How Cross-Training Creates a More Productive and Flexible Workforce

Manufacturers continue to struggle to find qualified workers, so any strategies for improving employee retention are welcome. One such strategy is cross-training. Done right, it can enhance productivity, facilitate process and product improvements, improve customer service and increase profitability. Employee benefits Cross-training simply means training employees to perform tasks outside their normal responsibilities. The potential […]

Remote Auditing: Is It Here to Stay?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the way companies conduct business and audit firms are no exception. Restrictions on the ability of auditors to physically visit business premises have, in many cases, forced them to adopt remote auditing techniques. Remote auditing is not new. For years, auditors have taken advantage of technology […]

Remote Work May Be Here to Stay — Are You Ready?

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to shift gears and focus on ways to conduct business remotely. Many experts believe that the trend toward remote work will continue even after the pandemic is over. Unlike other businesses, manufacturers must continue to rely on workers on the shop floor, such as machinists, assemblers and repair […]

Is it Time to Update Your Company’s Drug Use Policy?

Given the safety risks involved with many manufacturing jobs, it is a good idea for manufacturers to adopt and consistently enforce a drug and alcohol policy. However, the evolving legal environment — particularly with many states moving toward legalizing marijuana — greatly complicates the process. Alcohol vs. marijuana When marijuana was illegal everywhere, determining how […]

Effective Altruism Gains Momentum: Donors Are Looking for the Most Bang for Their Buck

Proponents of so-called “effective altruism,” also known as strategic giving, have gained footing in recent years. That’s evidenced by the growing role of organizations like GiveWell and The Life You Can Save, which help so-called effective altruists select organizations to support. That help is based on objective data about the organizations’ effectiveness at helping others. […]

Holiday Fundraising Tip and Treats

For not-for-profits, this holiday season brings the opportunity to raise a few extra dollars amid all the revelry.  However, fundraising is not as simple as just holding out a hand and expecting to receive a holiday bounty. Here a few things for not-for-profits to think about during this time of the year.

Raffles: Follow the Rules of the Game

If your organization anticipates raising big amounts with a raffle at your next fundraising event, you might want to step back and consider what this might mean from a tax compliance standpoint. State laws vary, but the IRS has rules related to unrelated business income (UBI) that need to be followed, and raffle income may be subject to UBI tax. Here is what you need to know before you place all your bets on this event.

Evaluating Your Fundraising Returns

As competition continues to increase for contributions, donors have begun to look for more accountability and transparency from not-for-profits, especially regarding fundraising. Not only is the sum of money raised in campaigns meaningful, but how efficiently the money is raised is significant as well.

Eight Tips for Creating Your Own Survey

An organization that wants to survey its members, donors or other constituents for feedback on a program or project, but has not created a survey before, should not fret. It just needs to keep in mind certain rules and the rest will follow. This article contains eight tips for writing an effective survey.

Federal Funds and Your Audit Requirements

Your organization has just received its first federal grant award and everyone is thrilled. As the celebration is going strong and everyone is in high spirits, the executive director mentions that she heard from a colleague that these federal awards come with extra strings attached. In such a case, your organization may be subject to a specialized audit called a Single Audit. In our latest Not-For-Profit Group blog, we break down what a Single Audit entails and the reporting requirements attached to this specialized audit.

Micro-Donations: Good Things Come in Small Packages

Donations to not-for-profit organizations plunged during the latest recession but have ever so slowly been edging their way to healthier levels ever since. However, many contributors today can only afford to give small gifts in a still-tight economy. This article discusses the advantages of asking for, and accepting, micro-donations. It also addresses the importance of appreciating these donors and substantiating their gifts.

The Real Costs of a Not-For-Profit

You have got it all figured out – after hours and hours of time spent planning, you are ready to start the perfect not-for-profit. You have a great mission statement that provides focus for your efforts, an eager staff of volunteers ready to get the word out, and the perfect plan to really serve the community. As you sit back and dream of future success, it suddenly hits you. What is this going to cost me?

Are You Ready for the New Omni Circular?

