In the nonprofit world, fundraising is as inevitable as death and taxes in the for-profit world. Nonprofit leaders must ensure a strong fundraising plan if their organization is to accomplish the good that is intended and fulfill its mission. While there are many fundamental principles of fundraising that must be employed to ensure success, the …
Monthly Archive: September 2008
Sep
25
Differences Between 501c3 Churches & Ministries
Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, such an organization must meet the certain specific requirements. These requirements generally outline the specific purposes for which the organization has been …
Sep
24
Goodbye to the Advanced Ruling Period
In the past, a recently formed 501(c)(3) organization was subject to a five year advanced ruling period. During this period the organization would be classified as a public charity . After five years had passed the organization was charged with the responsibility of providing documentation of all income for the previous five years in an …
Sep
18
Donor Loyalty More Important than Ever
As a nonprofit professional in an already troublesome economy, the wall street crash that’s in the news this week makes my thoughts immediately go to its effects on charitable giving. The demographic that gives the most to charitable organization, will prove to have collaboratively lost millions in the wake of this week’s events. This will …
Sep
15
Gathering Information for Your Grant Proposal
As a grant writer, I have always found that the most difficult part of writing a comprehensive proposal for an organization is obtaining detailed, suitable information to include in the proposal. It seems to me that leaders of nonprofits should have information ready to roll off their tongues at any moment—a simple request should lead …
Sep
11
Fully Contributing Boards: Essential of Board Performance
Often times grassroots nonprofits spend time exploring ways to become more effective. The most common areas of evaluation seem to be mission clarity, program development and implementation, staff training, fundraising, and mission based marketing. One area, however, that may not be so deeply investigated is Board performance. Board leadership is a success factor for organizations …
Sep
08
Starting a Nonprofit: Things to Think About
Each year, thousands of people set out to start a nonprofit organization. These individuals are undoubtedly passionate about their cause and truly want to make a difference in their communities. Unfortunately, many start off on the wrong foot because they fail to fully develop their idea through comprehensive planning. Most do not recognize that operating …
Sep
04
Church Planting: Beyond Faith and Inspiration
It has been my pleasure over the last couple of years to have the opportunity to work with many passionate, inspired Christians during their journey in church planting. These faithful missionaries have been such an inspiration- demonstrating their devotion to God by working diligently to create a new flock from the unchurched. Reaching out to …
