Not-For-Profit Notebook

Practical insight and analysis on the accounting, audit and tax issues impacting not-for-profit organizations.

Posts about Internal Communication

It May be Time to Refresh or Replace your Programs

Posted by admin Jul 3, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Are your programs relatively the same as they were a few years ago? If so, it’s time to review each of your programs and potentially replace, or simply refresh, your offerings.

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Complying with Challenging New Procurement Standards

Posted by admin Feb 15, 2019 1:15:56 PM

The relatively new federal procurement standards, which went into full effect in fiscal year 2017, significantly alter the way nonprofits receiving federal funding handle purchasing. You may have changed your written policies, but are you complying with the standards in practice? If not, you could risk losing funding. 

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A Checklist to Avoid a Conflict of Interest in Nonprofit Organizations

Posted by admin Jun 28, 2018 11:56:03 AM

When an arrangement is personally benefiting one of your officers, board members or employees, you are in violation of IRS guidelines regarding conflicts of interest in nonprofits, and you could lose your tax-exempt status as well as your good reputation.

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Six Strategies for Financially Troubled Nonprofits

Posted by admin Jun 14, 2018 11:41:43 AM

When your nonprofit organization is struggling financially and you’ve already attempted to cut costs in more traditional ways, like wage freezes and layoffs, what’s next? 

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Make The Most Of Your Audited Financial Statements

Posted by admin Nov 28, 2017 11:30:00 AM

Many organizations are required to receive an annual audit, and it may at times seem like a burden to an organization. However, effectively audited financial statements are a tool for good governance. Your management team and board can learn a great deal and truly better your organization.

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Are Nonprofit Board Term Limits Right For You?

Posted by admin Nov 14, 2017 3:00:00 PM

In one of our previous posts, we discussed toxic behaviors that often warrant firing a board member. Having an ineffective board of directors is not an option for a successful nonprofit, but removing a board member can be awkward and difficult.

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The Four Steps Of A Nonprofit Executive Search Plan

Posted by admin Oct 30, 2017 11:30:00 AM

It seems inevitable that your nonprofit will need to replace a top executive within your organization at some point, and having the right executives in place is imperative to your organization’s success. Why not prepare your staff and Board now? Discuss these four basic steps of the executive search process today so you’re ready when it’s time to find a new person to lead your nonprofit organization. 

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Should You Consider Removing A Board Member At Your Organization?

Posted by admin Oct 17, 2017 9:00:00 AM

Your not-for-profit has probably spent a lot of time and effort attracting board members who have the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to make a difference to your organization.

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6 Tips for Finding The Perfect Board Members

Posted by admin Jan 25, 2016 11:30:00 AM

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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Cybercrime: How to Fight Back

Posted by admin Jan 18, 2016 11:30:00 AM

Cyber thieves don’t physically grab your keys or force an entry into your home, but the damage they do to your organization can be just as consequential. If your nonprofit becomes the victim of cybercrime, it could suffer a blow to its reputation that’s impossible to overcome.

So it’s important to assess your risks of data breaches carefully, and implement effective security policies and procedures. This will put you in a better position to protect valuable financial and personal data about donors and other constituents.

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