08.23.12

Illinois Department of Human Services Financial Reporting
Charles J. Burke

It’s Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) reporting season for many DHS-funded Community Service Providers. At the end of May, DHS issued their FY12 Memorandum to Chief Executive Officers outlining fiscal year-end financial reporting.

08.21.12

Is Now the Time to Talk?
Drakia Wilkins

In the midst of these uncertain economic times and pending national elections, we have found that tenants in Chicago have been hesitant about committing to new office leases.

08.02.12

Beware! The IRS is on the Look-Out for Auto-Gratuities
Robert Swenson

The IRS recently released a series of guidance on the tax treatment of tips with Rev. Rul. 2012-18 and it could have an impact on your bottom line and tip reporting systems. The key takeaway is how the IRS is distinguishing between tips and service charges.

07.25.12

The Art of Governance

When an organization assesses its governance, the organization should know itself. The organization should honestly assess its governance and seek to identify potential weaknesses. Who is the “enemy” in the world of charitable organizations? When discussing tax compliance, the “enemy” could be construed as the IRS.

07.17.12

Internal Accounting – Which Method to Use?

What is the correct accounting method to use when evaluating and managing your real estate venture? There are several methods which can produce significantly different results. If decision making for your business is based on your internal financial statements, make sure you understand which method is being used and what that means to your bottom line.

07.12.12

VOW to Hire a Veteran
Jeffrey Chiles

Having just recently celebrated both Memorial Day and Independence Day, it seems like an appropriate time to discuss the government’s initiative to help employ veterans of the Armed Forces while incentivizing employers at the same time.

06.20.12

Volunteers and Your Organization – A Helpful Contribution
Harry Fox

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.

06.06.12

Making a Difference: The World of Giving
Lisa Dietlin

Summer has arrived in Chicago! It seems as if every weekend you can participate in an “-athon” type fundraiser for a nonprofit organization. Many of these endurance events are fundraisers to benefit health related organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (breast cancer) or Easter Seals’ Walk with Me (for autism). Such contests raise both funds and awareness about an organization’s cause.

05.23.12

Taking Donations Online: Making Your Website Do the Work for You
Emily Lonigro

If you’re a nonprofit organization, you probably already take donations on your website. Once you’ve cleared that hurdle, it’s important to know what makes that donate button work hard for you. The big ideas are: Make it Obvious, Make it Relevant and Make it Flexible.

05.09.12

Why Preparing for Your Annual Not-For-Profit Audit is Like Planning a BBQ
James Quaid

With the Cubs and White Sox playing ball, kids looking forward to summer break and the weather warming up outside, we know that BBQ season has arrived. Summer is also the time when most not-for-profit organizations begin planning for their annual audits. In the spirit of summer, this blog is devoted to two of my favorite topics and the similarities that they share.