Your not-for-profit’s ability to pursue its mission depends greatly on its financial health and integrity. If your nonprofit is growing and your executives are struggling to juggle financial responsibilities but you’re not ready to hire a full-time chief financial officer (CFO), consider our CFO on Demand services. CFO on Demand is a specialized service we
Non-Profit Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Crawford Ellenbogen
May 30, 2019
May 8, 2019
Can “collective impact” help your nonprofit accomplish more?
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
As not-for-profits increasingly take on big issues such as global warming and economic development, some are turning to “collective impact.” This cross-sector approach involves nonprofits, government, businesses and others working together to solve a specific problem. Collective impact adherents often cite five keys for success: a common vision, a shared measurement system, mutually reinforcing activities,
Apr 16, 2019
Nonprofits: You too could fall victim to a celebrity scandal
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Celebrities can provide a big boost to the not-for-profits they publicly support. They can also harm them by association. Accusations connected with the #MeToo movement and other scandals have brought down many stars and caused major headaches for some nonprofits. Don’t wait for a PR crisis. Include a “morals clause” in contracts with spokespeople, make
Mar 12, 2019
Does your nonprofit adequately protect whistleblowers?
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
A formal whistleblower policy is critical to protecting your not-for-profit’s financial security and public reputation. Your policy should state which individuals (for example, staffers, volunteers and clients) and activities (such as fraud, conflicts of interest and discrimination) are covered. Also explain how reports will be investigated and what will happen when investigations end. It’s particularly
Mar 5, 2019
D&O insurance: Some FAQs for nonprofits
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance enables board members to make decisions without fear that they’ll be personally responsible for any related litigation costs. Such coverage is common in the business world, but many not-for-profits incorrectly assume that their charitable mission and the volunteer status of their board insulate them from lawsuits. To determine whether
Feb 28, 2019
How to convince donors to remove “restricted” from their gifts
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Restricted gifts can be difficult for not-for-profits to manage. Unlike unrestricted gifts, these donations can’t go into your general operating fund and be used where they’re most needed. Some donors will be determined to make restricted gifts, but you may be able to persuade others to remove restrictions if you explain how the money will
Feb 13, 2019
Warning! 4 signs your nonprofit is in financial danger
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Signs of financial distress in a not-for-profit can be subtle. But board members have a responsibility to recognize them and do everything in their power to avert potential disaster. Pay particular attention to: 1. Budget bellwethers. Confirm that proposed budgets are in line with strategies already developed and approved. Once your board has signed off
Feb 5, 2019
Is your nonprofit ready for a raffle?
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Raffles are popular fundraisers for not-for-profits. But they’re subject to strict tax rules. State laws on nonprofit-sponsored raffles vary, but you must comply with federal income tax requirements. First, you may owe unrelated business income tax unless your fundraiser is “substantially” staffed by volunteers. Second, raffle winnings must be reported to the IRS when the
Jan 24, 2019
Charitable donations: Unraveling the mystery of motivation
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Americans support charities for a variety of financial, emotional and social reasons, and some of them aren’t so obvious. For example, wealthy donors may be motivated by not only tax and asset protection considerations, but also a desire to limit what they leave to their children to prevent a “burden of wealth.” Younger donors often
Jan 17, 2019
Are your volunteers putting your nonprofit at risk?
- By Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
Not-for-profits that direct and benefit from volunteers can be held accountable if those individuals are harmed or harm others on the job. Your organization needs to take steps to limit this risk, including screening volunteer candidates. Positions that carry greater risks, such as work involving children and other vulnerable populations, or access to cash donations,