Bring up the subject of a nonprofit’s bylaws and you are sure to get an interesting response. For many nonprofit’s, their bylaws are just some forgotten document, full of legalese, gathering dust in a file cabinet somewhere. No one on…
Your board of directors is one of the most important assets your nonprofit has. Assuming they understand their role and are there for the right reasons, your board members provide invaluable insight, direction, and oversight. They volunteer their time and…
Whether you are talking about a commercial business or a nonprofit, every organization runs more smoothly when it has solid operating policies. Way too often, however, these are an afterthought, and you find yourself needing to refer to a policy…
The IRS has all sorts of rules about what your nonprofit can and can’t do and still maintain 501(c)(3), tax-exempt status. In this article, we’re focusing on the rules concerning the who. Specifically, who can and can’t fulfill certain roles…
In working with thousands of nonprofit startups over the years, one of the most frequent challenges we face when working with clients is conflict-of-interest concerns. New 501(c)(3) organizations are particularly vulnerable to this for a number of reasons, chief among…
When you start a charitable organization, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting your board of directors. Your board is legally responsible for governance, fiduciary, and strategic oversight of your nonprofit corporation. This usually includes ratification of your initial bylaws, as well as overseeing…
Maintaining timely and accurate financial records is one of the most important responsibilities facing every nonprofit organization. But doing it right is time-consuming, and the rules are complicated.
Nonprofit organizations play an important role in addressing societal issues and providing services to communities. The board of directors is a critical component of these organizations, as they are responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategy, finances, and operations. In this…
IRS Form 990, the full-length version, is arguably the most detailed tax return the average person is likely to encounter. While there are certainly IRS tax forms that are equally complex, most are used for very targeted situations, not for…
Starting any type of business is a risky endeavor. Whether you’re starting a consulting firm, a food truck, or a nonprofit food pantry, entrepreneurs face unique risks. And given that nonprofits can’t have owners, many social entrepreneurs face an even…