Recent News & Blog / Nonprofit
Do you have to return a donation when a donor requests it?
If a donor has never asked your not-for-profit to return a gift, it may only be a matter of time. Although uncommon, donors can change their minds. They may come to believe your organization is misusing or wasting donated funds or decide it’s no longer fulfilling its charitable mission.
Trust and internal controls can coexist in your nonprofit
Not-for-profit organizations have about a 9% chance of being defrauded, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Fortunately, strong internal controls can reduce your nonprofit’s risk. You may not think you need them, but controls and trust can coexist. Contact the nonprofit advisors at SEK with your questions.
Why nonprofits should be transparent about compensation
More and more U.S. workers are calling for “pay transparency,” and not-for-profit employers need to listen — and act. Pay transparency is the idea that employers should openly share their compensation policies and practices with job candidates, current employees and the public.
Build a better nonprofit board with term limits
Are your not-for-profit’s board members subject to term limits? If not, you might want to consider implementing what’s widely considered a best practice.
Make fundraising a year-round commitment
If your not-for-profit focuses all of its fundraising energy on the holiday season and end of the year, it’s not misguided. After all, 26% of charitable giving to nonprofits occurs in December, according to the 2023 M+R Benchmarks Study.
Every nonprofit needs a disaster plan
Almost no region of the United States has escaped some form of natural disaster or extreme weather this summer.
Private foundations need strong conflict-of-interest policies
Although conflict-of-interest policies are essential for all not-for-profits, private foundations must be particularly careful about adhering to them. In general, stricter rules apply to foundations.
Nonprofits: Outsourcing HR could save time and money
Approximately one-third of U.S. employers outsource at least one HR function and for good reason: Many HR responsibilities, such as benefits administration and recruiting, have recently become more complex and specialized. If your nonprofit’s HR staff is still trying to do everything in-house, you may want to consider handing over some duties to outside professionals.
Tackling volunteer liability issues
Most not-for-profits regard their volunteers as invaluable assets. However, like your paid staffers, volunteers represent some liability risk. Act now to reduce the possibility that a volunteer could threaten your nonprofit’s future.
Nonprofits: Special events call for tax planning
Tax reporting may be the last thing on your mind when planning a special fundraising event. But your not-for-profit should carefully track revenues and expenses and retain related documentation now to facilitate the reporting process later. Pay attention to the following issues. Contact SEK's nonprofit advisors for more information.