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:

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.
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.
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.

Testimonials

Working with Marshal Whittey at First Nonprofit has been a great experience. He handles our request as a priority and goes above and beyond to resolve any issues we have in a timely manner. Marshall follows through to the end and ensures our needs are met. He has been a great resource for LSC and our “go to” for any tax questions we may have. With LSC transitioning several facilities into one federal tax identification number, First Nonprofit was able to assist and provide guidance with best practices resolving claims to each entity. Additionally First Nonprofit provided knowledge (information materials) and one on one training to HRS group with best practices to handle claims state adjudicated, fraudulent claims, and appeals. And processing information in the First Nonprofit [unemployment claims] system allows for timely information can be collected.

Lutheran Services Carolinas, Salisbury, NC

My experience with FNP has been wonderful. Unemployment in general is quite confusing and FNP has simplified the process for us. Everyone we have reached out to or worked with has been very helpful and follows up to be sure we understand the information. I am so happy we made the switch to FNP!

Stone Valley Community Charter School, Huntingdon, PA

First Nonprofit smoothed the unemployment perils for our organization during Covid. Without the ability to cap our UI exposure, we would not have been able to weather the storm. The program worked perfectly and we have come out of the pandemic ready to forge on. Thanks FNP!

Jewish Silicon Valley, Los Gatos, CA

My experience with the FNP has been fantastic. The idea of setting funds aside for the unemployment tax liability is a bedrock for nonprofit organizations like mine, namely ASHBA; what is even more advantageous is having the FNP as a custodian of those funds. 100% recommended!

American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association, Inc., Lexington, KY

I would like to comment on my experience with FNP….to date our District has saved $1,000’s of dollars by being enrolled in the First Nonprofit program. My only regret is that we did not know about this method of paying unemployment tax years ago….as I had figured about five years

ago, had we enrolled 15-20 years ago, we could have saved our small school district upwards of $500,000 in payments to IDES. Also we would have had a pretty hefty sum of money in our Reserve Account. Thankfully I attended a workshop hosted by First Nonprofit back in 2015 which got the ball rolling!

Beardstown Community Unit School District 15, Beardstown, IL

I have worked with the First Non-Profit Team for many years, and I appreciate the quick response and care that Cecilia and the team provides anytime I have questions. While there are other providers that may provide like services, First Nonprofit will always be my first choice! I appreciate you!

Innovative Services, Inc., Green Bay, WI

First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!

3 important considerations for any nonprofit