I am pleased to recommend Mark and his firm. He has helped us to become a better organization and better people as well.
Rev. Louis R. Lothman, Th.D., Director, Pastoral Counseling Services, Presbyterian Minister, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
When not-for-profits first start up, fundraising can be an ad hoc process, with intense campaigns followed by fallow 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 momentum without a strategic fundraising plan. Here’s how to create […]
During the pandemic, your not-for-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 to lawsuits if volunteers are harmed or harm others while […]
It takes more than dedication and enthusiasm for your not-for-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 their nonprofit’s best interests, avoid unnecessary risk, make decisions thoughtfully […]
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. But that’s expected to change quickly as employers ramp up hiring activities. If your not-for-profit will soon need new staffers, you might want to start putting out feelers now. […]
COVID-19 was a kind of disaster most not-for-profits weren’t prepared for. As your organization recovers from this unusual event, don’t let it become vulnerable to other, more common, threats. Every nonprofit needs a formal disaster plan for such risks as a fire, natural disaster or terrorist attack. Isolate threats No organization can anticipate or eliminate […]
If your not-for-profit organization accepts contributions of nonfinancial assets, such as land, services and supplies, you should know about Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules approved last year. Accounting Standards Update (ASU), Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Presentation and Disclosures by Not-for-Profit Entities for Contributed Nonfinancial Assets is intended to increase transparency around gifts in kind. […]
Not-for-profit organizations may operate under the assumption that their missions and their board members’ good intentions protect them from litigation. Sometimes, this assumption is proven wrong with a lawsuit. To protect your leaders from financial exposure, consider directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance. This coverage allows board members to make decisions without fear that they’ll […]
Many organizations get stuck in procedural ruts because it’s easier in the short term to continue doing things the way they’ve always been done. But it generally pays to regularly review your not-for-profit’s accounting function for inefficiencies and oversight gaps. You might plan to conduct a review once a year or perform an assessment whenever […]
Many not-for-profits are just starting to emerge from one of the most challenging environments in recent memory due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if your organization is in good shape, don’t get too comfortable. Financial obstacles can appear at any time and you need to be vigilant about acting on certain warning signs. Consider the […]
Events of the past year put a dent in many not-for-profit’s reserves. Perhaps you tapped this stash to buy personal protective equipment or to pay staffers’ salaries when your budget no longer proved adequate. As the pandemic wanes and economic conditions improve, you’ll need to start thinking about rebuilding your operating reserves. Back on steady […]
