When non-profits first start up, fundraising can be an ad hoc process, with intense campaigns followed by idle periods. As organizations grow and acquire staff and support, they generally decide that fundraising needs to be ongoing. But it can be hard to maintain focus and...
Your non-profit may prefer to avoid activities that subject it to unrelated business income tax (UBIT). But if you accept advertising or sponsorships that are not substantially related to your tax-exempt purpose, you may unwittingly expose your organization to UBIT liability. The rules governing these...
Cryptocurrency has gone mainstream, and if you have been sitting on the fence about accepting donations in virtual currency, it is time to make a decision. But before your non-profit says “yes” to a Bitcoin (or other cryptocurrency) gift, make sure you understand the issues...
During the pandemic, your non-profit may have been forced to operate without your dedicated volunteers. It has probably come as a great relief to welcome them back in person. However, volunteers, like employees, represent some risk to your organization. For example, you could be exposed...
‘Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards’ (Uniform Guidance) applies to all non-profits that accept federal funding. It has been updated and amended several times, most recently in 2020. So, if you have not reviewed your organization’s procurement policies lately, now...
Collective impact projects are collaborations between non-profits, government, businesses, and communities with the goal of achieving challenging and complicated social objectives. They can succeed in ways that simply are not available to individual organizations, but they also require a level of commitment your non-profit may...
It takes more than dedication and enthusiasm for your non-profit’s cause and programs to make a good board member. The most critical duty for all board members is being a fiduciary. This means, among other things, that they can be trusted to always act in...
COVID-19 was a kind of disaster most non-profits were not prepared for. As your organization recovers from this unusual event, do not let it become vulnerable to other, more common, threats. Every non-profit needs a formal disaster plan for such risks as a fire, natural...
Many Americans remain unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — at least 9.8 million at the end of April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that is expected to change quickly as employers ramp up hiring activities. If your non-profit will soon...
As the COVID-19 pandemic finally seems to be fading in the United States, your non-profit organization may be making plans for its post-pandemic future. Is a merger with another non-profit part of these plans? A merger can provide your organization with greater stability and resilience so...