I recently helped host Green Hasson Janks’ 2018 Nonprofit Conference: The Future of Nonprofit Innovation and Technology. As a board member of two nonprofit organizations, Hillsides and Executive Service Corps Los Angeles, the conference had very useful information that can be shared with my boards. [...]
With today’s current Information Technology (IT) environment, data breaches and cyberattacks should no longer be an afterthought. Nonprofit organizations both large and small generate and manage large volumes of important information electronically and IT Security is essential to an organizations [...]
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, the new financial statement presentation for nonprofit (NP) entities, will become effective for many NPs this year (calendar year-ends) or in the following year (fiscal year-ends). What are the most important changes that our clients should be aware of and [...]
In our last nonprofit blog “Risk Management for Nonprofits – How to Not Make the News,” Yulia Murzaeva noted seven commonly identified risk exposures that nonprofits are continuously faced with and should assess as part of their risk management strategy. This post will take a deeper dive into one [...]
San Diego Workforce Partnership, a San Diego nonprofit agency funded primarily by government grants, recently made the news when its former facilities manager was convicted of embezzling over $450,000 from the nonprofit over the course of five years. The facilities manager was responsible for [...]
Originally published in Notations on Non-Profits Without fundraising, most nonprofits would cease to exist. However, BoardSource’s 2017 Leading with Intent report once again had fundraising performance as one of the top three most important areas needing improved Board performance. There is no [...]
Originally printed in February 2018 issue of Los Angeles Business Journal The 2017 Tax Reform Act that was passed on December 22, 2017 has significant changes that impact tax exempt organizations. As trusted advisors serving more than 100 nonprofit clients, Green Hasson Janks has highlighted [...]
The proposed tax legislation will certainly have a significant impact on individuals and business entities. Some of the changes may also have some unintended consequences for exempt organizations, primarily 501(c)(3) organizations. Below are some highlights that were covered at the Western [...]
Excerpt from the Green Hasson Janks Nonprofit Whitepaper, The Give and The Get: The Future of Philanthropy. Most important is to have the right board make-up. A successful board needs wide diversity of skills among its members, both in their backgrounds and in their experience. This variety will [...]
In our recently released whitepaper, The Give and The Get: The Future of Philanthropy, we noted that many nonprofits are now investing funds in a way that promotes equity. These investments are made with the intent to generate a measurable, beneficial social or environmental impact alongside a [...]
This year I attended the The American Institute of CPAs Not-For-Profit Industry Conference in Washington D.C. I reported back on some key takeaways from the conference during our annual accounting and tax update on July 19. I also find it important to share insights from my conversation with Eliz [...]
Many tax-exempt organizations invest frequently in foreign alternative investments (e.g., hedge, private equity, real estate and venture capital funds). When investing into such funds, these tax-exempt organizations’ primary tax concern is generally to mitigate their risk of Unrelated Business [...]
On August 3, 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU) intended to clarify and improve the scope and accounting guidance for contributions received and contributions made, primarily as it relates to not-for-profit entities (NFPs). The [...]
By: Christian Tom What laws govern the ownership of artistic work? There have been numerous cases brought to court in the past few decades regarding the subject of legal title of artwork. One of the most famous and public cases was the Republic of Austria v. Altmann, in which the plaintiff, Maria [...]
It can be challenging for exempt organizations to keep track of all the requirements needed in order to maintain their tax exempt status. There are a vast number of topics that exempt organizations should be aware of such as annual filing requirements, unrelated business income, car donation [...]
On the heels of statements made earlier this year regarding the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, President Donald Trump today signed an executive order that allows churches and other religious organizations to become more active politically. It also provides regulatory relief for organizations that [...]
By: Sunil Patel (Tax Supervising Senior) and Jason Booth (Tax Principal) Many tax-exempt organizations invest frequently in foreign alternative investments (e.g., hedge, private equity, real estate and venture capital funds). When investing into such funds, these tax-exempt organizations’ primary [...]
There are several nonprofit organizations in the United States with missions aimed at assisting refugees. These nonprofits provide direct assistance, such as food and clothing, to individuals who are currently living in a foreign country, or help refugees that have recently arrived in the U.S. find [...]
Private foundations enjoy the benefit of being tax exempt but often face more restrictions and scrutiny than public charities. Green Hasson Janks Principal Lauren Haverlock takes an in-depth look at one of the most rigid restrictions for private foundations – self dealing. Click here to download [...]
