Nonprofit Observer
Showing 129–144 of 242 results
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So you’ve received an audit letter from the IRS …
Fall 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: The IRS has increased its scrutiny of nonprofits in recent years: In fact, it audited 8,000 organizations in 2014. This article helps nonprofits that have received an audit letter understand the process, including what documents they will be expected to produce. The article also explains the difference between field and correspondence audits and lists several audit triggers.
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Making a corporate volunteer program work for your nonprofit
Fall 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 518
Abstract: Volunteering in their communities boosts companies’ reputations and provides employee team-building opportunities. But as this article discusses, nonprofits don’t always benefit from corporate volunteer programs. This article provides tips — such as working with a company whose core business correlates with the nonprofit’s mission — to ensure that volunteer partnerships are mutually beneficial.
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Are you doing enough to manage risk?
Fall 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: Nonprofits that don’t have comprehensive risk control procedures and strong internal controls aren’t doing enough to prevent financial and other serious losses. This article suggests ways to identify potential risks — including those that are specific to an organization, such as reliance on an annual fundraising event — and ways to avoid or contain them.
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What social impact investing means for your nonprofit
Fall 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 832
Abstract: Social impact investing has taken both the financial and philanthropic worlds by storm, yet many potential social impact investors are confused about what it involves. This article defines social impact investments — those that generate a measurable social and financial return — and explains how nonprofits can attract and educate investors. A sidebar looks at a new common accounting language for social impact investing: Impact Reporting and Investment Standards.
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6 tips for building the board of your dreams
Summer 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 516
Abstract: For many nonprofits, it’s a never-ending challenge: finding board members who are qualified, passionate about the organization’s mission and committed to good governance. This article provides tips for a more successful search — including targeting individuals with specific skills, not overlooking volunteers and treating the board position as an actual job.
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When to look a gift horse in the mouth — and report its value
Summer 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: When a nonprofit receives a generous gift of noncash property, it needs to assess the gift’s fair market value (FMV). This article defines FMV and lists factors that help determine value, including a gift’s cost, its selling price or the value of a comparable good. It also explains when a professional appraisal is needed.
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Investment fraud: It could happen to your nonprofit
Summer 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: Investment fraud can cause significant financial losses, but the harm it does an organization’s reputation with donors and the public may be even worse. This article describes a recent Ponzi scheme whose victims included nonprofits. It also suggests ways for organizations to avoid shady investment advisors and urges them to report any incident of investment fraud on their Form 990.
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Are you ready for change? FASB proposes accounting overhaul for nonprofits
Summer 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: In its recent Accounting Standards Update, 2015-230, FASB proposed new standards that, if finalized, will fundamentally alter the way nonprofits prepare their financial statements. This article summarizes some of FASB’s key proposals relating to the reporting of asset classes, cash flows, classification of expenses, liquidity and underwater endowment funds. A sidebar addresses skepticism expressed by nonprofits — and even FASB board members — about applying the proposed standards.
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New York nonprofit law could affect your organization
Spring 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 425
Abstract: A sweeping new law that changes how many of New York state’s nonprofits govern and operate could provide a template for other states. This article urges even nonprofits outside of New York to anticipate possible mandates that support accountable and transparent nonprofit governance. These include stronger conflict-of-interest policies and greater financial oversight.
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Spring cleaning – It’s time to review — and, possibly, replace — programs
Spring 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Spring is a great time for nonprofits to review their program lineup and clean out the cobwebs to make way for more effective initiatives. This article talks about the types of research that organizations should conduct and explains how to find appropriate metrics to evaluate programs. It also helps nonprofits choose replacement programs that better meet their mission, values and goals.
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Is your personnel manual as comprehensive as it should be?
Spring 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 526
Abstract: To reduce liability and protect employees, even small nonprofits need comprehensive, up-to-date personnel manuals. This article covers commonly missed — but essential — personnel policies, including those related to paycheck deductions, health insurance, use of technology and termination of employment.
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How to make your special event a financial success
Spring 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 858
Abstract: Many nonprofits depend on the funds raised at an annual special event to keep their organization in the black. But successful events require a careful balancing act. Nonprofits must keep a tight rein on expenses, yet attract and entertain as many generous supporters as possible. This article provides planning and budgeting tips and encourages nonprofits to find sponsors. A sidebar explores alternatives to large, costly galas.
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Your employee reimbursement plan may violate the ACA
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: In 2015, many midsize or larger employers, including nonprofits, must offer an affordable, minimum level of health insurance coverage to full-time employees — or risk financial penalties. Smaller employers are required to inform employees about their health insurance options. But other elements of the ACA are less straightforward and have proven confusing for some organizations. As this article explains, employers that don’t provide insurance but offer to reimburse employees for coverage obtained elsewhere may not be in compliance.
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Lifesaver or liability? Limiting risk associated with volunteers
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: For many nonprofits on tight budgets, operating without the assistance of volunteers is out of the question. Unfortunately, nonprofits that direct and benefit from the actions of their unpaid workforce can be held accountable if volunteers are harmed or harm others on the job. This article explores how nonprofits can potentially reduce liability. They’re advised to treat volunteers as potential employees during the recruiting process and provide appropriate supervision, training and policies.
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How COSO helps nonprofits bolster internal controls
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 607
Abstract: For more than two decades, COSO — a joint initiative of several professional accounting groups — has provided for-profit companies with guidance on designing and maintaining internal controls. COSO recently revised its original framework with the release of Internal Control — Integrated Framework. As this article explains, not all of the updated framework will apply to nonprofits, but the new guidance can provide a structure for organizations trying to establish, strengthen or assess their internal controls.
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Add “un” to restricted – Freeing up funds to pay operating expenses
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: Selling prospective donors on unrestricted contributions isn’t always easy. A few profligate — and well-publicized — nonprofits, not to mention campaigns against administrative “waste” by nonprofit watchdog groups, have made donors sensitive to the issue. But such funds are necessary to pay salaries, utility bills and other operational expenses. This article discusses how nonprofit fundraisers and boards can raise unrestricted funds, and even convert already-committed restricted funds to unrestricted use. A sidebar notes the effectiveness of personal appeals in fundraising.