NPO
Showing 225–240 of 242 results
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Why you should take social networking seriously
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 452
Abstract: Social networking sites are sometimes considered useful for only personal, non-business, purposes. But the reality is that many nonprofits are using social media effectively. An organization that isn’t part of this group may be missing the boat on a no- to low-cost way to spread its message, engage its audience and gain new followers quickly and efficiently — among both younger and older users.
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6 ways to keep board members focused in unfocused times
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 590
Abstract: With increasing financial and other pressures on nonprofits, a nonprofit’s board needs to be focused and engaged like never before. But the reality is that board members may be facing challenges in their own work and financial lives. So when board members meet to go over an in-the-red budget, their stress levels are already likely to be high. Fortunately, by making just six adjustments to its normal routine, a nonprofit can help maintain its board’s productivity.
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Write a grant proposal like you mean it
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: As investment portfolios have dramatically declined in value and donations have dried up, grant-making organizations have had to scale back the amounts they can award to deserving applicants. So sloppy grant proposals are even less likely to hit their mark now. To compete successfully for these diminishing funds, nonprofits’ proposals should be succinct and focus on the essentials, and applicants must pay attention to details such as accurate numbers and deadlines.
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Budget cuts: Don’t make internal controls one of them
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: These days, most nonprofits are tightening their budgets to ensure that they’re operating as cost effectively as possible. But certain items should never be neglected just to save a little money today — and one of the most important is adherence to internal controls. This article discusses necessary controls and why outside advice is necessary to protect against fraud. A sidebar looks at the Federal Trade Commission’s red flag rules for fighting identity theft that are scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1, 2009.
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New rules for bulk mailings
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 326
Abstract: This short article discusses new requirements and procedures stemming from the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. Paying attention to these changes can help nonprofits achieve the most favorable pricing and delivery efficiency when addressing, sorting and bundling bulk mail.
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Interns: To pay or not to pay
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: Before nonprofits search for an intern, they must carefully consider whether they can pay that person — and how much. Decisions made regarding job responsibilities and pay can affect the type of interns an organization attracts, the results it gets and, perhaps most important, whether it’s in compliance with labor laws.
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Policies are at the heart of good governance
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: The new Form 990 opens the door to a whole host of governance questions, including those posed in Part VI: Government, Management and Disclosure. The government doesn’t yet require nonprofits to implement these policies. However, they should consider putting policies in place before it does. This article lists specific target areas of Form 990, and four types of policies with broad applicability: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention and destruction, and chief executive compensation.
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Helping your staff cope with economic uncertainty
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 500
Abstract: Staffers are likely to be as concerned as their organizations’ leaders about the future of their nonprofit, its constituents and their own future employment. Now more than ever, frequent and honest communication is essential. Otherwise, top performers might look for greener pastures or worse, become paralyzed with worry and stop doing their jobs well.
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Desperately seeking sponsors – How to boost support for your annual event
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: Professional organizations’ annual conferences and nonprofits’ annual galas are prime opportunities to raise funds and gain publicity. These events, however, often represent large line items in a nonprofit’s expense column. Sponsors — individuals and companies that help foot the bill through cash or in-kind participation — can take some of the financial pressure off organizations. This article offers a number of tips to help find the right sponsors and ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. A sidebar shows how to boost the visibility of sponsors.
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5 steps to better delegation
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 567
Abstract: Done well, task delegation allows an individual to focus on his or her most important tasks, helps to build bench strength in an organization and gets staffers out of the office before midnight. This article outlines five general steps for improving delegation: Choose tasks wisely, pick the right person, perfect the handoff, keep in touch (sparingly) and acknowledge the help.
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Creating a solid investment policy
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: Weak economic fundamentals and volatile financial markets make having a written investment policy more important than ever. This article explains the basic objective of an investment policy: to ensure that an organization’s money works as hard as it can for as long as it can. It also guides organizations through the process of listing objectives and allowable investments, developing policies for accountability and managing extraordinary losses.
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Maximizing matching funds – Don’t miss out on a major source of support
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 792
Abstract: Even in a souring economy, many companies still match their employees’ donations to certain charitable organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts. This article discusses ways nonprofits can tap this potential bounty by properly training staffers, compiling lists of local companies that match, and creating their own matching funds pools led by board members and major supporters.
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How your nonprofit can survive the current economic crisis
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1139
Abstract: In many cases, nonprofits are hit even harder than other sectors when the economy sours, and the current economic crisis could spell doom for some organizations. This article provides tips for weathering the storm. They include enlisting the help of boards, staff and outside advisors; increasing donor contact, particularly with long-term and financially generous supporters; and closely reviewing expenses for both large and small costs that can be cut.
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403(b) plans: What recent changes mean for your nonprofit
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: New 403(b) plan regulations go into effect for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2009. This article discusses the revisions made by the Department of Labor to the 2009 Form 5500 and how expanded reporting requirements may compel many previously unaudited 403(b) plans to be audited.
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5 strategies for more effective member surveys
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 327
Abstract: The short article provides tips on maximizing the effectiveness of member surveys by focusing on key objectives during every stage of the process. Tips include keeping a clear focus and sense of purpose while designing the survey, and communicating results with participants in a timely manner.
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It’s OK to lobby – Just be sure to follow IRS rules
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 566
Abstract: Lobbying can be a powerful strategy to raise awareness, mobilize members and attract media attention. But nonprofits must make sure their lobbying activities don’t exceed the scope allowed by the IRS. This article explains which activities are acceptable — including advocacy, which involves discussing broad policy issues — and which ones can jeopardize an organization’s nonprofit status, such as asking a legislator to vote a certain way.