In our previous blog, No Strings Attached, we discussed the importance of unrestricted general operating support from grant makers. However, general operating support may not be the best – or only way – to assist every grantee organization. Instead of, or in addition to a grant, program-related [...]
There have been numerous discussions about the economic pros and cons of a phased-in $15 wage floor but not that many around the practical application, so I thought I’d share a recent situation I encountered. Background: On January 1, 2017, the minimum wage in California increased to $10.50 per [...]
It is a rare feat when two nonprofit organizations are able to come together and join resources to increase the collective impact they have in the community. It is just as rare to have enough donor contributions that allow them to do so. The amount of time, work, and of course, due diligence, that [...]
By: Margaret Karren The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) with the goal of simplifying and improving the not-for-profit reporting of net asset classifications, liquidity information, financial performance and cash flows. Net Asset Classes: [...]
By: Blair Howard (Intern, Green Hasson Janks) and Lauren Haverlock (Principal, Green Hasson Janks) Managing executive compensation for the highest paid executives in any company can be difficult, but it becomes much more complex when discussing tax-exempt organizations. Not only must a nonprofit [...]
By: Anthony Perez Return on investment (or ROI) is no doubt a key metric (and usually the only metric that matters) to business investors. As an outsider to a company, an investor hands over his surplus cash to the owners of that company in the hopes that he will get something greater in return. A [...]
By: Diane Hernandez The record-setting stock market performance and increase in housing prices has enabled the United States economy to grow largely in recent years. This underlying trend, and an increase in a much larger diverse and intellectual population, has given rise to the financial health [...]
By: Justin Wedell (guest blogger, Nonprofit Empowerment Program, Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation) For anyone even tangentially involved in the world of nonprofits, doing more with less has probably been a common motif throughout your experience. To be fair, there’s nothing wrong with efficiency [...]
By: Judy Bamberger (Guest Blogger, Encore Fellows Program Manager, Social Venture Partners) Over the next decade, the population over age 65 will increase dramatically from 10 percent to 25 percent. How can society take advantage of these extensive skills, knowledge and life experiences? In [...]
Volunteers are an integral part of the nonprofit world. Most nonprofits can’t operate without their volunteers. Not only do they provide their time and skills to help support your cause at no cost, but volunteers are ten times more likely to donate to your organization. The more volunteers and the [...]
By Lauren Haverlock In the middle of this unusually seasonable California winter, a little heat might be welcome. But we would probably prefer that it come from somewhere besides the California Attorney General. As of Jan. 1, 2016, the AG’s Office finalized amendments to regulations that clarify [...]
By: Karen Baker (Chief Service Officer, State of California and CaliforniaVolunteers) Volunteers are a great resource of additional people that can help a nonprofit fulfill its mission — they represent time, talent, and treasure. When I recently spoke at the Green Hasson Janks 2015 Nonprofit [...]
With long-term sustainability in mind, Northern California Grantmakers, San Diego Grantmakers and Southern California Grantmakers recently announced the launch of a new joint initiative – The Real Cost Project – to increase the impact of philanthropy across California. “Real cost” is all the [...]
By: Ritchie Geisel (Guest blogger, Bienvenidos Children’s Center) Southern California nonprofit social service agencies have faced many challenges in recent years, beginning with funding cuts resulting from the Great Recession and California’s budget crisis — many of which have yet to be restored. [...]
At our recent 2015 Nonprofit Conference we decided to do things a little differently and scheduled two concurrent breakout sessions. I had the pleasure of attending the Messaging and Storytelling for Impact Giving workshop and introducing the presenter, Terrence McNally, a strategic communications [...]
By Jennifer Shen (Partner and Co-Founder, Blue Garnet) How many times have you heard the word “impact” or “outcomes” this week? We’re betting quite a few — we’d even say they’re buzzwords of the year. In fact, at the recent 2015 Green Hasson Janks Nonprofit Conference, the discussion touched on [...]
By: Diane Hernandez (Associate, Green Hasson Janks) The Green Hasson Janks 2015 Nonprofit Conference was a huge success, thanks to the knowledge and insights shared by each of the panelists and guest speakers. The theme this year was “The nonprofit leaders’ journey from ordinary to extraordinary: [...]
