Category Archives: Education

Common Myths Concerning Nonprofits

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

Just yesterday, I was interviewing a new student intern candidate in my office.  During the course of our wide ranging discussion, the conversation turned to some of the interesting misconceptions we encounter with clients.  I made the comment that we … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Funding, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Update on IRS Tax Exemption Revocations

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

It’s been almost two months since most tax-exempt organizations were required to file their annual IRS Form 990.  As we have discussed at great length on these pages, the due date for tax year 2009 was the doomsday date for … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

One-Fourth of Nonprofits Set to Lose Tax Exemption

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

Doomsday is coming…May 18, 2010 to be exact.  No, it has nothing to do with the Mayan calendar ending (that’s 2012!).  May 18 is the day that nearly 1/4 of all US nonprofits find that the IRS has automatically revoked … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments

Questions You Must Answer Before Starting a Nonprofit

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

So…you want to start a nonprofit.  Fantastic!  That puts you in pretty good company.  In any given year, as many as 75,000 applications for 501(c)(3) tax exemption are filed with the IRS.  Less than half survive the process, but there … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Funding, Managing a Nonprofit, Starting a nonprofit | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Why Marketing Is So Critical To Your Fundraising

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Sandy Rees, CFRE

Developing a proactive, comprehensive fundraising plan to make sure your organization is fully funded is just one part of a total plan for your organization. There is another plan you need to create – one that is just as important … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Difficult People on Your Nonprofit Board

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

Difficult people.  Whether it be a co-worker, a neighbor, or even that very special “in-law”, we all have them in our lives.  Chances are, you will have one serving on your nonprofit’s board of directors…if not now, eventually.  Sort of … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

When The Going Gets Tough

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

We all have our moments of discouragement.  There are times when we are getting beaten up so badly that we would rather throw in the towel than continue to get pummeled.  This situation can occur in just about any area … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

“O” No! The IRS Has A Few Questions For You

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

I can already hear some of your sarcasm… “Tell me something I don’t know!” “You’re kidding!  The IRS?  Really?” Point taken.  It seems like the IRS always wants to know a thing or two about you.  Whether it is your … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Hot Topics, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

This Year’s Form 990 is a Very Big Deal

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

The filing deadline for the 2009 Form 990 is May 17, 2010 for 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations running on a calendar year basis.  There is nothing particularly new about that.  What IS new is that this year’s filing obligation … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Hot Topics, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

News For Nonprofits

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

As long-time readers of our articles know, most of our posts focus on tips and best practices for effective nonprofit management.  This post is going to be a little different.  There is so much going on right now that affects … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Hot Topics, Managing a Nonprofit, Starting a nonprofit | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Avoiding 501(c)(3) Founder’s Syndrome

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Greg McRay, EA

Founder’s syndrome.  It affects nonprofits and for-profits alike.  And it can be crippling to any organization.  Understanding what it is and how to avoid it is crucial to the future of your 501(c)(3). Taken from that most-reputable of sources, Wikipedia, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit, Starting a nonprofit | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Are You Misappropriating Your Nonprofit’s Funds?

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

One of the things that you learn quickly when starting and operating a 501(c)(3) organization is that you have to handle money wisely.  A nonprofit is no different than any other business in that you must make ends meet.  Otherwise, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , | 22 Comments

Year-End To-Do List for Nonprofits

Posted on December 8, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

Well, we are pretty much down to it.  There are only a few, short weeks left in 2009…and during much of that time, most of us will be preoccupied with all things Christmas.  But in all the hustle and bustle, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit, Nonprofit Payroll | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Strategic Thinking For Your Nonprofit’s Year-End

Posted on November 10, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

2009 is rapidly coming to a close.  And once again, we find ourselves amazed at how fast the year has gone by.  Funny how we have this conversation every year, but we act like it’s the first time it went … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Six Ways to Really Scare Away Your Donors

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Greg McRay, EA

Halloween is upon us…and there is no more appropriate topic that we could cover than how to effectively scare away donors.  In the, um, spirit of the season, let’s look at six ways to guarantee donors will want nothing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Funding, Managing a Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments