Most nonprofits begin with a mission, not a financial system. A group of people identifies a need in their community. Volunteers gather around the cause. Early programs begin to take shape. Donations start arriving from supporters who believe in the…
Your nonprofit has important work to do, but limited resources to do it with. To fulfill your mission and impact the communities you serve, you have to raise and allocate funds wisely—That’s why bookkeeping for nonprofits is an essential part…
If the latest federal government shutdown taught us anything, it is that preparation matters. Even short disruptions can ripple through the nonprofit sector, delaying grant payments, stalling reimbursements, and increasing community demand. Whether your organization relies directly on federal funds…
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…
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…
Bookkeeping is an essential component of any ongoing enterprise. It is the meticulous process of recording and organizing financial transactions, and represents the backbone of the financial system for both small businesses and nonprofit organizations. And while the fundamental principles…
When you want to make a lasting impact through charitable giving, two of the most common vehicles are private foundations and donor advised funds (DAFs). Each offers unique advantages, but they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help…
This article was provided by Learn Grant Writing. Staffing shortages are pervasive across the nonprofit sector, and compensation is at the heart of the crisis. As a result, nonprofits often face a catch-22: They need more funding to hire staff,…
A common mistake made by both businesses and nonprofits alike is the failure to budget income and expenses. Far too often, it’s a see-what-comes-in mentality that rules the day, with no attempt to plan, manage, or adapt to changing financial…
What happens when a good idea for revenue starts pulling you away from your mission? You’ve poured your heart into building a nonprofit that’s making a real difference. The mission drives you, and the impact keeps you going. But as…