At our nonprofit conference last week, themed “The nonprofit leaders’ journey from ordinary to extraordinary: Tell me something I don’t know,” Pegine Grayson, vice president of Philanthropic Services at Whittier Trust, was one of our panelists. After the conference I asked Pegine if I could [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson I am taking this opportunity to pass on information gleaned from the Nonprofit Law Prof blog dated July 13, 2015. It is reassuring to know that, even during contentious times at the beginning of a presidential-election campaign, bipartisanship still exists. This particular blog [...]
By Margaret Karren On April 22 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an exposure draft which would significantly change the existing not-for-profit financial reporting model. Comments are due by August 20, 2015. I decided to try making a comment to see how the process worked. I [...]
And By: Andrew Bird (Marketing and Communications Consultant) (Excerpt from their book, Putting the Profit in Nonprofit! 5 Power Success Strategies for Nonprofits) Donors can’t give you money if they don’t understand who you are and who you help. They also can’t give you money if YOU can’t [...]
By Margaret Karren The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued an exposure draft for the presentation of financial statements of not-for-profit entities. The comment period ends on August 20, 2015, public roundtables will occur in September and October 2015, and the FASB board [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson (principal at Green Hasson Janks) For those who were able to attend the Green Hasson Janks Annual Nonprofit Accounting and Tax Update Workshop last week, you heard me talk about the Form 990, as well as other developments, and received a copy of this blog in your folder. For [...]
In my last blog posting I mentioned reading BoardSource’s 2015 Leading with Intent. The report is a comprehensive review of nonprofit board practices, policies and performance and builds on data that BoardSource has collected and analyzed for over 20 years. One of the takeaways for me was that [...]
By: Anthony Perez I’ve worked as an auditor for over seven years and have specialized in working with nonprofit organizations. I’ve moved up from a staff auditor who vouched checks and invoices to a senior auditor who reviewed a multitude of contracts and grants and now to a manager presenting [...]
As a new Board Chair, I’ve been reading BoardSource’s 2015 Leading with Intent with interest. The report is a comprehensive review of nonprofit Board practices, policies and performance, building on data that BoardSource has collected and analyzed for over 20 years. Now that I’m chairing Board [...]
By: Larry Kaplan, Nonprofit Consultant, Larry Kaplan Consulting Last month, I was featured in Green Hasson Janks' panel discussion on marketing your nonprofit to donors. Some of you might wonder why an advocacy specialist would be on a panel about marketing and fundraising. Simple – advocacy is [...]
By: Laurel Mintz, Founder & CEO, Elevate My Brand Social media is a necessary evil that is here to stay. There is no longer an argument that can be made especially for nonprofits that they can eschew this critical medium of communication with their staff, volunteers and donors. The [...]
By: Laurel Mintz, Founder & CEO, Elevate My Brand As a nonprofit you wear many many hats. Some hats are organizational, some hats are fundraising. The one hat that is usually missing or terribly frayed is marketing. As discussed at Green Hasson Janks' December 2nd nonprofit workshop, [...]
By: Margaret Karren We had a lively panel discussion yesterday at our Green Hasson Janks Nonprofit Workshop on "Marketing Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations." The panel was moderated by our own Director of Marketing Kari Schott. The panel discussed ideas and best practices around marketing [...]
This past February, we kicked off our 2014 nonprofit workshop season with a panel discussion on Board governance – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Path to a High-Performing Board. One of the questions we heard from the audience was "Should our Board have a giving requirement, and if so, how [...]
Legislation to protect unpaid interns and volunteers from sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last week, on Sept. 9, 2014. The bill, AB 1443, expands current protections against sexual harassment and discrimination for employees to unpaid interns [...]
Last week I blogged about the new FAQs related to understanding and applying the new Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, otherwise known as the Supercircular. The AICPA’s Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC) has scheduled an event [...]
On Friday, August 29, 2014, the Council on Financial Assistance Reform (COFAR) released the second set of FAQs related to understanding and applying the new Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, otherwise known as the Supercircular. Over two [...]
Having a strategic plan is essential to ensure a nonprofit’s vision and mission are fulfilled. Not every plan is a strategic plan though, and too often strategic plans collect dust on a shelf, rather than being a living and breathing document. TCC Group’s "Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning [...]
The results of the first-ever statewide nonprofit economic and social impact study were shared last Friday at the CalNonprofits 2014 Policy Convention in Los Angeles. One finding that struck me was that Californians who responded to the individual perspectives part of the survey expressed slightly [...]
