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VIDEO PODCAST: The Basics of Fiscal Sponsorship Agreements
Ben and Mike discuss fiscal core concepts to understand the fiscal sponsor relationship and fiscal sponsorship agreements, including the distinction between Model A, Model B, and Model C fiscal sponsorship, key provisions that are found in all types of fiscal sponsorship agreements, and other considerations to have in mind when drafting or negotiating a fiscal sponsorship agreement.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: February 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about how to navigate a financial environment in which grand funding is uncertain, whether people under 18 years old can serve on a nonprofit Board of Directors, whether membership dues are treated as donations or fees for services, and whether a last-minute item can be added to the Board meeting agenda.
VIDEO PODCAST: Using Dashboards to Improve Understanding of Financial Reports
Ben and Mike discuss the role and purpose of financial dashboards for a nonprofit organization, how dashboards improve engagement with financial reports, the standard elements that make up a dashboard, and how dashboards can be optimized to best serve your organization.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: January 2025
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.
VIDEO PODCAST: Managing Nonprofit Governance Disputes
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.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: December 2024
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.
VIDEO PODCAST: Using Lines of Credit to Address Cash Flow Issues
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.
![VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: November 2024 [PREVIEW]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e6ccadfb4659c1d51df14d5/baccfbcd-ed95-49ed-b154-0bfec7efbc71/SE4N+Video+Q%26A+2024-11.png)
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: November 2024 [PREVIEW]
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about the spending of operating reserves, conflicts of interest related founders of a nonprofit becoming staff, deciding between filing the Form 990-EZ and the Form 990, and legal issues raised by the moving of funds between related organizations.
VIDEO PODCAST: Assessing Independent Contractor vs. Employee Status
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.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: October 2024
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.
VIDEO PODCAST: Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements
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.
![VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: September 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e6ccadfb4659c1d51df14d5/f0598e46-14f4-464c-8b03-5ce99563762d/SE4N+Video+Q%26A+2024-09.png)
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.
VIDEO PODCAST: Board Meeting Tips for Nonprofits
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.
![VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: August 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e6ccadfb4659c1d51df14d5/94ba66db-acce-4fa3-8f98-f369cd6d48d0/SE4N+Video+Q%26A+2024-08.png)
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: August 2024 [SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY]
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about whether fixed assets and restricted funds can count toward a nonprofit organization's operating reserves, the pros and cons of taking over an existing 501(c)(3) organization rather than starting a new one, how abstentions are counted in a Board vote, and whether an organization should use a credit card or debit card.
VIDEO PODCAST: Why Nonprofits Should Have Operating Reserves
Ben and Mike discuss the reasons why operating reserves are essential for the financial health and sustainability of nonprofit organizations, the short-term and long-term purposes of operating reserves, lessons learned from past economic disruptions, and some recommendations for operating reserve policies.