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recently updated and streamlined the guidance that applies to federal awards. So what does this mean for a not-for-profit organization? Beginning with all new federal award contracts starting after December 26, 2014, not-for-profit organizations will be subject to changes in federal award requirements. This blog highlights the most significant changes.

Fundraising 101: Rule 1 – Not All Funds Are Created Equal

Types of funding vary greatly in how they can — or cannot — be used. This article discusses the differences between permanently restricted funds, temporarily restricted funds and unrestricted funds, and how to beef up donations of the latter.

Who Should Be Involved in the Not-For-Profit Budget Process?

With football season in full swing, the best teams are the ones that work together. A team may have the best coach, but without a good offense to contribute to the mix, they will get nowhere. A team with a great defense, but poor special teams, will also lose in the long run. In order to be successful, a team must have participation and contributions from all areas within their organization. Similarly, the best not-for-profits cannot rely solely on one area of the organization to prepare, update and review the budget. Rather, everyone must pitch in.

Three key players in the success of a not-for-profit are non-accounting personnel.

Should I Accept This Contribution?

With a contribution, the donor may place a requirement, or restriction, on the use of the funds. By accepting the contribution, an organization is also promising to use the funds in the manner that the donor has requested. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before saying the magic word “yes”:

Volunteers and Your Organization – A Helpful Contribution

Every non-profit loves a volunteer. From the ticket taker at a fundraiser to the accountant who reviews your books once a month to the lawyer who helped you incorporate, volunteers are a welcome addition to any non-profit as they provide valuable services that the non-profit would otherwise need to pay.

Form 990 to the Rescue!

You’ve seen the pleas for assistance, read the organization’s brochure, why you’ve even spoken to a few friends to get their thoughts on the organization. You’ve finally found the perfect non-profit to share your good fortune with. But wait, you’re still asking yourself “How do I know what my donation is really being spent on?”

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Spring 2025

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Spring Newsletter suggests inventory management and optimization strategies and advises manufacturers on how to train their staff without suffering productivity loss.

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Winter 2024

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Winter Newsletter advises those considering selling their business on how to properly evaluate it and offers tips on how a business-owner can prepare for times of crisis.

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Summer 2023

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Summer Newsletter discusses how SECURE 2.0 makes it easier for employees to save for retirement and advises manufacturers on the benefits of using segmented income statements.

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Winter 2023

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Winter Newsletter discusses how waste impacts a manufacturer’s bottom line and advises business owners on strategies to reduce occupational fraud.

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Summer 2022

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Newsletter looks at issues manufacturers who allow a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy should consider and reviews what ESG is and the benefits of incorporating ESG practices.

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Winter 2022

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Newsletter examines how, armed with big data, manufacturers can identify patterns, trends and correlations among various manufacturing process steps and inputs. The Newsletter also highlights four key strategies for attracting and retaining talent.

Manufacturing and Distribution Group Newsletter – Summer 2021

ORBA’s Manufacturing and Distribution Group’s Summer 2021 Newsletter highlights proactive measures manufacturing owners can take today to help achieve their long-term estate and succession planning goals and reviews the advantages of buying and leasing equipment.

Not-for-Profit Group Newsletter – Spring 2019

Our Not-For-Profit Group’s Spring 2019 Newsletter provides an update on the European Union’s new privacy rules, as well as newsworthy updates from the Not-For-Profit industry.

Not-For-Profit Group Newsletter — Fall 2015

ORBA’s Not-For-Profit Group Newsletter is a quarterly publication focused on effective practice management. The Fall 2015 issue includes two articles: “Think Before You Jump” and “Not-For-Profit Governance Survey.”

Not-For-Profit Group Newsletter – Winter 2014

This edition focuses on two topics. The first article addresses how to manage and safeguard peer-to-peer fundraising efforts utilized to raise money for not-for-profits. The second article, “Newsbits,” discusses a court case, the concept of kaizen (continuous improvement) and results from a study focused on public support for community foundations.

New Federal Procurement Standards: Are You Prepared?

Beginning in 2018, new procurement standards under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance will go into effect for not-for-profit entities that receive federal grant funds.  These requirements are effective as of January 1, 2018 for calendar year entities and July 1, 2018 for June 30 fiscal year-end entities.