As many of you know, I serve on the Board of the Downtown Women’s Center, a wonderful organization committed to ending homelessness for women. At a Board meeting earlier this month, our CEO, Lisa Watson, shared some of the nonprofit trends she has been observing. One trend she noted was that the [...]
Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) released the results of its 2014 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey last week, and the findings are not surprising: The economic recovery is leaving behind many nonprofits and communities in need: 80% of respondents reported an increase in demand for services, the [...]
Fraud not only hurts a nonprofit organization financially, it hurts the people it serves and the community that supports it. Due to the negative publicity that can result, it is often kept quiet. But management and Boards of nonprofit organizations need to be aware of the risks and ensure [...]
One of the basic responsibilities of a Board is to ensure there are adequate financial resources for the organization to fulfill its mission. Striving for the desired three-to-six months of operating cash reserves is never easy, and we continue to see nonprofits struggle with limited cash [...]
By: Margaret Karren A Board self-assessment is a great tool to use to help improve your Board members' understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Boards that do an assessment are rated as being more effective. A good time to do this is before retreats or strategic planning meetings. An [...]
By: Margaret Karren I often hear Executive Directors say that they have board members who aren’t living up to their expectations or they are having trouble recruiting new members. If this sounds like your organization consider forming a Governance Committee. The core responsibilities of this [...]
By: Pratish Patel On Tuesday, February 18, I had the privilege of attending the workshop “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Path to a High-Performing Board,” which was hosted by my very own firm Green Hasson Janks. I am an Audit Associate at Green Hasson Janks and have been with the firm for just [...]
Yesterday’s panel discussion on best Board practices explored some interesting ideas around Board engagement and fundraising. We will continue the discussion through upcoming blog postings. A few tips for making Board meetings more effective were mentioned yesterday, and as a reminder: The most [...]
On Tuesday, February 18, we will kick off the first of our quarterly nonprofit workshop series for 2014 with " The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: The Path to a High-Performing Board," which will include a panel discussion on best Board practices. Why is an effective Board so critical? Well, in the [...]
Last April, I blogged about the value of volunteers from a financial statement standpoint, and there is no doubt that volunteer engagement is crucial to most nonprofit organizations. Volunteers increase capacity, are cost effective and extend a nonprofit’s reach by getting the word out, engaging [...]
At a recent Finance Committee meeting of one of my clients, a question was raised about appropriate check signing levels. While every organization is different, the following three part signing resolution can be considered a guide for medium-sized organizations: Up to $10,000, any one officer or [...]
Yesterday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released for public inspection the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The intention of this 758 page document is to streamline Federal grants rules and procedures. The new [...]
Nonprofit organizations inherently have less funding and resources to build a bulletproof internal control system. Therefore, the management team should look for less expensive ways to monitor the effectiveness of its control environment, especially now that more and more data resides and transfers [...]
With most of us looking forward to a day of over-indulgence with friends and family at the dinner table tomorrow, there are many who will be visiting community kitchens and missions for a donated meal, or sadly, even going hungry. On November 1, 2013, food stamp benefits were cut to more than 47 [...]
Last night, I attended Social Venture Partners’ Fast Pitch event at the California Science Center. This is the culmination of a two-month training and mentoring program for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in Los Angeles County. At last night’s competition, each of the 10 [...]
As another week closes on the Government shutdown, we reflect on the impact felt so far by our nonprofit clients: Social Security and Medicare Benefits – these continue to be paid out, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications if the shutdown continues. Unemployment [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA’s recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA’s recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA’s recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA’s recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA’s recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA’s recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA's recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
During our August nonprofit workshop, our nonprofit team shared the latest in accounting and tax updates, as well as insights from AICPA's recently revised Audit & Accounting Guide for Not-for-Profit Entities. We posed various questions during our workshop and over the next few blog postings, [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson Former Commissioner of Internal Revenue Mark Everson met with a group of Green Hasson Janks clients and tax personnel on Wednesday August 7, 2013. Everson currently serves as the Vice Chairman of alliantgroup, a national tax consulting firm that works closely with businesses [...]
By: Margaret Karren While attending the 2013 AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference this past week in Washington D.C., I learned some interesting facts and statistics about employees committing fraud in the nonprofit sector. A typical fraud in a nonprofit organization is for $100,000. Billing [...]
