A good approach is to connect social media where it naturally supports the website’s goals, such as social feeds, sharing buttons, donation campaigns, and newsletter sign-ups. APIs can also help connect these tools with other nonprofit systems; for example, the Nonprofit Check Plus API can be useful when verifying nonprofit information as part o…

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The distinction between an “interested person” and a “disqualified person” is an important one, especially for nonprofits that rely on the IRS sample conflict of interest policy. The IRS model can be a useful starting point, but organizations should not assume it covers every situation addressed by IRC Section 4958.

In practice, a conflict of inte…

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Thank you for sharing this question, Terri. The replies here are really helpful, especially the point about separating the organisation’s share from the amount owed to the winner. I also appreciate the reminder that the accounting treatment can depend on whether the organisation controls the full proceeds. For a 50/50 arrangement, keeping that d… Read more

Thanks, Roger, for raising this. There are some good ideas in the replies, particularly around keeping operating cash accessible while allowing genuinely idle funds to earn something. I also like the suggestion of having both a reserves policy and an investment policy. That gives the board something clear to work from instead of making each… Read more

I would look for budgeting software that works comfortably with the existing accounting setup rather than creating another isolated system. Since FundEz is already being used, compatibility and straightforward data transfer would probably be high on my list. Good budget software should make input easier, support different scenarios, and reduce the… Read more

A donation of that size can be both a wonderful opportunity and a rather intimidating responsibility. My first instinct would be to resist spending decisions until the organisation has a clear long-term plan for the funds. I would bring the board, finance team and programme leaders together to agree on what success should look like. The gift may… Read more

This is an interesting reminder that nonprofit governance can become surprisingly complicated. Ex officio voting rights are worth spelling out clearly in the bylaws and related records. Schedule O can then provide the necessary explanation where appropriate. The email issue adds an amusing technology lesson to the story. Sometimes the humble spam… Read more

It is good to hear that this one ended well. An IRS letter can certainly make anyone pause before opening the envelope. Payroll providers often retain records such as Form 941 filings, so it may be worth checking with them first. I would read the entire notice carefully before taking action. Sometimes the request really is just for information.

Hello, Gwen. This is a sensitive subject, but it is certainly worth planning for. Some final costs, such as legal fees for dissolution and the final tax return, are difficult to avoid. I would also budget for the time required, particularly from the board treasurer during the wind-down. The trademark point is important too. If ownership is… Read more

Hello, Holly. This is a very practical question. I think the decision comes down largely to the organisation’s size and appetite for risk. For many smaller charities, paying into the state system is probably the simpler route and avoids an unexpected bill when claims increase. Self-insurance could save money during quiet periods, but several… Read more

The world of endowments can sometimes feel like trying to understand quantum physics. This piece makes a strong case for flexibility over the traditional idea of forever, which I found refreshing. The comparison between true and term endowments is particularly clear and raises an important question about whether permanent endowments are always the… Read more

Mark, thanks for sharing this. It is an interesting look at how accounting can influence an organisation’s reputation and perceived legitimacy. The section on the “starvation cycle” is particularly thought-provoking, showing how an obsession with keeping overhead low can actually undermine effectiveness. It is a good reminder that there is plenty… Read more

That is an interesting point, Kristin. Pass-through funds can appear on the Form 990, depending on the circumstances and the organisation’s role in handling them. The agency relationship is particularly important because funds received on behalf of others may not necessarily be treated as the organisation’s own revenue. A clear note explaining the… Read more

AI can be particularly useful for grant writing drafts and sorting routine donor emails, which can save quite a bit of time. The main thing is to review its output carefully, as AI can sometimes produce inaccurate information. Data privacy also deserves careful attention, especially with sensitive nonprofit information. I would automate routine… Read more

Cryptocurrency can be an interesting option for nonprofits, although it comes with some added complexity. In my view, the key question is whether your donors are actually likely to use it rather than simply following the trend. A platform such as The Giving Block could make accepting crypto more straightforward, but I would prioritise clear… Read more

That is an ambitious and thought-provoking project. From my perspective, the Google Ad Grant is a sensible place to start, as eligible nonprofits can receive up to $10,000 a month in Google Search advertising credit. Getting started mainly requires time and meeting the programme requirements. It could be a useful way to build visibility while you… Read more

The outcome usually includes added costs for dedicated grant tracking, audit prep, and real-time reporting systems. What I think will be best is budgeting at least 10 to 15 percent of the grant for compliance staff or software. There is not much that can be automated away; human oversight remains essential. Start small, test with one grant, then scale.

Spot on. The grant agreement is the real boss here. Based on my experience, some donors genuinely prefer unspent funds returned, while others allow reallocation with a polite chat. A fantastic one: clear communication upfront is often undervalued. Always check the fine print before celebrating.

I think Charity Navigator and Candid can be useful starting points for reviewing nonprofit finances. Looking beyond programme ratios is important, particularly when considering reserves, revenue stability and liabilities. I’d also compare several years of financial information rather than relying on one figure.

I’d add a stronger focus on cash flow and unrestricted reserves. A nonprofit can look healthy on paper while still facing short-term pressure. Regularly reviewing these alongside the existing financial steps could give boards a more complete picture.

Anchor every idea to a specific, trackable outcome. Instead of “increase awareness,” set a clear goal like “grow email list by 200 subscribers.”

Use UTM parameters, set up conversion goals in Google Analytics, and use your CRM to track attribution. Then establish a regular reporting cadence to review results. It is about moving from “we did this”…

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A 501(c)(3) cannot fiscally sponsor a 501(c)(7) social club because the IRS requires the sponsor to have full control over funds for charitable purposes. Since a (c)(7) exists for social activities, the missions clash. Passing funds through would risk the (c)(3)’s tax status.

However, a Model C Pre-Approved Grant Relationship can work. The (c)(3)…

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