February/March 2011: Nonprofit Agendas

Status quo — How to keep your “public charity” designation

A public charity that wishes to retain its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in future years must take specific actions and avoid certain activities. Foremost, after the first five years of existence, it must demonstrate through Schedule A of Form 990 that it meets the support test qualifying it as a public charity. This article describes Schedule A requirements and lists five types of activities that can jeopardize exempt status. A sidebar shows how a new organization can obtain public charity status.
Full Article

Matching gift programs — Double your treasure

This article shows how matching funds work and how to increase funding. And, since some companies have trimmed or eliminated their matching gift programs during the recession, the article discusses the possibility of setting up one’s own matching pool. Whether nonprofits compete for corporate matching funds or sponsor their own program, such funds are a notable gifting source.
Full Article

Finding more ways to cut costs

Although the worst of the recession may be behind us, nonprofits are still wise to look for ways to reduce expenses. This article offers a variety of tips for tackling small, possibly overlooked expenses that can nevertheless add up. They range from trimming phone and Internet service to reducing or eliminating vendor costs to “going green.”
Full Article 

News for Nonprofits

This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” shows how nonprofits that are unable to give pay raises this year can reward employees by helping them achieve better work/life balance. It also describes the new health care credit provided under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and explains the requirements a tax-exempt organization must meet to qualify.
Full Article