09.22.22

It Is Time To Vote: Watch Out for IRS Limits on Not-For-Profit Political Activities
Charles J. Burke

The mid-term elections are almost here, and jockeying for the 2024 elections is not far behind. That makes this a good time to review the IRS rules regarding Section 501(c)(3) organizations and political activities. Noncompliance can lead to costly excise taxes and jeopardize your organization’s tax-exempt status. General prohibition The IRS is clear: Sec. 501(c)(3) […]

08.16.22

Tax Compliance: Understanding Tax Issues With Auctions

Auctions can be an effective way to raise funds at your not-for-profit organization’s fundraising events. However, preparing for an auction involves more than fun and games. Here are some suggestions that can help ensure that your organization does not run afoul of tax requirements. Related Read: Holding an Auction? Be Sure to Comply Acknowledge donated items […]

07.14.22

Data Analytics: Using Technology To Meet Your Organization’s Goals
James Quaid

In today’s technologically advanced world, data rules. But simply having highly relevant information will be of little use if your board of directors, management and staff do not know what to do with it. So how can your organization harness the power of data? You can use it in day-to-day decision-making and strategic planning. You […]

05.26.22

Has COVID-19 Hurt Your Public Support Test Percentage?
Alison Fetzer

Not-for-profit organizations that qualify as public charities are required to pass a public support test annually to maintain their tax-exempt status. For many organizations, this test has been more of a formality than a hurdle. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in March of 2020, many not-for-profit organizations have had to cancel or change […]

04.29.22

How To Strengthen Staff Culture After a Challenging Few Years
Beth Napleton

Is your organizational culture thriving? In a recent market research survey I conducted, not one respondent said yes. To reiterate: Zero people said their culture was thriving. ZERO! The most popular responses were their organizational culture was either “riding the struggle bus” or “getting better.” With all that has been going on in the world, […]

03.18.22

Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Hiring Veterans May Lower Your Payroll Taxes

Employers often overlook a federal tax break available to organizations that hire new employees from certain groups who have traditionally faced obstacles to hiring. While the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)  is more limited for not-for-profit organizations, it nonetheless presents payroll tax-saving opportunities that can prove especially valuable for organizations that are ramping up hiring. […]

02.17.22

Look Before You Leap: Factors To Consider Before Accepting a Grant
Kelly H. Buchheit

Most not-for-profit organizations look to government and/or foundation grants to help finance their programs. These grants are fundamental in expanding an organization’s reach. But you may find it difficult to quantify all the costs and benefits associated with a potential grant. If your not-for-profit organization does not do its research before accepting grant funds, it […]

01.19.22

Considering New Office Space
Kevin Omahen

Where your not-for-profit organization is located and how you use the space you have can make a significant difference in the overall success of the organization. This was even more apparent in the past year when offices were not utilized at all, yet lease or mortgage payments were still due.   Even with the economy […]

11.30.21

Do Not Let Fraud Prevention Slide
James Quaid

The ongoing pandemic has strained many not-for-profit organizations, forcing them to cut corners to survive. But fraud prevention is one critical area that organizations cannot afford to overlook. If anything, antifraud measures are more important now than ever. Vulnerabilities of not-for-profit organizations The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) recent study, Report to the Nations: […]

09.20.21

Tainted Donor, Tainted Money? How To Handle Controversial Contributions
Sarah G. Widlock

In 2019, as waves of lawsuits accused Purdue Pharma of knowingly contributing to the opioid crisis, numerous not-for-profit organizations announced that they would no longer accept gifts from the Sackler family, several members of which owned the company. That same year, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology came under fire for accepting multiple donations from convicted […]