3 important considerations for any nonprofit

June 19, 2014

3 important considerations for any nonprofit

Asking questions that reveal the technical details of operations, as well as the attitudes and ideas of employees and volunteers, can help nonprofits become more effective at fulfilling their missions. By reconsidering the usefulness of certain programs, outreach materials and fundraising efforts, charitable organizations can trim the fat from operations and put themselves in a better position to further their missions. By adapting an inquisitive mentality, organizations can challenge long-held perceptions – not to intentionally disrupt operations, but to make sure their methods are still valid.

Here are three big questions nonprofits can ask themselves to stay agile and focused:

  1. What progress has been made? MarketingProfs highlighted this question as one nonprofits need to ask themselves on a regular basis. By measuring the development of fundraising efforts and programs, charitable organizations are better able to understand where their strengths and weaknesses lie. Achieving a balance between contributions and program effectiveness, while also considering volunteer involvement and staff members' professional development, can help managers better understand where to focus resources. MarketingProfs suggests having explicit goals written down that can be compared to actual progress on a regular basis, be it monthly or quarterly. The important part is to chart these measurements over an extended period of time.
  2. Are we prioritizing the right approaches? There are plenty of low- or no-cost avenues that nonprofits can pursue to raise money, attract volunteers and develop awareness of their causes. However, charitable groups also need to make sure they're using the most effective paths and methods to reach their goals. Spreading employee responsibilities too thin or using too many different channels to try to attract donations can negatively impact overall effectiveness. By determining which non-essential activities are providing the least return on investment, nonprofits can better focus their efforts.
  3. Are extraneous expenses being reviewed and reduced? Getting rid of unnecessary costs allows more money to flow into programs or the hiring and retention of staff. Nonprofits can avoid the often unpredictable and onerous costs of state unemployment insurance (SUI) taxes by electing to become reimbursing employers. By matching unemployment claims on a dollar-for-dollar basis, organizations will have better financial control. However, nonprofits still need to account for spikes in unemployment. Using an Unemployment Savings Program or Bonded Service Program helps charitable groups prepare for jobless claims without having to surrender budgeted funds to pay unemployment taxes.

For information on how your organization can cost-effectively meet its unemployment insurance needs, contact First Nonprofit Group at FNCUI@firstnonprofit.com or visit www.firstnonprofitgroup.com.

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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.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

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.

Ensight Skills Center, Inc, Fort Collins, CO

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.

Asian Health Services, Oakland, CA

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.

ACLA Libraries, Pittsburgh, PA

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.

PORT Health Services, Greenville, NC

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!

Job One, Independence, MO

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.

Family Counseling Center, Gloversville, NY

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!

NC UM Camp & Retreat Center, Garner, NC