This article suggests ideas for engaging companies, including providing ways for corporate donors’ employees to get involved. A sidebar encourages nonprofits to brainstorm mutually beneficial collaborations with businesses.
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Stop employee credit card abuse before it starts
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Protecting your organization from credit card fraud and abuse is as easy as writing a credit card use policy and following it. This begins with the careful selection of staffers who will have card access and instructing them on its proper uses. Also, management oversight — including the review and approval of every transaction — is essential.
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3 tips for achieving your mission more cost-effectively
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 570
Abstract: Simple initiatives can make a big difference in how efficiently a nonprofit operates and delivers its programs and services. This article offers three ideas: 1) Monitor measures that matter; 2) orient your organization toward outcomes; and 3) engage entrepreneurial experts.
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Have faith … but take precautions – Financial best practices for religious congregations
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: Without the oversight of tax authorities or outside auditors, leaders of churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious congregations may not be aware of all requirements to which they’re subject. This article covers such topics as employee classification, clergy wages, unrelated business income tax, lobbying and internal controls. A sidebar discusses the components of a comprehensive risk-reduction program.
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Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – Planning can help your nonprofit minimize negative effects
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 908
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) offers plenty for nonprofits to mull over and plan for. This article outlines how changes to the standard deduction and doubling of the estate tax exemption are expected to reduce charitable giving. It also covers the law’s effect on unrelated business income tax, executive compensation and tax-exempt bonds.
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Don’t let unemployment insurance fleece your nonprofit
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: States collect billions of dollars from employers in overpaid unemployment tax. To learn whether they’re overpaying, nonprofits might perform periodic audits of benefit statements. They should also feel free to appeal claims decisions made by their state agency and, as this article suggests, consider becoming a “reimbursing employer.”
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To preserve their tax status, associations must observe limits
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 562
Abstract: Nonprofit trade associations, or 501(c)(6) organizations, exist to promote their members’ common interests and improve business conditions or “one or more lines of interest.” When they fail to do so, their activities may trigger unrelated business income tax or even threaten the association’s tax-exempt status. This article examines the issue.
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Accounting matters – Keep the heart of your nonprofit beating
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Programming or fundraising departments may be more obviously linked to a nonprofit’s mission. But accounting ensures that the whole organization runs well and remains healthy. This article suggests ways to make the accounting function more efficient. These include setting submission cutoffs, creating distribution cover sheets and maximizing software use.
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Making sure your board reflects your constituency
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 821
Abstract: Nonprofit boards need to reflect the people and interests they serve, as well as their local communities. This may require recruiting new members from diverse racial, economic, religious and other backgrounds. This article discusses the need for greater board diversity and provides tips on finding new members. A sidebar asks whether statistics match the stated desire of nonprofit leaders for greater board diversity.