Resource Library

Like families, organizations need financial nest eggs for different purposes. One of the main purposes is an operating reserve — sometimes called an operating contingency fund. They are a first line of defense against financial uncertainties ranging from uneven cash flow to cutbacks from major funders.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Outsourced Accounting Services Template

Summary of reporting requirements for nonprofits with state grant funds plus link to online reporting of grants received from North Carolina government agencies. 

Not sure how to thank your donors? Use these templates to guide your message.

Most grantors require a final project report, including a financial report. This sample illustrates a final financial report outlining budgeted expenses, actual expenses and the expenses allocated to that particular funding source.

A template Document Retention and Destruction Policy.

Sample spreadsheet for tracking the bids and information for firms you are considering for your audit.

Advice based on dozens of interviews with leaders who've gone through hard times and on related texts and articles to encourage leaders to share the burden of managing financial difficulties.

Many states require charitable nonprofits as well as any paid professional "fundraising counsel" or consultant hired to assist the nonprofit with fundraising activities, to register with the state before the nonprofit or professionals solicits any donations. Additionally, many states require nonprofits that enter into agreement to share the revenue from sales activity with another organization to file with the state to disclose that fundraising activity. All in all - it's complicated!

For the most recent and comprehensive treatment available on compliance issues surrounding auctions, including tools you can put to use, see this toolkit from the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium.

The perception of nonprofit organizations' overhead costs by the public and by donors is one of the greatest sources of frustration for nonprofit professionals. But there is hope on the horizon.

The board of directors is responsible for hiring, and establishing the compensation (salary and benefits) of the executive director/CEO by identifying compensation that is "reasonable and not excessive," but that also is attractive enough to retain the best possible talent to lead the organization. The recommended process for determining this is explained in this National Council article.

Templates for projecting cash flow at your organization.

Most small tax-exempt organizations, whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less, are required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, unless they choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ instead.

Nonprofit leaders seeking to understand their organization's financial situation usually start by reviewing the financial reports. For a more technical financial analysis, rations can be used to deepen understanding and interpretation.