Author: Valerie F. Leonard
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Master Grant Writing: Join Our All Systems Grow! Workshop
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All Systems Grow! Full Day Grant Writing And Management Workshop I wanted to take a moment to invite you and/or a member of your staff, or a grantee(s), to register […]
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Don’t File Your Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation Online
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Whatever you do, don’t file your nonprofit articles of incorporation online. While the convenience of filing online might seem appealing, there are several compelling reasons to consider the traditional route […]
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Unlock the Hidden Potential of IRS Form 990
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When you hear “IRS Form 990,” what do you think about? Things like financial reporting, audits, and compliance, right? Let me ask another question: How often do you read your […]
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Building a Strong Nonprofit Board: Key Qualities and Common Pitfalls in Selecting Effective Leaders
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It is very true that the strength of an organization depends on leadership capabilities of the board and executive staff. Regardless of how skilled the employees or membership, the organization […]
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Just Checking: What You Need to Do Right Now to Make Sure Your Nonprofit Is In Compliance
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Did you know that tax-exempt organizations are 2 times more likely than tax payers to be late with filing annual returns with the IRS? According to the IRS, there are […]
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North Lawndale TIFs
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Here is a blast from the past–a link to the North Lawndale TIFs website. The late Terrance Harrington and I developed this back in 2011 to track the performance of […]
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What Would You Do If…? A Youth Development Case Study
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You are the newly-hired executive director of a community-based youth agency with a budget of $350,000. In this capacity, you would have 8 employees, including an administrative assistant, 2 program […]
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13 Common Reasons the IRS Says “No” to Applications For Tax-Exempt Status
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There are a number of reasons organizations are not successful in receiving tax exempt status on the first try. I am sharing 13 reasons, based on the IRS’ recommendations for […]
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Look Before You Leap: 5 Things You Need to Do Before Joining That Board of Directors
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You have just been invited to join a board of directors of one of the hottest local nonprofits in the city. What should you do before accepting?
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Assess Your Organization’s Capacity in 7 Areas
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Nonprofits should have a well-documented track record in developing programs that have a meaningful impact upon the community and the clients served; the ability to exercise good stewardship over financial and human resources; the ability to manage relationships among various community constituencies; and the ability to respond to change.
