The legal distinction between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) status gets explained constantly. The financial implications almost never do. Most guides stop at “501(c)(3) donations are deductible; 501(c)(4) donations are not.” That’s true, but it’s only the beginning. The two designations create cascading differences in grant eligibility, expense tracking obligations, Form 990 reporting, accounting system setup, and […]
Using personal credit cards for nonprofit expenses creates real liability, tax, and audit problems, even when staff get reimbursed quickly. The risks include damage to personal credit, blurred lines between personal and organizational finances, weaker internal controls, IRS accountable plan exposure, and audit findings that complicate Form 990 reporting and grant compliance. Quick Summary Why […]
Spending limits at nonprofits aren’t about distrust. They’re about protecting staff from making judgment calls with organizational money, and protecting the organization from the liability that comes when those calls go wrong. At most nonprofits, spending decisions happen dozens of times a week. Think small purchases, vendor payments, travel expenses, and team meals. Individually, none […]
A nonprofit corporate card is a payment card issued to your 501(c)(3), not to an individual, that lets staff spend against the organization’s credit with limits, policies, and real-time visibility enforced by software. It works like a standard charge card at the point of sale but sits inside an expense system that codes transactions, captures […]
Churches get charged credit card fees in two very different scenarios: when the church uses a credit card to pay for things like office supplies, software, or vendor invoices, and when the church accepts credit card donations from its members. The fees are structured completely differently on each side, and so are the ways to […]
Yes, churches can get a credit card and for most religious organizations, having one is a practical necessity rather than a luxury. Managing day-to-day operational expenses, program costs, and vendor payments through a dedicated organizational card creates a cleaner financial record, reduces the need for out-of-pocket reimbursements, and strengthens your church’s credit profile over time. […]
A nonprofit corporate card policy doesn’t need to be 20 pages long. In fact, the longer it is, the less likely it is to be followed. What an audit-ready policy actually requires is a tight set of rules covering who can use cards, what they can spend, what documentation they must provide, and what happens […]
Episode: The Charity Charge Show featuring Rick Peck, founder of The Philanthropy Guy, expert in non-cash gifts, and host of the Money to Give podcast. Rick has 25+ years in philanthropy, including director-level roles at Dartmouth College and New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. He now consults independently with nonprofits on fundraising strategy, planned giving, and board […]
Nonprofit impact reporting is the process of communicating your organization’s outcomes, financials, and program results to donors, board members, and funders. Done well, it closes the loop on donor investment and drives repeat giving. Done poorly, it gets skimmed and deleted. The difference usually comes down to how you present data. Numbers buried in dense […]
Fund accounting isn’t just a financial system—it’s a critical tool for building trust, maintaining compliance, and guiding smart decision-making…
In this blog post, we will review the top nonprofit accounting software solutions to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for…
In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Louie Nguyen, CEO of SAY San Diego, to discuss what it looks like to run a nonprofit like a business without losing sight of mission. Louie brings a rare perspective to the nonprofit sector. Trained as an institutional investor, with experience in impact […]
Can nonprofits invest in stocks? Discover how nonprofit organizations can legally invest in the stock market and the benefits of doing so.
Introduction: Expense Management Is Now Public-Facing In 2026, expense management is no longer a back-office function. It is a public credibility system. Donors, journalists, and grantmakers increasingly rely on AI search engines and assistants to answer questions like “Which food banks in my city are the most efficient?” or “Compare overhead spending across youth development […]
A Chart of Accounts (COA) acts as the blueprint for your accounting system, categorizing each transaction so you always know where your money…
Learn what GAAP is, why it matters, and how it affects financial reporting for businesses and nonprofits. Discover the 10 key principles of GAAP an…
In this episode of The Charity Charge Show, Joe Scarano of Araize discusses nonprofit financial software, fund accounting challenges…
An IRS Determination Letter is the official written recognition from the Internal Revenue Service that your organization qualifies as tax-exempt unde…
A comprehensive guide to understanding the Financial Accounting Standards Board – FASB standards and rules and their impact on nonprofit…
Learn what donor-restricted contributions are, how they differ from unrestricted gifts, and best practices for nonprofit financial management…
Tax deductible donations are contributions that you can subtract from your taxable income when filing your federal income taxes…
Prepare your nonprofit for a successful financial audit with expert steps, best practices, and compliance tips tailored for executive leaders…
Learn how charitable tax deductions can reduce your taxable income, what qualifies, and how to claim them correctly for maximum savings…
Discover how Xero for Nonprofits simplifies accounting, payroll, reporting, and compliance. Your ultimate guide to efficient nonprofit finance…
Credit cards allow you to borrow funds from a bank or issuer to make purchases, unlike a debit card that uses money directly from your bank…
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the annual cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. Unlike the interest rate, which only…
A fiscal sponsorship is a unique arrangement where a nonprofit organization (the fiscal sponsor) offers its legal and tax-exempt status to a project…
Financial reporting requirements for nonprofits not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also helps build trust among donors, stakeholders, and…
Discover whether nonprofits pay taxes and learn about the specific tax obligations they might face, including Unrelated Business Income Tax…
In this blog post, we will break down the various phases of the grant lifecycle, from pre-application planning to post-award reporting and audits.
