While it may be easy to attract motivated volunteers to your organization, it is much more difficult to transform that energy into a dedicated, long-term group of volunteers. And that evolution is worth it - Independent Sector, a non-profit advocacy organization, puts the value of the average … Read More
How to know if your Non-Profit’s Special Event should be Repeated Next Year
Non-profits use special events to raise large amounts in a short period of time. Most often, the donor receives a direct benefit from the event — such as dinner or participation in a gaming activity. But special events don’t always meet their fundraising goals. In fact, organizations can lose money … Read More
Considering Whether to Compensate your Non-Profit’s Board Members
Non-profit board members are legally able to be compensated, and sometimes it might even be necessary. But is it right for your organization? Pro and cons to board compensation Board member compensation comes with several pros and cons to consider. One of the considerations for compensation … Read More
Revisiting the Donor Bill of Rights to Help Evaluate Fundraising at your Non-Profit
The Donor Bill of Rights was designed about 25 years ago to provide an outline of best practices for fundraising in non-profits. While the list has been criticized for being out of date today or not being comprehensive, its basic principles are worth revisiting. Incorporating lessons from the Donor … Read More
Tax Changes Small Businesses Should Know
Changes in tax laws occur every year, affecting businesses of all types. These changes affect the planning and preparation of taxes for businesses ranging from sole proprietorships to large corporations. Here is a quick look at the changes which take effect during the 2017 filing season. Tax … Read More
Tips for Preparing Your 2017 Taxes
Now is the time to start preparing your 2017 taxes. For individuals taxes must be filed by Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Your income taxes are affected by a number of factors, including such things as the sale of your primary home. The more complicated your taxes become, the more important it is to … Read More
2017 Tax Reform: Last Minute Tax Year-end Moves
Congress is enacting the biggest tax reform law in thirty years. The 2017 Tax Reform is one that will make fundamental changes in the way you, your family and your business calculate your federal income tax bill, and the amount of federal tax you will pay. Since most of the changes will go into … Read More
Changes to Nonprofit Accounting for Contributions
New FASB Standards Recognizing Revenue This past August (2017), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU) to address concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts and grants received by nonprofit … Read More
Are You Deducting Your Home Office Space Correctly?
According to an article in Forbes magazine, less than 10 percent of home-based business owners use the home of office deduction. The Internal Revenue Service has made it easier to claim the deduction by establishing a simplified option that reduces the number of calculations you must make. To make … Read More
How To Reduce Income Tax for Individuals and Businesses
The amount of income tax you may be liable for depend on how much you earn during the year. Now that we are in the latter half of the year, it is advisable for individuals and businesses to start considering ways to reduce their income tax for the year. Reducing Individual Income Taxes As an … Read More