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Showing 193–208 of 240 results
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Newsbits – Can a donor deduct charitable expenses incurred at home?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” discusses whether a donor can deduct expenses incurred at home; a study showing that about two-thirds of the surveyed not-for-profit executive directors are planning to leave their current jobs within five years; and IRS Notice 2011-44, which explains how a nonprofit that has automatically had its tax-exempt status “self-revoked” can request reinstatement retroactive to the date of the automatic revocation.
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The ins and outs of obtaining financing
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: Credit may still be tight, but a not-for-profit will increase its chances of securing financing if it understands the choices available to it. This article explains the differences between a line of credit and a term loan and explores tax-exempt bond financing as an alternative.
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When is income taxable?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 830
Abstract: A 501(c)(3) organization generally is required to pay tax on income that isn’t related to its main purpose — even if that income keeps the not-for-profit afloat. This unrelated business income (UBI) is something to watch closely, because if the nonprofit is ever audited, the IRS will likely scrutinize its records to see whether it has accurately reported UBI. This article describes the kinds of activities that generate UBI, along with some exceptions. A sidebar discusses whether charitable gaming is considered UBI.
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Ease on down the road – 5 tips for making your audit less stressful
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: This article offers five tips a nonprofit can use to make the audit experience run more smoothly for itself and its auditors. They involve being ready with the information; having realistic expectations of what the auditor will and will not do; minimizing risks throughout the year; being prepared to deal with any control deficiencies; and talking with the auditor on a regular basis, not just at audit time.
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Newsbits – U.S. nonprofits report mixed signs of economic resilience
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 362
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” discusses a survey indicating mixed signs of economic resilience among nonprofits; changes to the reporting of employer health care coverage; and a philanthropic haiku-writing contest.
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Creating policies – Don’t reinvent the wheel
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 396
Abstract: Since the revised IRS Form 990 debuted a few years ago, many nonprofits have been reviewing the policies on their books, improving them, and adding new policies to their collections. Form 990 aside, the public — concerned by stories of nonprofit mismanagement — has put more emphasis on nonprofit governance, including policy adoption and enforcement. This article describes the types of policies that nonprofits need, and lists websites that can provide further guidance.
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Does your board “get” your financials?
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1035
Abstract: Not all of a nonprofit’s board members may really understand the numbers they receive and what they mean to the organization. This article offers ways to help make this information clearer, beginning with understanding the members’ varying levels of expertise and how to improve their knowledge. It then offers concrete examples of effectively communicating information through pie charts, bar graphs and financial ratios. A sidebar mentions the importance of conducting a cash flow analysis.
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Checklist for an effective audit committee
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: No matter how long an audit committee has been up and running, the board of directors should monitor its performance. How is the committee doing in regard to overseeing the organization’s processes for financial reporting, internal controls and the audit? Is it ensuring that the not-for-profit complies with applicable laws and regulations and a code of conduct? This article provides a checklist designed to give a broad reading on how an audit committee is doing.
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Newsbits – Elderly get incentive to make IRA distributions to charity
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 416
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” describes how the recent Tax Relief act gives those who are older than 70½ an incentive to donate directly from their IRAs. It also offers advice for avoiding IRS scrutiny, and reveals that some large organizations have reported receiving more online donations, even while overall giving has slumped.
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Are you blogging for ideas?
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: Blogs enable nonprofits to learn from their peers about topics of mutual interest. But not all blogs are equal in terms of quality and accuracy. This article lists a number of reputable blogs, and what they offer to help not-for-profits deal with their challenges. There are also dozens of blogs sponsored by consultants, including experts in fundraising, marketing, grant proposal writing, using social media and other areas. But it’s important for organizations that are visiting or sponsoring corporate blog sites to create policies that mitigate some of the risks and ensure that employees and board members are on the same page with their participation in blogging.
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Move over, expense ratios – Evaluators broaden effectiveness measures
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: Although still important to donors, the expense ratio — what a charity spends on administrative, overhead and fundraising costs vs. program costs — is now sharing the spotlight with other measurements as a way to judge an organization’s effectiveness. This article examines why this trend to look beyond expense ratios came about and where it’s headed.
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The lure of the for-profit subsidiary
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 814
Abstract: In the wake of a severe recession — with a drop in public grants and private donations — for-profit endeavors can have a magnetic appeal as nonprofit survivors look for new sources of revenue. But there are a number of factors that a nonprofit should consider before taking on the significant cost and responsibility of operating a for-profit company. This article lists the incentives and drawbacks, while a sidebar lists two key actions that nonprofit executives have taken in successfully creating a for-profit subsidiary.
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Newsbits – Form 990: Are you delinquent?
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 417
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” describes the consequences of failing to file Form 990; offers an online source of “snail mail” fundraising tips; and discusses a study showing that more consumers are purchasing products associated with a social or environmental cause.
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Lobbying by the book
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 354
Abstract: Straying from IRS requirements for lobbying could jeopardize a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. This article explains the difference between lobbying and advocacy, and the circumstances under which nonprofits are allowed to lobby.
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8 tips for running a valid accountable plan
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 761
Abstract: Many nonprofits have an accountable plan for employee business expense reimbursements. Those that don’t are at risk for having to add reimbursements to their employee’s wages for income tax and Social Security tax purposes. To comply with IRS requirements, it’s necessary to have the right policies and procedures in place. This article offers eight tips for making sure that a plan is beyond reproach.
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Managing volunteers – A formal policy and set procedures pay off
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: Volunteers can be a lifeline for a nonprofit, especially in a down economy. But finding reliable volunteers, evaluating their work and retaining the best and the brightest is an ongoing management challenge. This article shows how a nonprofit can reach those goals by having a well-formed policy and procedures in place for its volunteer program. A sidebar emphasizes the importance of having a paid staff volunteer coordinator.