California sales/use tax law can be complicating to most businesses and organizations that operate in the state. In particular, nonprofit organizations must deal with the taxability issues of retail sales and meals and entertainment while being aware of the limited exemptions for these entities [...]
By: Margaret Karren Anna Maria Chavez from the Girl Scouts of the USA kicked off the Not-For-Profit Conference as the keynote speaker. Her topic "The Full Slate - The Economic Imperative of Leveraging the Full Potential of Women in the Modern Workforce". Ms. Chavez spoke of the great history and [...]
Last week I blogged about the recent court ruling regarding interns and earlier in the year I blogged about the value of volunteers. The use of interns and volunteers by nonprofit organizations comes with legal risks, and it’s worthwhile to remember the 4 basic rules when working with volunteers: [...]
This week’s ruling in New York by a Federal judge that Fox Searchlight Pictures violated minimum wage and overtime laws by not paying interns should lead nonprofit organizations to reassess their policies for using interns. In the ruling, the judge held that Fox Searchlight Pictures should have [...]
The Role of the Audit Committee – A Refresher The Audit Committee, under the governing Board’s supervision, is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the hiring and firing of the independent CPA. The Audit Committee can negotiate the independent CPA’s compensation, on behalf of the [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson Many tax-exempt organizations are not aware of the fact that they may be entitled to claim credits for excise taxes paid for certain on-road and off-road vehicle use. For federal purposes, gasoline and aviation gasoline purchases may qualify for the credit. Ultimate purchasers [...]
I thought I’d share some key takeaways from a recent presentation I attended on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Most organizations have not… Determined the expected financial impact of health care reform Modeled scenarios to determine the cost-benefit of offering or not offering [...]
Volunteers increase capacity, are cost effective and extend a nonprofit’s reach. They have value, even though the value of their services may not meet the criteria for recognition in financial statements. The Independent Sector has released the new value of volunteer time - $22.14 per hour for [...]
Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) released the results of its 2013 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey last week, and the findings are not surprising: Need continues to rise, and it’s harder than ever to keep up – 52% of respondents were unable to meet demand over the last year Organizations are [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson I wanted to expand upon a topic that I covered during our last Nonprofit Workshop, on February 19th. The IRS has expanded upon it’s Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) for organizations wanting to reclassify workers as employees for future tax periods and has [...]
By Richard Ruvelson The California New Jobs Credit, initially effective for taxable years beginning after January 1, 2009 remains in effect and is available to tax-exempt employers with 20 or fewer employees. The $3,000 per qualified new employee credit is determined by comparing the number of [...]
Federal law requires every employer hiring an individual for employment in the United States to verify his or her identity and employment authorization through completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. 2012 saw a record number of Form I-9 audits and enforcement actions. U.S. [...]
Charity Navigator’s new ‘joint cost allocation adjustment’ is drawing criticism from many charities and nonprofit professionals, including accountants and auditors. A long-established accounting practice (embodied in FASB ASC 958-720) establishes guidelines for accounting for costs of activities [...]
By Margaret Karren Congratulations to Faye Washington of YWCA Greater Los Angeles. Ms. Washington was named as a Southern California Champion on the PBS airing of “Makers: Women Who Make America”. Check out this link to share in Ms. Washington’s vision and see her great accomplishment of the [...]
BoardSource has recently released its 2012 Nonprofit Governance Index. The Governance Index is a national survey of nonprofit chief executives and board chairs. It identifies trends in board composition, policies and practices, and provides a view of the various challenges nonprofit boards are [...]
By: Margaret Karren After much talk during 2012, there is hope for reform of A-133 audits. The proposed changes will increase the efficiency and eliminate unnecessary requirements. OMB Proposed Guidance On January 31, 2013, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued for a 90 day comment [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson While many tax-exempt organizations have been concerned about the provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, there are some other tax “reporting” issues that I want to remind tax-exempt organizations to consider over the next few weeks. Form 990 Since the 2012 [...]
By: Richard Ruvelson Happy Super Bowl weekend! This is the inaugural issue of our Green Hasson Janks Nonprofit Tax Blog and I want to start out by saying how happy I am to be back in Southern California after 14 years and am enjoying the relatively warm weather. Although we had a cold spell [...]
Opportunity Zones in California
August 22, 2018
Loan-Out Company: Can I Benefit From This?
August 10, 2017
August 28, 2018
Blockchain Investing in Media and Entertainment
August 30, 2018
