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VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: January 2025 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Videos, Video Q&As, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Videos, Video Q&As, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: January 2025 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about how quickly a nonprofit Board of Directors must act to fill a vacant Board seat, how an organization can show a third party that it’s 501(c)(3) status is current and in good standing, the pros and cons of growing an organization through local chapters and affiliate structures, and the benefits of issuing an annual report for the general public to showcase an organization’s growth and successes.

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TEMPLATE: Model C Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Resources Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Resources Benjamin Takis

TEMPLATE: Model C Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

This template fiscal sponsorship agreement is intended for relatively straightforward “Model C” fiscal sponsorship relationships, sometimes called “indirect” fiscal sponsorship or a “pre-approved grant relationship.” This sample document covers key terms such as the fiscal sponsor’s variance powers, the allowable use of grant funds, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, termination of the relationship, and more.

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VIDEO PODCAST: Managing Nonprofit Governance Disputes [SUBSCRIBERS ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Podcasts & Discussions, Videos A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Podcasts & Discussions, Videos A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO PODCAST: Managing Nonprofit Governance Disputes [SUBSCRIBERS ONLY]

Ben and Mike discuss how corporate governance disputes tend to arise in nonprofit organizations, how building a culture of open debate and discussion on the Board of Directors and throughout the organization can help prevent disputes from getting out of control, navigating D&O insurance and the decision whether to report a claim, considerations for managing disputes once they've arisen, and more.

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VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: December 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Videos, Video Q&As A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Videos, Video Q&As A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: December 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about implementing a CEO / Executive Director succession or transition plan, how to handle errors in an already-filed Form 990, planning for the possible loss in grant funding or a change in funding sources, and whether a person can old two officer positions simultaneously.

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TEMPLATE: Multi-Year Grant Usage Schedule [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Resources A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) Subscribers-Only, Resources A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA)

TEMPLATE: Multi-Year Grant Usage Schedule [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Multi-year grants can be very beneficial to a nonprofit organization but can cause significant bottom-line budget (surplus and deficit) volatility. This template multi-year grant usage schedule will help to show the true impact of a grant over the full period of its use and move attention away from the impact on any one single fiscal year budget.

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VIDEO PODCAST: Using Lines of Credit to Address Cash Flow Issues [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Videos, Podcasts & Discussions A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Videos, Podcasts & Discussions A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO PODCAST: Using Lines of Credit to Address Cash Flow Issues [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike discuss lines of credit and other forms of debt, whether a line of credit can be an appropriate tool to help nonprofit organizations manage cash flow, some issues to consider before taking out a line of credit, and the importance of addressing the root causes of an organization's cash flow shortfall.

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TEMPLATE: Short and Basic Grant Agreement [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Resources Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Resources Benjamin Takis

TEMPLATE: Short and Basic Grant Agreement [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

This short and basic grant agreement template is intended for situations involving relatively straightforward grants from one 501(c)(3) organization to another 501(c)(3) organization to fund a specific project or program. This sample document provides relatively concise language covering key terms such as the timing of grant payments, the allowable use of grant funds, reporting and recordkeeping requirements imposed on the recipient organization, and more.

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VIDEO PODCAST: Assessing Independent Contractor vs. Employee Status [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Videos, Podcasts & Discussions, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Videos, Podcasts & Discussions, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO PODCAST: Assessing Independent Contractor vs. Employee Status [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Mike and Ben discuss the legal standards for determining whether a nonprofit organization is permitted to a treat a worker as an independent contractor rather than an employee, the risks of worker misclassification and the different ways this issue can come to light, the reformulated IRS “20-factor” test, common mistakes and misconceptions about these rules, and more.

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Five Ways Nonprofit Board Actions Can Be Challenged Under Law [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Articles Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Articles Benjamin Takis

Five Ways Nonprofit Board Actions Can Be Challenged Under Law [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

It is well-known that Board members are subject to fiduciary duties in their oversight and decision-making role, among other rules that apply to nonprofit organizations. However, the practical reality of how these requirements are scrutinized, applied, and enforced is less understood. This article provides a brief overview of some common ways that Board decisions and actions could be challenged in court.

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VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: October 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Video Q&As, Videos A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Video Q&As, Videos A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: October 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about managing staff concerns about the additional workload that may come from forming a new subsidiary or related entity, mid-year amendments to the annual budget, whether an organization should restore its good standing as a corporation prior to dissolving, and the distinction between restricted funds and Board-designated funds.

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VIDEO PODCAST: Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Videos, Podcasts & Discussions A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Videos, Podcasts & Discussions A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO PODCAST: Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike discuss key issues nonprofits should consider when drafting independent contractor agreements for consultants and other service providers, including how independent contractor agreements impact worker classification, approaches to using and customizing template agreements, drafting compensation and scope of work terms, and more.

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VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: September 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Videos, Video Q&As, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Videos, Video Q&As, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: September 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about whether nonprofit organizations should require employees and Board members to provide receipts for small dollar expense reimbursements, tips for properly using executive sessions in Board of Directors meetings, and issues raised by nonprofits providing capacity building support to other nonprofits.

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TEMPLATE: Code of Ethics [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Resources Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Resources Benjamin Takis

TEMPLATE: Code of Ethics [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

A Code of Ethics is one of the fundamental governance policies that all nonprofit organizations should have, and an important complement to your organization’s conflict of interest policy. This Code of Ethics template is intended to help your organization identify and express the core principles and ethical requirements with which all Board members, staff, and other individuals who serve and/or represent the organization are expected to comply.

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VIDEO PODCAST: Board Meeting Tips for Nonprofits [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Subscribers-Only, Podcasts & Discussions, Videos A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis Subscribers-Only, Podcasts & Discussions, Videos A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) & Benjamin Takis

VIDEO PODCAST: Board Meeting Tips for Nonprofits [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

Ben and Mike discuss tips and recommendations to help nonprofits make their Board meetings more efficient and impactful, including best practices related to advance notice and distribution of Board materials, creating a meeting agenda, use of a "consent agenda," and whether nonprofits should follow Robert's Rules of Order.

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CHECKLIST: Virtual Board and Committee Meeting Tips [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Resources, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) Resources, Subscribers-Only A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA)

CHECKLIST: Virtual Board and Committee Meeting Tips [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]

The default format for traditional governance meetings (Boards of Directors, committees, working groups, etc.) has shifted to a virtual setting. However, most governance meetings still use agendas, approaches, and meeting structures based on old “in-person” meeting formats. This 4-page checklist is designed to help you freshen up your virtual Board and committee meetings, make them more effective, and improve participant engagement and satisfaction.

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