Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Showing 145–160 of 240 results
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Newsbits – Online giving jumped 14% in 2013
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: In this issue, “Newsbits” discusses a recent study showing that online giving is on the increase. It also notes how several states are testing the waters of Pay for Performance (PFP) contracts with social services nonprofits, and looks at the Silicon Valley’s “accelerator” Y Combinator, which is now helping launch nonprofits involved in areas such as public health, microlending and education. And the feature discusses a couple of studies that shed light on some of the problems experienced by nonprofits that receive government funding.
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The bottom line – How to account for special events
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 570
Abstract: More and more nonprofits are turning to special events as a major source for generating funds. As if event planning isn’t complicated enough, organizations also must take care to properly present the associated revenues and costs in their financial reporting. Certain amounts related to special events must be reported on financial statements in categories other than fundraising. This article describes three options that nonprofits have for reporting most such events on their Statement of Activities. In any case, proper financial reporting will require careful tracking of an event’s transactions.
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Look before determining executive compensation
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: When a nonprofit sets the salary for an executive director or other individual key to the organization, the board of directors wants to make sure it’s paying what’s necessary to attract or retain the most qualified, capable individual for the position. But that’s not the only consideration that should be on the radar screen. IRS regulations prohibit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations from engaging in an “excess benefit transaction” with a “disqualified person.” This article explains those terms and the steps that charitable organizations should take to be sure that compensation is “reasonable” by IRS standards.
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Building a foundation for effective endowment management
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: Overseeing a nonprofit’s endowment fund is one of the most important roles for the board of directors. A strong investment committee, made up of board members and staff, will not only ensure the continued health of the endowment and the organization but also attract other donors looking for good stewards for their contributions. As this article explains, effective endowment management lies in sound policies regarding investment, allocation, spending, and performance monitoring. A sidebar addresses required financial statement disclosures.
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Newsbits – A-133 audit threshold raised for small nonprofits
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: In this issue, “Newsbits” takes a look at Office of Management and Budget rules that reduce the burden on smaller nonprofits by increasing the threshold that triggers compliance audits. It also discusses a study showing that most organizations have room for improvement with online fundraising, and notes an online tool that provides free and open access to data on nearly 82,000 independent, corporate, community and grantmaking operating foundations.
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Not all funds are created equal
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: Types of funding vary greatly in how they can — or cannot — be used. This article discusses the differences between permanently restricted funds, temporarily restricted funds and unrestricted funds, and how to beef up donations of the latter.
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Tips for preventing fraud in your organization
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: Fraud doesn’t just hurt a nonprofit’s bottom line — it also could do devastating damage to its reputation. However, this article discusses how, by implementing some simple controls, an organization can help protect itself from these risks. These controls involve segregation of accounting duties, fraud awareness training for all employees, establishment of a fraud hotline, and risk assessment.
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Footnotes tell a story – What constituents can glean from your financial statements
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: When reviewing financial statements, nonprofit board members and managers sometimes make the mistake of focusing solely on bottom-line figures, but these statements also may include a wealth of information in their disclosures. Savvy constituents and potential supporters know this, so nonprofit executives need to be familiar with the common types of disclosures and the information they make available for scrutiny. This article notes the information that statements provide regarding accounting policies, related party transactions, contingencies and other matters. A sidebar describes a particular Form 990 disclosure that has gotten renewed attention.
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Newsbits – IRS issues proposed 501(c)(4) guidance
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” discusses initial proposed guidance on how applicants qualify for tax-exempt status as a social welfare organization under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. It also looks at a survey regarding CEO pay and how Twitter input is being used to guide grant making.
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Should you join forces with another nonprofit?
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 633
Abstract: Forming an alliance with a like-minded organization can be a smart strategic move for a nonprofit — but it’s important to think things through thoroughly before making the leap. As this article explains, the process begins with examining the organization’s motives, and then determining whether a joint venture or a strategic alliance would be more appropriate. Performing due diligence on the other organization then becomes essential.
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Buyer beware – UBIT can take a bite out of alternative investments
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 579
Abstract: The uncertain economy and tempestuous financial markets of recent years have led some nonprofit organizations to turn to alternative investments. While these investments may hold the potential of higher returns, they also come with the risk of unrelated business income tax (UBIT). Even in the absence of tax liability, alternative investments can involve significant filing requirements. This article describes the types of income that are and aren’t subject to UBIT, along with the additional tax forms that may need to be filed to avoid costly penalties.
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Prepare now for ACA play-or-pay compliance
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) shared-responsibility provision, commonly referred to as “play or pay” — requiring that “large” employers offer their employees affordable health insurance or pay a penalty — has been delayed until 2015. But that means that now is the time for nonprofits to determine what it will mean for their bottom line. This article explains who qualifies as a large employer and how “affordable” is defined. A sidebar discusses how smaller nonprofits can qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
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Newsbits – Court says donor is entitled to return of restricted gift
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: In this issue, “Newsbits” discusses a court case that resulted in a nonprofit being forced to return a restricted gift that it had used for another purpose. We look at how the concept of kaizen, or continuous improvement, has been applied to the operations of a food bank. And we note a study showing that asset, gift and grant amounts for community foundations have reached new heights.
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Keeping an eye on UBI – Understand unrelated business income and how to avoid excess amounts
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 711
Abstract: If an activity conducted by a nonprofit is a trade or business carried on regularly, and not substantially related to furthering its exempt purpose, the income generated is considered unrelated business income (UBI). And accumulating too much can subject the nonprofit to taxes — and even threaten its tax-exempt status. This article explains what kinds of activities do and do not generate UBI.
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Make the most of peer-to-peer fundraising
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Peer-to-peer fundraising events — for example, walks and runs — have become one of the most common ways for nonprofits to raise money. This article offers tips for maximizing and safeguarding those funds. It observes that one of the most effective ways to encourage fundraising by participants is to set goals, and notes the importance of implementing appropriate financial controls from the outset.
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Tips for communicating financial information to the board
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 819
Abstract: While board members typically bring a variety of talents and expertise to the table, they don’t always have extensive experience in financial and accounting matters. But they can’t properly perform their functions if they don’t obtain and understand information about the organization’s financial position. This article explains how to best communicate the essential financial information board members need. It looks at the specific kinds of information they should receive and how it can be presented in a user-friendly format. A sidebar notes that a dashboard — a one- or two-page snapshot of key metrics — may be especially useful in some instances.