Fall
Showing 449–464 of 741 results
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Newsbits – Who gives big gifts?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” looks at a study indicating that donations of $1 million or more come mostly from local donors. It also discusses a new rule from the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) addressing the proper accounting for services received from personnel of an affiliate for which the affiliate doesn’t seek compensation. Also discussed is a new website from an organization that’s dedicated to preserving the tax deduction for those who give to charities.
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Managing staff – How to treat the real gems of your organization
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: In the recent tough economic times, many nonprofits froze wages, awarded minimum pay increases and/or cut benefits, all the while asking employees to take on new responsibilities. Though such moves may have been necessary, it’s important to not lose sight of the importance of staff, from hiring and training them to rewarding them for their performance. This article explains how to motivate staff in ways that aren’t too hard on the budget.
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Is it time for “software as a service”?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: Nonprofits increasingly are following the path of their for-profit cousins and shunning traditional software arrangements for “software as a service” (SaaS) provided over the Internet for a monthly fee. The potential benefits make SaaS worth considering for nonprofits of all sizes, but some caveats are in order. This article discusses the increased efficiencies and security SaaS can provide, but also notes potential problems regarding availability of data and the long-term costs.
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Building a better audit committee – Start with a clear picture of its roles and responsibilities
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 800
Abstract: Many nonprofits have started their own audit committees over the past decade, but have learned the hard way that good intentions aren’t enough to ensure an effective committee — both the nonprofit and committee members must fully understand the committee’s role and responsibilities. This article describes the purpose of an audit committee and its responsibilities in overseeing financial reporting and risk management and in interacting with outside auditors. A sidebar notes the importance of committee members having strong financial expertise.
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can I trim plan distribution costs?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” looks at a contractor who’s concerned about the large amounts of money it takes to distribute building plans — not only the hard cost of the initial printing, but also the expense of revising the plans, overnighting specs to project participants and using a courier service during the job itself. The answer lies in “reprographics” —the practice of reproducing both physical and digital content via means such as scanning, photography, xerography and digital printing.
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Six Sigma for construction companies
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: “Six Sigma” is a rigorous set of business-improvement practices originally intended for manufacturers and refined by tech giant Motorola in the 1980s. Since then, Six Sigma has been applied to a wide variety of industries — including construction. This article explains the concept and focuses on a particular methodology (DMAIC, or “define, measure, analyze, implement and control”) that contractors are likely to use.
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Fraud alert: How contractors can stay on guard
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 665
Abstract: Contractors have money coming into the office. They’ve got equipment, tools and supplies on the job site. And, often, they’ve got operations spread out over several locations. For these reasons, they must always be on guard for fraudulent activity. This article describes some of the scams that can occur both on the project site and in the office and offers suggestions for deterring them.
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Year end tax planning – Getting all you can from equipment purchases
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 914
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act temporarily extended the two primary depreciation breaks: 50% bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing. But time is running out to claim both in their existing, high-value formats. This article explains the breaks and which assets qualify for them — and how it’s possible to claim both. However, it notes that both breaks will be drastically reduced next year unless Congress acts. A sidebar reviews some key distinctions between the cost of owning an asset and the expense of operating it.
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Colleges and Universities Compliance Project – IRS report may apply to broader nonprofit sector
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: In 2013, the IRS released its final report about its Colleges and Universities Compliance Project, which was designed to gather information about endowments, executive compensation and unrelated business income (UBI) at randomly selected institutions of higher learning. The IRS identified significant problems with the compensation of high-level individuals and with UBI tax filings. The agency’s findings should be of interest not only to colleges and universities, but to all tax-exempt organizations, because the IRS has indicated that it might expand its compliance project.
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Good timekeeping is always worth your while
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: Maintaining detailed time records for staff may not be the most enjoyable task, but timekeeping is necessary for most nonprofits. However, there are ways to make the job less onerous. This article offers a number of reasons why timekeeping is critical and notes that there are many ways to track and allocate payroll and related expenses.
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Making the most of your volunteer workforce
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: It’s easy for nonprofits to take their volunteers for granted and neglect to solicit their opinions or reward their talent and experience. Such neglect can cause organizations to miss out on valuable perspectives and lead to demoralized volunteers. This article looks at ways to get the most from volunteers and keep them committed by developing a formal orientation process and a “career path” that gives them a stake in the nonprofit’s success.
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Risk management: How to contain threats before they become critical
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: Financial risks may be the most obvious threats to their well-being, but nonprofits need to worry about other risks as well — from threats to their reputation in the community to their volunteers’ conduct. Nonprofits without a comprehensive risk management plan may be courting unnecessary danger. This article discusses how to identify and prioritize risks, how to develop a risk-management policy, and types of insurance that can mitigate some threats. A sidebar highlights emerging risks that nonprofits are likely to encounter in the years ahead.
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Back to school: Tax tips for higher education costs
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: College tuition payments and other fees are a heavy burden for most people, but there are a variety of ways to handle these expenses in a tax-savvy manner. This article explores the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits, along with deductions that are available for some college-related expenses.
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Roth + 401(k) = intriguing benefits option
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: Many companies have been forced to reconsider their health care benefits lately, but they should also do the same for their retirement benefits. One intriguing option that’s gaining in popularity is the Roth 401(k) plan. This article examines the differences between the Roth and traditional 401(k), especially in regard to distributions and their taxability.
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No laughing matter – Life insurance remains a critical need
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 553
Abstract: Life insurance may have a dull reputation that makes it the butt of many jokes. But its ability to provide coverage in case of emergencies and potentially hold value for investment planning purposes is no laughing matter. This article discusses the pros and cons of term life insurance and the value of whole life policies, which provide both an insurance component and an investment component.
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Year end tax planning – 3 big-picture questions for business owners
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: Business owners need to consider many specifics every year end when it’s time to plan for their tax filings. But, every so often, it’s a good idea to take a step back and ask some big-picture questions. This article offers three to consider: whether to choose a calendar or fiscal year filing; a cash- or accrual-basis accounting method; and acceleration or deceleration of income. A sidebar looks at whether now might be a good time to buy business assets, in light of the extended higher Section 179 expensing limit and 50% bonus depreciation.