In a frank and clearheaded introduction to this issue, the authors explore the economic challenges that lie ahead and offer guidance for negotiating the various conundrums of nonprofit financial structures.
In, but not Of, the Market: The Special Challenge of Nonprofit-ness
The complexities of our financial systems derive from the distinctive nature of the nonprofit market–its cost and revenue structures, its limited access to capital, and the fact that nonprofits often serve dual buyers (funders and constituents). Sound financial management must take this unique market into account.
Is Grant Proposal Writing a Fundraising Expense?
Author Mark A. Hager presents a detailed examination of how U.S. nonprofits are reporting–and often underreporting–grant proposal writing expenses, arguing that a more accurate accounting would benefit both individual organizations and the sector as a whole.
The Challenge with Fundraising Costs and Multi-Year Grants
Large multi-year grants may take years of consistent effort to secure, but if a grant arrives in a lump sum, it will have to be reported as revenue that year, causing fundraising costs to appear much higher as a percentage of revenue in non-receipt years. Be sure to explain this fluctuation to your funders.
Management and General Expenses: The Other Half of Overhead
Some variations in how organizations report management and general expenses on their IRS Form 990s defy plausibility. Based on the largest study to date of overhead costs in the nonprofit sector, this article explores the consequences of these inconsistencies.
Know Your Ratios? Everyone Else Does
Many nonprofit rating agencies use financial ratios as a means to evaluate organizations, posting their findings online for all to see. Learning the lay of the ratings agency land will help you make the best of this information–and make sure your story is told a completely as possible.
Is There Enough Overhead in This Grant?
Calculating overhead costs is a tricky part of grant proposal writing, especially since funders often want these costs kept to a minimum. Learn to determine the true overhead costs for a program idea, then decide if the proposal will genuinely benefit your organization or run you ragged because it included too little overhead.
Budget Cuts and Sudden Overhead Conundrums
Most nonprofits run with minimal administrative infrastructure, so when cutbacks strike, overhead usually rises in proportion to program costs. Emil Angelica offers practical advice for weathering the current “perfect storm” of economic hardship and for explaining our suddenly higher overhead costs to funders.
How I Cooked the Books and Why
NPQ CLASSIC:
We are happy to re-issue the following classic on April 1st. We have, over the years, received many outraged emails over the misdeeds of Phil Anthrop, but this particular instructive confession of his elicited the most by far.
Anti-Terrorism Strategy: Arrest First, Sort Out the Facts Later
How many rights are Americans willing to forgo to feel safe? How are we to be safeguarded from mistakes or official abuse? The USA PATRIOT Act and PATRIOT-II are taking the answers out of our hands.
From New Hampshire, “With Love and Comfort”
Ellen Ahlgren never intended to launch a global phenomenon in community service learning. And thereby hangs the tale…
Departing? Arriving? Surviving and Thriving: Lessons for Seasoned and New Executives
In practical guidance for executive directors, Adams clarifies responsibilities and expectations as they approach their own transition—which is a unique opportunity for significant changes in an organization’s focus and capacity.