Episode 136: Should we accept dirty money?

Should We Accept Dirty Money?

Thanks for joining us for another episode of Nonprofit Everything! We’ve got just two questions, but one of them is *significant*. This week, Stacey and Andy try to discuss the impact of accepting donations from ethically challenging sources. It’s a rough topic, and we would love to get your opinions on it, too! Also, Andy tackles another perpetual complaint: “Omigosh-this-audit-is-so-expensive-and-time-consuming-why-do-we-have-to-do-it-again-and-again-every-year?!?” Five points to Ravenclaw for guessing Andy’s answer.

Can We Put Our Executive Director on Commission?

It’s the last episode of 2022 and we crammed in four whole questions! This week, Andy mentions about a few nonprofit-specific year-end accounting tasks (don’t worry, it’s short). We also answer a question about accidentally restricting donations, and talk up the benefits of a consent agenda for your board. Finally, we’re pretty sure someone lobbed us a question just to get us worked up for our end of year show.

Hosting a Fundraiser in a Different State

You think your nonprofit is a mess? Wait until you hear this question — while it masquerades as a technical query about verbal resignations and bylaws, it gets weird fast! Also this week, Stacey and Andy share some thoughts about fundraising in a different state than the one you’re incorporated in, and we find out whether or not you are allowed to raise money before you actually get your determination letter back from the IRS.

Board Member Insulting Nonprofit Workers

How do you handle a board member that thinks that people work for nonprofits because they can’t hack it in the “real world?” This one makes Stacey use her angry voice. Also, a listener asks if we think starting a podcast is a good idea, and Andy takes far too long explaining the differences between various flavors of financial audit.

Topics:
  • What to do about a board member that insults nonprofit workers? – 0:00
  • Should we start a mission-related podcast? – 9:08
  • Is it time to get a financial audit? Which kind? – 17:42
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s Nonprofit Everything podcast is sponsored by The LGBTQ Community Center of Southern Nevada, best known as The Center. For more than 25 years, The Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQIA+ individuals and those who are underserved in Nevada. The Center is a haven for all, welcoming and celebrating the diversity of our communities and helping empower people to live authentic lives. See thecenterlv.org for more information.

They’re Flying in from Cleveland?

Grants genius Beth Rubins explains the right way to fund overhead, and Stacey and Andy answer questions about how to select an audit firm and the bitter disappointment that is Amazon Smile.

Topics:
  • Amazon Smile
  • Buzzwords to use in a grant for funding overhead, with Beth Rubins
  • How to select an audit firm
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.

Did we mention the $20,000 board commitment?

This week, Andy reminisces about 80s glam rock, we find out the wrong time to talk about board giving, and Stacey shares her best teambuilding secret. We also discuss different kinds of audits and how to deal with a board member intent on ruining your retreat.