May 13, 2013
Record-keepers at nonprofit organizations have a lot to track of on a daily basis; donations, fixed expenses and salaries are just a few things they have to juggle while also looking into financial forecasting for the next six to 12 months. Keeping this in mind, it may be smart to use a records management program to help reduce risks.
A new study from Canon Business Process Services, a provider of managed services and technology, showed only 15 percent of executives surveyed said their organization has implemented a risk assessment to determine appropriate retention periods for their records. Failing to have a strategy for records retention could make an organization vulnerable to litigation or miss out on untapped opportunities.
"Whatever records management strategy an organization adopts, the goals should be clear," said Elizabeth Halaki, chief marketing officer at Canon Business Process Services. "Our current and previous surveys indicate that companies want their records programs to help mitigate compliance risk, leverage proven technology and better control their information assets."
Records management strategies must improve
Thirty-eight percent of respondents admitted to not conducting a needs assessments that could help solve problems for the organization, but these initiatives are the only thing that could help with records management. The days when nonprofits keep books by hand are coming to an end, and organizations are using digital processes instead.
One place where records can be stored is the email inbox of record-keepers, giving them quick access to the information they need, while also providing the opportunity to log on from anywhere. Email can be a permanent record, and nonprofits decision-makers can create folders for their messages much like they would a filing cabinet, if security measures are in place. By learning how to better keep records, nonprofits won't be scrambling come audit time.
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Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.
The Ensight Skills Center has enjoyed working with First Nonprofit for several years. We are enrolled in their Unemployment Savings Program and although we have not required a lot of intervention, there have been a few times. I know others have dealt with the same problem of unemployment fraud over the last year and in our case, a call to First Nonprofit (they actually answer their phones) cleared up the issue. They also sent us a letter to send to all our employees telling them what they needed to do to prevent this in the future and protect themselves. What a relief! Over the years if I have questions or concerns, they are happy to listen, advise and help if they can. Another BIG advantage of using First Nonprofit is that all the money that is paid into the Unemployment Savings Program lives on my balance sheet as an asset. The money continues to be Ensight’s not the governments. First Nonprofit has certainly given me peace of mind.
In addition to their money-saving purpose on behalf of nonprofit organizations like AHS, First Nonprofit’s Nonprofit Unemployment Fund streamlines the information we need to efficiently manage unemployment claims. Our relationship with NU Fund gave us access to such things as advice on planning for what’s ahead and how to analyze cost scenarios when unexpected events occurred. Both experiences were very helpful.
We have had a great experience with FNP. During Covid, when there was the chance that reimbursable nonprofits would have to pay 50% of the unemployment costs, FNP went to bat for us. We would receive weekly information on the Unemployment claim and how they were working to reduce the costs to reimbursable nonprofits. They have a great service also working with [our claims administrator] to make sure all the paperwork is completed correctly for any unemployment claim.
PORT Health Services has had a great experience with the Unemployment Savings Program offered through First Nonprofit. Throughout the years we have been involved in the program, we have increased our reserve account significantly through this program and find the reporting we receive both timely and useful. We look forward to our continued involvement with this program and our connection with First Nonprofit for many years to come.
Job One was spending a lot of money on unemployment. Our insurance broker, Mark Simcosky, recommended that we switch over to First Nonprofit. We did just that! This switch has been a huge savings for us! This switch saved us over $10,000 in the first year. Their customer service is Superior! Any time we have a question, we get a response very quickly. Any time we send them a report and they have a question; they call rather than just assuming. They were very responsive during COVID, even when they were in crisis mode their selves. They also were always there when we needed during COVID and very helpful! We would 1,000% recommend First Nonprofit to anybody that could benefit from it!
My experience with FNP has always been positive. Every time I have had to contact them, I’m always put in contact with a friendly and knowledgeable person. If something is missing from our account, they reach out to us to request it. It’s nice to work with a company that makes sure our account is current. I would recommend them to any nonprofit looking to reduce their unemployment insurance costs.
We’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars PER YEAR by changing to become a reimbursing employer, freeing funds for much needed capital investment. FNP has been a valued partner in this process, providing assurance that we have stopgap coverage for extraordinary claims and keeping claims response painless and simple. It’s a huge Win/Win!