In this current economic climate, many nonprofits find themselves endeavoring to raise funds in new and innovative ways.  Some organizations may find themselves engaging fundraising consultants to assist with special fund drives or emergency campaigns.  Others will consider selecting a new consultant to help the organization develop top notch grant proposals for foundations or public sector sources that they have never approached in the past. As the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and[…]

Heightened media scrutiny of nonprofits engaging in public affairs during the last presidential campaign served as a constant reminder that any implication of favoritism or preference toward political candidates can result in the loss of a charity’s tax-exempt status. Although the presidential campaign is over, nonprofits must continue to make a conscious effort to avoid participating in partisan political activities. State and local elections are in our midst and nonprofits should do whatever[…]

This all too common phrase is often spewed from the mouths of siblings.  A big sister is allowed to go to bed a little later than her younger brother. A little brother is able to stay home from school sick while the big sister has to face a possible pop quiz in math class. A child’s perception of an unfair act by a parent might cause a small tantrum that lasts for a few minutes or start an all out war that lasts for what seems like forever. Alas, the quest for fair treatment does not stop when[…]

In a report released in February 2008, Ellison Research found that the public still has great concern about nonprofits' program, administration and fundraising breakdowns.  62% of the public polled stated that they think nonprofits spend more than a reasonable amount on administration and fundraising.  Because low overhead continues to be equated with efficient, effective organizations, nonprofits are pressured to demonstrate that they spend a high percentage of funding on its programs. […]

Springtime at my house means lots of outdoor gardening projects.  One that I like to do best is mulching the flower beds.  In addition to looking neat and tidy, the mulch helps my flower beds retain a bit of water, and stops the growth of some of the weeds.  In my garden (maybe yours, too), the mulch never stops the growth of all weeds.  There are always at least some very hardy weeds that get through even the best mulched plots!  And if I don’t pull it at first sight, the unwanted weeds will[…]

No sooner than spring arrives do we begin planning our summer barbeques, vacations, and road-trips. Having survived the winter, that ribbon of highway leading to the sandy beach never looked so good. Back at the office, you might also be making plans to capitalize on your expanding database and donor lists having captured more potential donors than ever during last year’s annual appeal. As it has become easier to reach potential donors online who reside in every state and country, how tempting[…]

Thinking back to the second grade, I recall the day I met my ultimate goal –  to achieve perfect attendance.  My name was plastered on the school’s front bulletin board with many others that had managed to pull themselves out of bed each morning, sometimes going to lengths to persuade parents that they were well enough to go to school. Perfect attendance was a symbol of achievement for many of us. But it was not an indicator of how much we had learned. The grades from the pop quizzes and scores[…]

If someone called your agency today and requested the organization’s Form 990s for the past three years, would someone be able to help them right away?  What would happen if someone walked through the door and asked to see a copy of the organization’s determination letter or 1023 or 1024 form (the original application for tax exempt status)? Would they be helped or would they be turned away by someone who had no idea what the person was talking about?  Nonprofit organizations are legally[…]

When another organization, group of people, or an individual offers to raise funds or collect in-kind donations for the benefit of your nonprofit, it is generally a cause for celebration!  Free money is terrific.  No strings attached…no work involved…no fundraising expenses for you….or is it?  What if the outside entity makes promises your organization couldn’t keep? What if the outside group provided inappropriate receipts or acknowledgements for the gifts?  What if the noncash gifts received[…]

The headlines in the past few weeks have highlighted the sudden influx of highly qualified volunteers arriving at our doors in record numbers.  If you frequently utilize volunteers, you probably have systems in place to get them working right away.  However, some nonprofits have avoided engaging volunteers on a large scale due to the cost of a structured volunteer program. After all, managing volunteers requires resources and exposes the organization to potential risks. But have you calculated[…]