Nonprofit Accounting Basics

Policies and Procedures

4 Tips to Create Your Nonprofit’s First Succession Plan

Originally Posted: August 7, 2017

Losing your nonprofit’s executive director is a lot like losing your trail guide in the middle of the forest – slightly terrifying, completely disorienting and leaving you wishing you’d spent more

Avoiding Financial Risks

Originally Posted: August 20, 2012

To avoid or diminish financial and accounting risks that might threaten the organization’s existence or decrease its effectiveness, the board needs to be aware of proper financial processes and pra

Board Member Compensation

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

There is no federal law that prohibits nonprofits from compensating their board members but some states may forbid compensation for board service.

Bylaws

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

Bylaws form a legally binding document that outlines the organizational authority levels, how the board functions, and how it is structured.

Code of Ethics

Originally Posted: June 11, 2009

One of the most constructive and proactive ways a board can send a message that its organization is committed to accountability, responsiveness, and stewardship is to draft a code of ethics to guid

Confidentiality

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

One of the legal obligations for board members is a duty of loyalty. One aspect of this duty expects board members to keep confidential issues confidential.

Conflict of Interest

Originally Posted: June 11, 2009

What is conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest arises when a board or a staff member is in a situation where his decision making may be impaired by personal, financial, or other busin

Endowment

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

An endowment refers to a fund or funds that are generally kept permanently. Their interest income provides for the overall operations of the organization.

Gift Acceptance

Originally Posted: June 11, 2009

A gift acceptance policy allows the board to define the parameters and guidelines for eliminating controversial or risky donations. Unwelcome donations might include gifts that:

Guidelines to Maintain Information Security

Originally Posted: July 23, 2012

As you work with confidential financial data and personal information performing your daily business tasks, follow these straightforward guidelines to help maintain information security and be a mo

Investments

Originally Posted: June 11, 2009

Investment policies

Investment policies refer to policies the board has defined and/or approved guiding how the various organizational funds should be invested.

Personal Giving

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

If your organization does not rely fully on earned income or government grants or contracts, it most likely is involved in raising funds from individuals, foundations, and/or for-profit corporation

Policies

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

Every nonprofit needs operational guidelines for staff and the board. The purpose of the policies is to serve as a guide for actions and behavior and as a reference for ethical decision making.

Reserves

Originally Posted: December 30, 2008

Operational reserves

Operational reserves are funds an organization accumulates over the years by operating with a surplus.

Subscribe to Policies and Procedures