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Nonprofits: Stop Being Such an Easy Fraud Target

December 4, 2017

Because their cultures are oriented toward helping others, nonprofits often find it impossible to imagine that anyone working for them would steal. As a result, too many charities neglect to put proper internal controls in place and, if they’re defrauded, refuse to seek prosecution of the perpetrator.

How Nonprofits Can Maximize Donors’ Generosity Around the Holidays

December 4, 2017

People are naturally inclined to make charitable gifts around the holidays. With the end of the year fast approaching, your not-for-profit should prepare now to take advantage of donors’ generosity. The holiday season is an opportune time to raise funds for your nonprofit. All you have to do is ask

When Does Professional Association Management Make Sense?

December 4, 2017

If your new or fast-growing not-for-profit could use an extra pair of experienced hands, an association management company (AMC), with its turnkey infrastructure, might be able to help. AMCs are paid to manage your nonprofit’s business, leaving you to concentrate on its mission.

Build a Solid Frame for Your Performance Management System

November 30, 2017

To succeed at executing an effective performance management system, you need to build a solid frame by recognizing the foundational details. Done right, however, this system can provide a solid structure for maximizing performance and helping employees envision their future with your organization.

Thorough Due Diligence Can Protect Your Acquisition From Fraud

November 12, 2017

In today’s rough-and-tumble world of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), buyers need to get to know business sellers and their executives, test their representations about asset condition and financial performance, and screen for common fraud schemes.

Why Limited Partnership Fraud is Easy – And How You Can Stop It

November 12, 2017

Sometimes it happens: General partners (GPs) of a limited partnership intentionally mismanage the business or commit fraud. If you’re a limited partner (LP) in such a partnership, it’s important that you recognize the signs that something’s amiss.

Pay-for-Performance Compensation has its Ups and Downs

November 7, 2017

How employers go about compensating employees remains a major factor in encouraging staff members to do their best work. One compensation model that has beckoned many organizations is pay for performance.

Grants Can Help Firm Up Your Nonprofit’s Financial Foundation

November 7, 2017

There are more than 87,000 foundations in the United States — including family, corporate and community foundations — according to the Foundation Center. If your nonprofit isn’t actively seeking grants from these groups, you’re neglecting a potentially significant income source.

3 Positive Ways to Effectively Address Employee Mistakes

November 1, 2017

In all companies, things can and do go wrong, and employees mishandle their assigned tasks and sometimes those mistakes are significant and costly.

5 Simple Steps to a Better Nonprofit Budget

October 25, 2017

Preparing your nonprofit’s annual budget is probably one of the least appealing parts of your job. Here’s how to make the process a little less painful.

Providing Insurance (and peace of mind) as a Fringe Benefit

October 18, 2017

The environment for hiring and retaining top-notch employees remains competitive. One strategy for combating high turnover rates is offering a competitive package of employee benefits that goes beyond health care coverage and a retirement plan. This is where the right fringe benefits can really pay off.

Don’t Let Lapping Fraud Run Circles Around Your Business

October 17, 2017

Lapping, or using receipts from one account to cover theft from another, is one of the most common methods of skimming from company accounts. But with vigilance — and a little knowledge — you can prevent this type of fraud from damaging your business.

Valuing and Reporting Gifts in Kind and Donated Services

October 11, 2017

Not-for-profit organizations don’t receive only cash donations. Your support also likely comes in the form of gifts in kind and donated services. But even when such gifts are welcome, it can be challenging to determine how to recognize and assign value to them for financial reporting purposes.

Accelerate Your Retirement Savings with a Cash Balance Plan

October 11, 2017

A cash balance plan is a defined benefit plan, which specifies the amount a participant will receive in retirement. But unlike traditional defined benefit plans, such as pensions, cash balance plans express those benefits in the form of a 401(k)-style account balance, rather than a formula tied to years of

Tax Identity Stolen? The IRS Can Help

October 4, 2017

Recovering from tax-related identity theft can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. But the IRS can help remove fraudulent, inaccurate information from your federal tax records and ensure that your legitimate return is processed correctly. The key is to address the issue as soon as you realize your identity has