Blog

Becky Gibbs | Jan. 24, 2024

3 Tips for Making the Financial Statement Auditing Process Smoother

Not-for-profits aren’t required to produce audited financial statements. But audited statements are more likely to reassure big donors and grant…

Emiley Sandvik | Jan. 18, 2024

Why Uncertainty Calls for a More Flexible Budget

Economic, social and political events in 2024 have the potential to negatively influence your not-for-profit’s budget. So if you generally…

Barb Sawdy | Jan. 11, 2024

Got Independent Contractors? Get to Know Form W-9

If your not-for-profit is shorthanded, you may decide to engage independent contractors to pick up some of the slack. Just…

Anna Lovegren | Dec. 11, 2023

When Do 501(c)(6) Organizations Risk Their Exempt Status?

Even when they’re nonprofits, trade associations and chambers of commerce generally qualify for a tax exemption under Section 501(c)(6) of the…

Becky Gibbs | Nov. 22, 2023

Best Practices for Effective Board Meeting Minutes

If you think the recorded minutes of your nonprofit’s board meetings are just a formality, think again. Meeting minutes can…

Becky Gibbs | Nov. 15, 2023

How to Get the Financing Your Nonprofit Needs

Relatively high interest rates and tight lending standards are making it difficult for even for-profit businesses to apply and qualify…

Becky Gibbs | Oct. 5, 2023

Do You Have to Return a Donation When a Donor Requests It?

If a donor has never asked your not-for-profit to return a gift, it may only be a matter of time.…

Ashley Sparks | Oct. 2, 2023

Trust and Internal Controls Can Coexist in Your Nonprofit

Within a period of just a month, a Minnesota woman was charged with skimming more than $300,000 from her animal…

David Bernu | Aug. 16, 2023

Nonprofits: Ready, Set, Audit!

By scheduling annual financial statement audits, you can demonstrate your organization’s financial fitness to donors and other stakeholders. Plus, state…

Amy Nicholson | Aug. 10, 2023

Private Foundations: “Disqualified Persons” Must Color Within the Lines

Although conflict-of-interest policies are essential for all not-for-profits, private foundations must be particularly careful about adhering to them. In general,…

Emiley Sandvik | Jun. 12, 2023

Commit to Continually Improve Your Nonprofit’s Accounting Processes

Do your not-for-profit’s accounting processes work perfectly — with no errors, delays or other inefficiencies? If yours is like most…

Becky Gibbs | Jun. 5, 2023

Are Your Nonprofit’s Interim and Year-End Financial Statements at Odds?

Using the cash basis of accounting may make sense for your not-for-profit organization — at least at this stage. Many…