Nonprofit Management Guidance
Navigating the New Landscape: How Federal Tax Reform Changes Operations for Nonprofits, Foundations, and Educational Institutions
The recently enacted federal tax reform legislation, known as "The One Big Beautiful Bill," introduces significant changes affecting nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and higher education institutions. This analysis examines key provisions including expanded executive compensation excise taxes, tiered foundation and...
Navigating Uncertainty: 2025 Midyear Nonprofit Operating Review
The first half of 2025 has presented unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the nonprofit sector. Federal funding uncertainties stemming from executive orders and budget freezes have created operational instability, while approximately one-third of U.S. nonprofits receive some form of government support, making these policy...
Part 1: Navigating Political Activities: A Federal Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Organizations
This is Part 1 of a two-part series examining tax-exempt status requirements for nonprofit organizations. Part 1 addresses federal 501(c)(3) requirements, while Part 2 will examine state requirements that create additional compliance obligations beyond federal law. The 2025 political landscape presents complex challenges for 501(c)(3)...
Part 2: State Requirements for Political Activities and Tax-Exempt Status
This is Part 2 of a two-part series examining tax-exempt status requirements for nonprofit organizations. Part 1 addressed federal 501(c)(3) requirements, while Part 2 examines related state requirements that create additional compliance obligations beyond federal law. Nonprofit organizations must navigate complex state-specific...
2026 Nonprofit Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide
This comprehensive analysis provides a practical framework for nonprofit strategic planning in preparation for 2026 and beyond. The guide offers scalable, step-by-step processes tailored to organizations of varying sizes and resources, from small nonprofits with budgets under $500K to large organizations exceeding $2M. Part 1...
Nonprofit Cybersecurity Primer: Part 1 – Understanding Cybersecurity Risks and Building Your Foundation
This two-part cybersecurity primer provides nonprofit organizations with essential guidance for protecting their digital assets and stakeholder data. Part 1 establishes the foundational understanding needed for effective cybersecurity planning, covering the unique vulnerabilities nonprofits face, the evolving threat landscape...
Nonprofit Cybersecurity Primer: Part 2 – Implementation, Defense, and Response Strategies
Building on Part 1's foundational knowledge, this second part focuses on implementing practical defensive measures for nonprofit organizations. We cover data protection strategies, policy development, immediate risk reduction steps, and cost-effective technology solutions. The guide addresses external relationship management including...
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Nonprofit Mergers and Strategic Collaborations
This practical guide helps nonprofit leaders navigate merger and collaboration decisions through a systematic framework. It addresses why organizations should consider partnerships, how to find compatible partners, and when merger versus collaboration makes sense. The analysis covers critical financial considerations including revenue...
Nonprofit Executive Compensation: Best Practices and Procedures
Nonprofit executive compensation remains a critical governance challenge requiring strategic balance between competitive market rates, donor expectations, and mission alignment. This comprehensive analysis examines best practices for establishing transparent, defensible compensation packages including cash and non-cash components,...
Federal Anti-Discrimination Requirements Post DEI
The elimination of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements has created significant confusion among nonprofit HR professionals and their employers about their ongoing anti-discrimination compliance obligations. This confusion makes a comprehensive anti-discrimination compliance review both timely and necessary....
Step-by-Step ChatGPT Primer for Nonprofit Professionals
This comprehensive primer provides nonprofit professionals with practical guidance for implementing ChatGPT and similar AI tools to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. Designed for users without technical backgrounds, the guide covers fundamental AI concepts, practical applications across nonprofit functions, prompt...
Nonprofit Fundraising Fatigue: Make Sure You’re Firing on All Cylinders
Nonprofit organizations face unprecedented challenges in sustaining effective fundraising operations as traditional channels become oversaturated and donor expectations evolve. This comprehensive analysis examines fundraising fatigue—a systemic organizational exhaustion affecting fundraising capacity—distinct from donor fatigue. Key...
How to Turn Major Donor Programs into a Sustainable Nonprofit Revenue Source
In today's challenging funding landscape, nonprofits face unprecedented pressures from federal budget cuts, shifting political priorities, and increasing service demands. This comprehensive analysis provides actionable strategies for establishing and expanding major donor programs as sustainable revenue sources. Key topics include...
Foundation Support: Changing Federal Priorities Make This a Necessity
With federal funding cuts, DEI compliance threats, and increasing service demands, nonprofits must diversify revenue through foundation partnerships. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step strategies for identifying, applying to, and securing foundation grants. From understanding foundation types and alignment strategies to...
Nonprofit Artificial Intelligence: Identifying Potential Opportunities and Managing Related Risks
This comprehensive analysis provides nonprofit leaders with a strategic framework for evaluating and integrating artificial intelligence applications into daily operations. Covering AI program evaluation, implementation criteria, regulatory considerations, and policy development, this guide addresses the growing need for nonprofits to...
Nonprofit Trust and Transparency: The Foundation for Success
Building trust and transparency in nonprofit organizations is critical for sustainable success in today's competitive landscape. This comprehensive analysis explores how nonprofit leaders can establish robust trust frameworks through financial accountability, governance excellence, and stakeholder engagement. Covering legal...
Nonprofit Mission Creep: Getting Back to Your Roots
Nonprofit mission creep threatens organizational effectiveness and sustainability in today's challenging funding environment. This comprehensive guide explores how nonprofits can identify, prevent, and address mission drift while maintaining focus on core objectives. Learn practical strategies for mission assessment, recognize warning signs of...
How to Use Your Form 990 to Improve Your Organization’s Financial and Operating Performance
Transform your nonprofit's Form 990 from a compliance burden into a powerful strategic management tool. This comprehensive guide shows how to leverage Form 990 data for financial performance analysis, operational improvements, and compelling fundraising narratives. Learn essential KPIs, benchmarking strategies, and storytelling techniques that...