Nonprofit Management

How Much Budget Should Your Nonprofit Carry Forward?
How much budget should your nonprofit carry forward from one year to the next? The short answer is: it depends. For some nonprofit groups, a small reserve is enough to cover startup costs and early events. Others might need to hang onto a larger balance for long-term projects or unexpected expenses. Here are a few…

13 Questions to Ask the Outgoing Treasurer of Your School or Parent Group
Taking over as treasurer for your school PTO, PTA, or booster club? One of the smartest things you can do is schedule a meeting with the outgoing treasurer. Whether you’re brand new to nonprofit finances or stepping into a familiar role, a thoughtful handoff conversation can prevent confusion and set you up for success. Here…

When is Form 990 Due?
Most tax-exempt organizations must file a return each year—even if no taxes are owed. Learn everything you need to know to keep your 501(c)(3) in good standing with the IRS this year. What is IRS Form 990? Form 990 is the annual information return that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. It provides the IRS…

Nonprofit Reimbursement Approvals: Ditch the Old School Paper Chase
Simplifying Reimbursements for Nonprofits Processing reimbursements can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating part of your role as a nonprofit treasurer. Depending on your organization’s bylaws, your nonprofit reimbursement policy may require you to obtain approvals and signatures before reimbursing an expense. This can lead to delays in group members being reimbursed, potentially causing financial…

Who Has the Popcorn Machine? A Simple Guide to Tracking Your Nonprofit’s Shared Assets
At MoneyMinder, we get nonprofits—because we’re all volunteers in our own respective groups. And trust us when we say, no matter how big or small a shared asset is, it will inevitably go missing at some point. And of course, it’s always right when you need it most. Many of the emerging nonprofits we serve…

Creating Nonprofit Bylaws 101 (with Example)
Purpose of Bylaws for a Nonprofit Organization Bylaws are like a GPS for your organization, ensuring your nonprofit stays on course as you run it day in and day out. Bylaws establish the responsibilities of the board of directors and procedures for meetings and decision-making. They also help ensure you are in compliance with state…

How to Deal with Nonprofit Board Decisions that You Don’t Agree With
In the nonprofit world, many factors go into board decisions—budgets, strategy, stakeholder interests and more. It’s inevitable that, at some point, you’ll find yourself in disagreement with a board decision. In this week’s Two-Minute Treasurer Tip Podcast, Cyndi shares some tips for navigating these waters and turning moments of tension into an opportunity for growth.…

8 Strategies for Reducing Conflict in Your Volunteer-Based Nonprofit
Volunteer-based nonprofits are the backbone of many communities. At MoneyMinder, we’ve been working with these groups since 2003 (and volunteering with them for a lifetime). We’ve witnessed how even the most well-intentioned groups can experience conflict. Nonprofit conflict can stem from a variety of sources, such as differing opinions, personality clashes and misunderstandings. Most of…

Annual Secretary of State Nonprofit Filings
Here at MoneyMinder, we often talk about the annual Federal requirements for small nonprofits, like filing the 990-N or 990-EZ with the IRS. But it’s equally important to stay compliant with your state’s regulations. The truth is, requirements for annual filings can vary significantly from state to state. But there are some things to keep…

How to Get Volunteers Up to Speed Quickly
As a leader, it can be frustrating when it feels easier to do everything yourself rather than delegate tasks to others. However, building a team or community to help can alleviate stress and further your cause. In this episode of the Two Minute Treasurer’s Tip Podcast, you’ll find tips to make the most out of…