Nonprofit
Showing 785–800 of 869 results
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News for nonprofits – Family foundations to fill funding gap?
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: This month’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at how family foundations can help make up for recent decreases in donations, and why a nonprofit that has authority over — or is the signer on — a bank or financial account in a foreign country at any time during the calendar year will likely need to file a Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) report.
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Reasons mount for a conflict-of-interest policy
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 483
Abstract: Questions on the new Form 990 are the latest reasons to have a conflict-of-interest policy in place. The new form, now in use for 2008 returns, directly asks if a tax-exempt nonprofit has a written conflict-of-interest policy. The IRS doesn’t require charities to adopt such a policy (or other policies). But lacking one could prompt the agency to take a closer look at an organization’s tax returns. Having a conflict-of-interest policy also is important for obtaining tax-exempt status. This article looks at specific issues a policy should address, while a short sidebar discusses the importance of putting it in writing.
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Navigating trouble spots on revised Form 990
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: Many nonprofits, having filed extensions for more time to prepare the revised Form 990 for 2008, are now wrestling with some of the form’s questions. The form asks whether a nonprofit has certain written policies relating to organization governance, such as conflict-of-interest and whistleblower policies, and about the independence of board members. (The form’s instructions are exact about the three-part test to be used to determine whether a board member is independent.) It will also be necessary to answer questions pertaining to controlled entities and to related organizations. This article shows where to find answers to some questions that nonprofits might have.
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Put your best foot forward – Giving donors and funders the financial information they need
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: Donors and grant-making organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their scrutiny of potential donees. They’re particularly interested in benchmarking ratios involving program spending, fundraising efficiency and management and general expenses. Some may perform a trend analysis of revenues and expenses, or examine the accumulation of unrestricted net assets. In today’s highly competitive charitable giving climate, it’s critical that a nonprofit put its best foot forward and provide potential donors as much useful information as possible.
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Newsbits – Fasb actions carry impact
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” concentrates on just one topic: three recent actions by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that could affect a nonprofit’s financial statement preparation this year and beyond.
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Software solutions can be affordable
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 859
Abstract: It may seem harder than ever for a not-for-profit to budget for computer software that will bring it into the next decade. After all, its leaders want to update and expand, take advantage of new features on the market and adequately protect their computer system from outside threats. But there is a way to find effective, inexpensive software solutions, including low-cost and no-cost options for creating, sharing, backing up and restoring original and PDF files, and protecting the organization from cyber-threats. This article lists specific examples of available software.
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Settlement shines spotlight on donor intent
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 833
Abstract: Last year, Princeton University reached a $101 million settlement with a donor foundation that had asserted that the university spent the donor’s funds in a manner contrary to its original intent. A number of similar disputes have erupted over the last several years that highlight a major dilemma for charities: They must act as loyal stewards of donated funds while maintaining proper authority over them. This article lists several specific steps a nonprofit can take to avoid conflicts, and offers a sidebar listing gift-acceptance guidelines.
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Rainy days – Viewing operating reserves in the current economy
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 422
Abstract: A lot of nonprofits are seeing less revenue coming in coupled with greater demand for their services. As a result, they’re struggling to cover expenses and are dipping into their operating reserves. But before a nonprofit taps further into its nest egg, it should consider the purpose, nature and limits of these unrestricted funds. Different organizations will need different amounts of reserves, but everyone should have a “Plan B” that identifies additional cuts that can allow quick action if the current downturn lasts longer than anticipated.
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Why you should take social networking seriously
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 452
Abstract: Social networking sites are sometimes considered useful for only personal, non-business, purposes. But the reality is that many nonprofits are using social media effectively. An organization that isn’t part of this group may be missing the boat on a no- to low-cost way to spread its message, engage its audience and gain new followers quickly and efficiently — among both younger and older users.
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6 ways to keep board members focused in unfocused times
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 590
Abstract: With increasing financial and other pressures on nonprofits, a nonprofit’s board needs to be focused and engaged like never before. But the reality is that board members may be facing challenges in their own work and financial lives. So when board members meet to go over an in-the-red budget, their stress levels are already likely to be high. Fortunately, by making just six adjustments to its normal routine, a nonprofit can help maintain its board’s productivity.
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Write a grant proposal like you mean it
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: As investment portfolios have dramatically declined in value and donations have dried up, grant-making organizations have had to scale back the amounts they can award to deserving applicants. So sloppy grant proposals are even less likely to hit their mark now. To compete successfully for these diminishing funds, nonprofits’ proposals should be succinct and focus on the essentials, and applicants must pay attention to details such as accurate numbers and deadlines.
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Budget cuts: Don’t make internal controls one of them
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: These days, most nonprofits are tightening their budgets to ensure that they’re operating as cost effectively as possible. But certain items should never be neglected just to save a little money today — and one of the most important is adherence to internal controls. This article discusses necessary controls and why outside advice is necessary to protect against fraud. A sidebar looks at the Federal Trade Commission’s red flag rules for fighting identity theft that are scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1, 2009.
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News for nonprofits – Politcal activity
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: Items in this issue address the danger of charities indulging in political activity; an extended deadline for putting in place a written plan to satisfy IRS regulations for a 403(b) plan; and how many smaller nonprofits might lose their tax-exempt status if they don’t file a Form 990-N.
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Set your sights on planned giving
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: In this down economy, smart charities are focusing their efforts to bring in major gifts from their wealthiest donors. That’s because these donors have long planned to leave part of their estate to a favorite organization, and most will follow through on their intentions. There are three planned giving arrangements that are especially popular, and board members and other staff members should be able to discuss their characteristics with prospective donors. To assist them, there are software products that do everything from creating elaborate marketing presentations and illustrating gift scenarios to crunching numbers and generating contracts.
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Doing the right thing – Avoid excess benefit transactions
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 762
Abstract: One way to lose tax-exempt status is to ignore the private benefit and private inurement — also known as excess benefit — provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. These rules prohibit an individual inside or outside a nonprofit from reaping an excess benefit from a transaction by the organization. Excess benefits can take many forms, such as excessive compensation, favorable sales of assets, below-market property rental and lending money. Being knowledgeable about such transactions involves understanding such concepts as private benefit and private inurement, and knowing board members’ duty of care and the consequences of violations.
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Board manuals – A guide to your galaxy
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 624
Abstract: Like an employee handbook, a board manual familiarizes readers with an organization’s policies and procedures, giving them information at their fingertips. A manual can introduce board members to the nonprofit’s reason for being and way of doing things. It can detail who has particular responsibilities, and prepare board members to be effective spokespeople for the nonprofit. This article describes what’s essential to include in a manual, and what is simply desirable.