administration
10 Essentials for Getting Started as Treasurer
Have you been elected treasurer? Somebody handed you a bank card, a folder, or possibly nothing at all — and the first fundraiser is just a few weeks away. Or perhaps you’re in your third year and you want to make sure you get your systems in place for a new fiscal year before the…
QuickBooks Alternatives for Nonprofits: The Right Software by Size and Stage
QuickBooks is usually the first name that comes up when a nonprofit outgrows its spreadsheets. For staffed organizations with accounting experience on the team, it can be a strong fit. But plenty of nonprofits sign up and hit friction fast — usually around one of four things: None of that makes QuickBooks a bad tool…
15 Reasons Spreadsheets Don’t Work for Nonprofit Accounting
Imagine you’ve just stepped into the role of treasurer for a small nonprofit organization (think school group, service club, or animal protection organization). At first, you’re excited about the opportunity to make a big impact on a cause that means a lot to you. But then, the outgoing treasurer hands over the spreadsheet they’ve been…
How to Convince Your Nonprofit Board That Financial Management Software Isn’t Optional (Board Flyer)
In today’s nonprofit landscape, your board is responsible for more than just fundraising and stewardship. They’re also responsible for your organization’s compliance, risk management, and long-term resilience. Yet, many boards still view financial management tools as a “nice to have” rather than a necessity. Here’s why adopting nonprofit financial management software like MoneyMinder should be…
The Risks of Using Payment Tools Without Financial Management Tools
When your volunteer organization needs to start collecting payments, you might start looking at PayPal, Venmo, Square, Stripe or even one of those newer platforms like Zeffy or Givebutter. They’re easy to set up, they look professional, and people can pay with just a few clicks. Treasurer role handled, right? Not quite. While these payment…
Going Digital: How MoneyMinder Supports a Paperless Workflow for Volunteer Treasurers
As Treasurer for your group, you play a critical role in managing finances and keeping track of all of the important files and information that comes with the territory. Traditionally, that involved a considerable amount of paperwork, from keeping track of receipts to filing away important documents. However, in the digital age, the need for…
Everything You Need to Know About Accepting Checks as a Small Nonprofit
When everyone carries a smartphone that can handle anything from buying coffee to paying bills, does your nonprofit really need to bother with old-fashioned paper checks? It may surprise you to hear that most of the organizations using MoneyMinder do accept checks, although most combine them with cash and digital options. Checks offer a few…
What’s the Difference Between Nonprofit, Not-for-Profit, and 501(c)(3)?
Nonprofit, not-for-profit, NPO, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3)… if you’ve heard these terms and wondered whether they all mean the same thing, you’re not alone. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings that affect legal status, taxes, and how an organization can operate. These differences matter when you’re starting an organization, making a…
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…