The Center's resource library has over 800 items covering the breadth of topics in nonprofit management. Find answers to your questions plus articles, sample policies, checklists, and more.
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Preparing for Your Audit
Wow, it's time for your audit again. Time flies when you're having fun! As with much of life, being prepared goes a long way. Here's what you can do.
Questions Regarding Form E-585
Certain nonprofit entities are allowed semiannual refunds of sales and use taxes they pay on direct purchases and leases of tangible personal property and services. Learn more about form E-585, Nonprofit and Governmental Entity Claim For Refund State and County Sales and Use Taxes, and how your organization can request refunds.
Ratio Calculation Worksheet
This tool from provides calculation of 14 ratios including a mix of balance sheet and income statement ratios.
Rationale for a Reserve Fund
Reserve funds are becoming real necessities for most nonprofits. This article addresses the need for reserve funds and best practices.
Sample Investment Policy
Use these sample policies as a guideline to create an investment policy for your organization.
Sample Organizational Budget
This sample is a starting point for designing your own budget. You may customize this sample budget to fit your organization's needs.
You Can Succeed in Public Relations without a Full-Time Professional
This article offers tips to help your organization do effective PR without a full-time professional.
The 10 Immutable Laws of Storytelling
An ages-old artform, storytelling is a powerful way to capture your audience's attention. Communications consultant, trainer, and speaker Andy Goodman offers ten "laws," or must-haves for good storytelling.
Sample Project Proposal Budgets
Most foundations and corporate funders require organizations to submit a project budget with their grant application. William A. Bayreuther Grantwriting has provided complementary samples of proposal budgets for a 1 year project, 2 year project and a capacity building request
Supporting the Messengers of Change: Grantee Communications Assessment Report
This report details the findings and conclusions of a study of the strategic communications capacity, challenges, and needs of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation's 38 policy grantees.
Sample Reserve Fund Policy
A sample reserve fund policy you can adapt for your organization.
More Effective E-Newsletters
Improve the effectiveness of your e-newsletter with these 11 tips from Common Ground.
Media Advocacy Checklist
A comprehensive advocacy strategy includes communications with government officials, the public, and the media. Develop your nonprofit's media advocacy plan by using this checklist from Common Ground.
Sample RFP (Request For Proposal) for Audit Services
A sample RFP for audit services that you can adapt for your organization.
Everyone Is Looking: Does Your 990 Present Your Organization Effectively
Now that 990s are easily available online, smart managers and board members are paying extra attention to how they present their organizations on these forms. This Common Ground article shares five tips for improving yours.