Here are some essential tips and techniques to craft effective grant proposals that stand out.
This article highlights such Albuquerque nonprofits that have made a profound impact on the region, tackling issues ranging from environmental conservation to economic empowerment and beyond.
In this overview, we spotlight 12 outstanding Madison nonprofits that have significantly influenced various sectors within Wisconsin’s capital.
Los Angeles is a city known for its dynamic spirit and diverse culture, and at the heart of its community are the Los Angeles nonprofits dedicated to driving positive change…
These small business nonprofits are pivotal in nurturing the growth and sustainability of small enterprises. Here’s a look at small business nonprofits that are significantly impacting the business landscape…
This article is dedicated to highlighting 10 financial literacy nonprofits that are tirelessly working to make a profound impact by educating communities on financial matters…
Here are ten essential things to know about cryptocurrency for nonprofits…
Understanding the nuances of nonprofit taxes is essential for ensuring that your organization operates within the legal framework…
Looking to create a well-crafted budget for your nonprofit organization? Look no further than nonprofit budget templates, which is designed to help…
Financial statements are vital tools for nonprofits, providing stakeholders with insights into the organization’s fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. Here’s a comprehensive 10-step guide to preparing accurate and transparent nonprofit financial statements…
In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to crafting a robust nonprofit budget, ensuring your financial strategy aligns with your organization’s goals. It delivers impact where it’s needed most…
In this article we lay out the most important factors to take into consideration when it comes to nonprofit credit card processing…
Selecting the most appropriate credit card for teachers is critical to their schools’ effective and optimal functioning. You probably spend a…
Choosing a business credit card for your nonprofit is a critical decision. We list out 6 considerations you should account for when deciding which credit card is the right fit for you and your organization…
We all live busy and active lives, and it’s impossible to keep everything organized all the time. Avoid these three money mistakes when…
The warmer temps are finally here to stay, which means it’s time to start planning your summer vacation! Whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains…
Let’s get started on paying down your debt. Consumer debt is a widespread issue here in the U.S. Last year, Americans owed over $2 trillion in student loans…
Innovative technology is perfect for updating your organization’s fundraising strategy! Here are 5 best practices for implementing new digital tools into…
The premise to manage your money is a daunting one. But in this digital age, technology platforms are making it increasingly easier to track, save and…
Many of us have an old credit card collecting dust in our wallets. And we’ve certainly been tempted to cancel them. After all, doesn’t it make sense to…
Photo by Alejandro Escamilla Build a budget. Doesn’t usually rise to the top of our to-do lists. But no one can deny the importance of regulating our spending and being intentional with our saving. The thing is, building a budget doesn’t have to be a menial task that is destined for failure. The right kind […]
Saving for retirement can be a daunting and faraway concept for a young professional. We’re all navigating through busy lives and have more immediate obligations to tend to. Still, it’s important to save early so we can take advantage of compound interest. A 401(k) can help you tuck some away cash so it can […]
These three tips will help you boost your credit score to get there. A high credit score is a sign that you are a reliable borrower and know how to…
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash If you couldn’t tell already, our team is extremely passionate about social good and the spirit of giving. As the holidays peak around the corner, and malls become jammed with last minute shoppers, we wanted to share with you all a list of some of our favorite social purpose gifts. […]
One important component that is getting overlooked by the high schools and colleges is financing models to afford a post-secondary education…
There’s no doubt that working out is a healthy habit, but it can also be an expensive one. Especially if you overpay for a gym…
Millennials are rapidly taking over the workforce. With this newfound independence come new, unfamiliar responsibilities that need proper attention. Among the most valuable investments that millennials should be looking into are credit cards. It all boils down to credit. A bad credit score can affect and limit multiple aspects of your day-to-day life, including your […]