The pandemic, ongoing economic insecurity and uncertainty about the future have prompted some not-for-profits to make board designations of unrestricted assets. What are board designations, why are they worth considering and how does the process work? Self-imposed limits “Board-designated assets” refers to funds that haven’t been restricted by donors but are subject to self-imposed limits […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, June 28th, 2022
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There are thousands of grants and millions of dollars available to nonprofits from the federal government, states, foundations and other sources. Unfortunately, you can’t just ask nicely and expect to receive them. Qualifying for the funding your organization needs generally requires you to submit thorough, professional and compelling grant proposals. Here are a few tips. […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, June 14th, 2022
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According to nonprofit consultant Double the Donation, almost 65% of U.S. companies offer matching gift programs to help boost their employees’ charitable giving power. Sadly, billions of dollars in corporate matching gift funds go unclaimed every year. If your not-for-profit isn’t actively pursuing these gifts, you may be leaving them on the table. Participating employers […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, May 31st, 2022
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If your not-for-profit is trying to fulfill its mission with less volunteer help these days, you’re not alone. A December 2021 Gallop poll found that although donating to charity has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, volunteering was still down. Only 56% of survey respondents said they’d volunteered in the past year, compared with 64% in […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, May 17th, 2022
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It’s been a long two years. But many not-for-profits are starting to plan in-person galas and other special events for this coming summer and autumn. If your organization is trying to get back to “normal” with a face-to-face fundraiser, understand that it’s likely to be more challenging to plan than in the past. Some of […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022
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According to a 2021 Independent Sector survey, 57% of Americans trust not-for-profits to “do what is right.” Although that’s a majority, being trusted by just over half of respondents is hardly worth celebrating. Well-publicized scandals involving nonprofit principals and a general decline in the population’s faith in institutions (particularly among conservatives and rural dwellers) have […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, April 19th, 2022
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Many not-for-profits are understaffed in 2022, thanks to a labor shortage and pandemic-related budget shortfalls. Some organizations are filling the gaps with freelancers and contractors. However, such decisions can lead to trouble if these workers should really be classified as employees according to the Department of Labor (DOL) or the IRS. To ensure your workers […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, April 5th, 2022
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Many employees have embraced the opportunity to work from home during the pandemic — but not all of them. Some workers have experienced feelings of disconnection and isolation. So if your not-for-profit plans to make remote working a longer-term proposition, you should look for ways to make everyone feel connected to the job and their […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022
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Your not-for-profit may not be required to undergo regular audits. But an audit can reassure donors and other stakeholders that you take seriously your responsibility. An audit can also help you identify risks before they become intractable problems. Here’s how to initiate and prepare for an audit. Find and meet with an auditor Start by […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, March 8th, 2022
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Most not-for-profits encourage donors to make unrestricted contributions that will give the organization flexibility to use the money where it’s needed most. But there will always be some donors who place restrictions on their gifts — and these require a higher level of responsibility. If your nonprofit fails to use a restricted donation as intended, […]
Filed under: General by OSA&C Tuesday, February 15th, 2022
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