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According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), not-for-profit organizations make up 9% of all defrauded organizations. Such attacks — and losses — can be enough to destroy a nonprofit. Although the best defense against fraud is a strong offense in the form of internal controls, you should also have a recovery plan should […]

To control your not-for-profit’s expenses and improve operating efficiency, you need to keep an eye on the numbers. This should come as no surprise. But which measures are important? Which ratios can help you identify how much currently goes toward programming (as opposed to administration), how much you spend on fundraising (compared to funds raised)

Using the cash basis of accounting may make sense for your not-for-profit organization — at least at this stage. Many smaller nonprofits use the cash basis to prepare their financial statements because it’s generally quick, easy and intuitive and can alert them to current cash flow challenges. However, there’s a potential problem with cash basis

If your not-for-profit receives significant federal funds, it may be subject to the Office of Management and Budget’s Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements (Uniform Guidance). And if your nonprofit spends $750,000 or more in federal awards in a fiscal year, it probably faces a single audit — an annual financial statement audit and

Many not-for-profit leaders are nervously watching macroeconomic signs — inflation, rising interest rates and the possibility of recession — to predict how their organization will fare in coming months and years. But threats to your nonprofit’s well-being may be closer than you think. Whether you’re an executive or board member, make sure you’re looking out for

Whether you’re starting up a not-for-profit organization or your nonprofit has existed for years, you may have questions about insurance. For starters: What kind do you need? How much? Are you required by your state or by grantmakers to carry certain coverage? Much depends on your organization’s size, scope and programming. But your goal should be

Whether your not-for-profit is holding an in-person or online auction to raise funds, you need to be careful to adhere to tax requirements. For example, you should provide written acknowledgments (including good faith estimates of any goods or services provided in return for contributions) to donors of items valued at $250 or more. Here’s an

Your not-for-profit organization can’t count its cybersecurity program effective unless it properly trains employees. If staffers visit “dangerous” websites, mix work and personal accounts, or can’t recognize a social engineering scheme, they may open the door to hackers. Both new employee training and refresher courses for longtime staffers can protect your organization. Leading cause of

If you’re thinking about setting up a retirement plan for yourself and your employees, but you’re worried about the financial commitment and administrative burdens involved, there are a couple of options to consider. Let’s take a look at a “simplified employee pension” (SEP) or a “savings incentive match plan for employees” (SIMPLE). SEPs are intended

If you’re buying or replacing a vehicle that you’ll use in your business, be aware that a heavy SUV may provide a more generous tax break this year than you’d get from a smaller vehicle. The reason has to do with how smaller business cars are depreciated for tax purposes. Depreciation rules Business cars are