Author: Valerie F. Leonard
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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.
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What is Organizational Capacity, and Why Should You Care?
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When we speak of capacity, we are generally referring to organization’s potential to marshal their human, financial and other resources to effect positive change in the communities and clients they serve. Organizational capacity is impacted by a number of factors, including leadership, the organization’s stage of development and changes in…