July 18, 2011

As supporter preferences become increasingly multi-channel, the race to integrate and optimize is on. Which stage of the constituent engagement evolution are you in? Take our quiz to find out - then we’ll show you how to reach the next level with a multi-channel action plan.

Considering a mandatory donor designation disclosure, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (NJDCA), is seeking public comment on a “pre-proposal” that would have organizations provide a mechanism for donors to designate funds to specific programs.

According to the proposed rule under N.J.A.C. 13:48-11.2, in the June 6, 2011, New Jersey Register the NJDCA believes that “if particular programs are the inducement for a donor to make a contribution to the charity, the donor should be advised that he or she has the option to direct the charity to use his or her contribution to fund that program.”

Usually, the best time with an audit is when it’s over, but nonprofit managers have not yet found a way to get from one audit being done to the next one being done without the messy details that appear in between.

Audits do present problems, as Chris Rouse, firm audit and accounting quality control partner with Windham Brannon, PC, outlined during the Georgia Society of CPAs 2011 Nonprofit Conference.

As the largest regional accounting, tax and business consulting firm based in New England, a significant part of our organization is dedicated to serving the needs of non-profit organizations, year-round.  Expect to see us working side-by-side with your staff members, volunteers and clients so we get an intimate view of the everyday challenges you face. Learn more at http://nonprofit.blumshapiro.com/.

Exceptions or deviations that are discovered in an audit can’t be just hmm’d over; they require action, usually a response by management, as well as a corrective action plan.

At the 2011 AICPA Not-For-Profit Conference, Kimberly K. McCormick, a partner with Grant Thornton LLP, offered a refresher on audit findings. McCormick said that the following considerations should be in mind for audit findings:

Online communication with members and potential donors is fast. Online giving is fast. Online engagement is growing fast. Online is the way to go, and fast.

Not so fast, said Harry Lynch, CEO of Sanky Communications, during the recent 2011 Fundraising Day New York.

Sanky acknowledged that utilization of the Internet has had a profound effect on nonprofit operations and fundraising.