How are nonprofit arts organizations different? with Guest Expert Alan Harrison

Are there fundamental differences between the board responsibilities of an arts nonprofit and a regular old charitable one? This week Andy is joined by guest expert and author of Scene Change Alan Harrison to get this question answered properly. You might need to listen twice, because this episode goes deep — court cases clarifying nonprofit law, the patronage system, and whether “art for arts sake” qualifies as a charitable mission. Thanks again for joining us this week! Please send us your questions and check out the show notes at NonprofitEverything.com.

Growing Program Staff into Fundraisers?

Since it can be hard to find development staff, does it make sense to try to convert program staff into fundraisers? Stacey has some thoughts! Also this week, we find out if there are different rules when raising money for a private operating foundation, and what core activities a nonprofit should stick to when facing an economic downturn.

Management is Chronically Overworking Staff

If the CEO is also the Board President, could we lose our nonprofit status? Stacey and Andy have the answer! Also this week, what to do about nonprofit management that overworks staff, and (alternately) how to handle a staff member that’s taking on too much responsibility.

Topics:
  • Will we lose our 501(c)3 if the CEO is also the Board President? – 0:00
  • Should unpaid staff time be part of a nonprofit’s business model? – 7:08
  • Is my communications coordinator overstepping her role? – 18:22

Board Member’s Troublesome Tweets

Should an organization switch from a 501(c)4 to a 501(c)3? Stacey and Andy have thoughts! This week we also talk about who should own consultant developed content, and what to do when a board member’s social media posts don’t reflect the values of the organization.

Topics:
  • Should we switch from a 501(c)3 to a 501(c)4? – 0:00
  • Help! One of our board members is Tweeting racist nonsense! – 8:39
  • Who owns consultant developed curriculum? – 24:0]

But is it Sustainable?

Hooray! Another Nonprofit 101 question! Is your IRS determination letter enough to not have to pay sales tax? Andy actually knows that one. This week we also find out what to do when a Board Chair won’t stand up to the scary Gala committee, and learn the difference between a sponsorship and a donation. We also discover both Stacey and Andy’s least favorite grant application question!

Topics:
  • Is having a 501(c)3 enough to not have to pay sales tax – [skipto time="0:00"]
  • Our Board Chair won’t stand up to the Gala Committee. Help! – [skipto time="6:23"]
  • What’s the best way to answer “prove this program is sustainable” on a grant application?- [skipto time="14:07"]
  • What’s the difference between a Sponsorship and a Donation?- [skipto time="20:16"]

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Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by Brenda J. Stout, CPA, a full-service accounting firm specializing in Nonprofit Tax Compliance and IRS Problem Resolution.

100% Conflict of Interest

In this jam-packed episode, we find out whether or not you can switch your nonprofit from a 501(c)4 to a 501(c)3, what constitutes a good conflict of interest policy, and if you can reimburse your board members for expenses. We check in with social media expert Heather Curry Frommer, who gives us tips on what channels to use for new donors, and are absolutely shocked to discover that both Stacey and Andy have totally different issues with time management.

Topics:
  • Switch from a 501(c)4 to a 501(c)3
  • A good conflict of interest policy
  • Reimbursing board members for expenses
  • Social Media channels for new donors with Heather Curry Frommer
  • Managing a never-ending to do list