The most recently released Internal Revenue Service Data Book, which covers the federal fiscal year running from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020, shows that the United States has about 1.8 million 501(c) organizations. That includes 1.4 million religious, charitable and similar organizations, 79,050 social welfare organizations, and about 62,000 business leagues.
All posts by Mike Sperling
See you at the office? — Reassessing your nonprofit’s office space
Where your nonprofit is located and how you use the space you have can mean the difference between striding or just limping along. That fact was highlighted for many nonprofit leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lease or mortgage payments became a financial strain, and dust accumulated on the desks of employees working remotely.
Continue reading See you at the office? — Reassessing your nonprofit’s office space
4 best practices for successful virtual events
Virtual events were supposed to be a short-term replacement for traditional fundraisers. But, almost two years after the first COVID-19 lockdowns, plenty of nonprofits still rely on them. The good news is that some overall best practices have emerged from the pandemic. Here are some ways your nonprofit can make the most of your next virtual event.
Continue reading 4 best practices for successful virtual events
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners report — Don’t let fraud prevention slide
The ongoing pandemic has strained many nonprofits, forcing them to cut corners to survive. But fraud prevention is one critical area you can’t afford to overlook, even just for the short term. If anything, antifraud measures are more important than ever.
Continue reading Association of Certified Fraud Examiners report — Don’t let fraud prevention slide
Newsbytes
This issue’s “Newsbytes” spotlights a recent U.S. Supreme Court case striking down a California law requiring nonprofits to file a list of their large donors with the state and other states’ attempts to limit donor disclosure requirements. It reviews Amazon’s 2021 AWS Imagine Grant program to help nonprofits access its tools and explains how Charity Navigator’s website allows visitors to locate volunteer opportunities in their communities. Continue reading Newsbytes
Board designations — 3 questions to consider
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis have provided harsh reminders of how precarious a nonprofit’s financial stability can be. Uncertainty about the future is prompting some organizations to consider the wisdom of making board designations of unrestricted assets. Here are a few questions your organization might want to consider.
Continue reading Board designations — 3 questions to consider
Watching costs is always a smart investment
Both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations are looking for ways to conserve costs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting nationwide economic crisis. Many nonprofits looking for a path forward out of the pandemic have had to strategically cut costs to contain expenses. Here are some suggestions to help guide cost cutting for your organization. Continue reading Watching costs is always a smart investment
Tainted donor, tainted money? — How to handle controversial contributions
In 2019, as waves of lawsuits accused Purdue Pharma of knowingly contributing to the opioid crisis, numerous nonprofits announced 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 sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Continue reading Tainted donor, tainted money? — How to handle controversial contributions
NEWSBYTES
Recipients of COVID relief could run into surprise audits
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has offered 100% forgivable loans to eligible organizations, has provided critical support during the pandemic. But Accounting Today warns that nonprofit borrowers could unexpectedly find themselves undergoing “single audits” of their compliance with the federal program’s requirements. So could organizations that receive assistance under the recent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Continue reading NEWSBYTES
Keep a close eye on restricted contributions
Nonprofits are expected to act as good stewards of all contributions. But restricted contributions, as the name implies, impose a higher level of responsibility. Dropping the ball when it comes to ensuring that such contributions are used as intended can lead to adverse consequences, making detailed and accurate tracking essential. Continue reading Keep a close eye on restricted contributions