Dan, your list of places where obligations can be hidden is quite helpful. My approach is fairly simple, but I find it reliable. When an award arrives, I go through the document carefully and highlight every “shall”, “must”, and relevant table row. I then create a simple tracker with three columns: task, owner, and deadline. Any relative deadlines… Read more

Kathryn’s stop-work order idea could certainly be useful in some situations, although it might be a little strong as a first step. I think a gentler approach can sometimes work better. Start with an email to the contract manager and ask if they can confirm the expected payment date in writing. It can also help to explain that your team needs the… Read more

The accounting side is probably where things become a little complicated. From what I have seen, cryptocurrency is generally treated as property for tax purposes, rather like shares. This means the value is usually recorded when the donation is received, rather than when it is eventually converted to cash.
Platforms such as The Giving Block and… Read more

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is an interesting option, although some organisations may find it more than they need. I have also come across Bloomerang and Raiser’s Edge, and each has its own strengths.
For me, good activity tracking is essential. Being able to see emails, calls, donations, and other interactions in one donor record makes it much e… Read more

What an interesting collection of questions. In my experience, a membership model can be a useful way to develop recurring revenue, but it helps to think of members as partners rather than simply sources of funding. A clear value proposition, simple membership tiers, and a suitable CRM can make the model easier to manage. Starting small, listening… Read more

I’d start with resources from the Nonprofit Risk Management Center and the AICPA, as both offer useful guidance around internal controls and risk management. You might also look at sample policies from established nonprofits and adapt them to your own operations. The key is keeping controls practical enough that staff will actually follow them.

I think AI can be genuinely useful for reducing repetitive work, from drafting communications to summarising information and organising data. The bigger challenge is making sure efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of privacy, accuracy or human judgement. I’d favour clear internal guidelines and careful experimentation rather than rushing in.… Read more

I think the biggest challenge with windfall gifts is resisting the temptation to expand too quickly. A realistic multi-year budget and strong financial planning can help. The goal should be to use the gift to build capacity and impact that lasts beyond the funding period.

I’d be cautious about assuming the fee itself is deductible. My understanding is that the treatment can depend on how the donor’s payment is structured and recorded. I’d ask your accountant to confirm the specific arrangement before relying on it.

Thank you. I’m going to implement them.

You need a full cost recovery model. Calculate your overhead rate by dividing total annual overhead by total billable hours, then add that rate to each staff member’s hourly wage. That is your break-even floor. Then compare with market rates and perceived value to set a sustainable price that aligns with your mission.