Articles & Other Writings

UPMIFA and Real Life: A Case Example

The Uniform Prudent  Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), now enacted in all but two  states, has created a new landscape for the administration of charitable  endowments. In this contribution to The Planned Giving Design Center, Dennis  discusses how planned giving professionals and those advising them should be  familiar with UPMIFA provisions and consider
its implications when designing new  gift agreements.

Get the Most Value from Your Audit

Audits are expensive in terms of money, staff time, and board attention.  In this Blue Avocado article we discuss how to wring the most value from them.

Partnership Interests Aren't Simple Gifts for Charities

Partnership interests (including interests in limited liability entities treated as a partnership) represent a potentially valuable gift to charities and private foundations, but with greater potential complications than gifts of stock.  In this February 2011 contribution to the Journal of Accountancy, Dennis offers a helpful checklist of issues for nonprofits and planners to consider when contemplating this type of transfer.

Navigating the Charitable Transfer of a Partnership Interest: A Planner’s Guide

For an individual holding an interest in a business or investment entity taxed as a partnership, a charitable transfer can create an attractive planning opportunity while providing welcome support to a favored charity.  In this January 2011 article written for the Planned Giving Design Center, Dennis provides a concise overview of the issues surrounding charitable transfers of these entities and what donors, nonprofit development staff, and gift planners should know.

Nonprofit Bookkeeping Test

If you're not an accountant yourself, it can be hard to hire a qualified bookkeeper.  How can you tell if an applicant really knows bookkeeping?  Dennis created this 21-question assessment test.  It samples from general bookkeeping knowledge as well as nonprofit bookkeeping and compliance matters.  Use it as part of your hiring toolkit as well as for identifying staff training needs.  Take it yourself  and see how you do.


Treasurers of All-Volunteer Organizations

Eight Key Responsibilities. More than half of the nonprofits in the United States are estimated to be all-volunteer organizations. Here is a succinct guide for the 600,000+ treasures of such organizations.
 
Seven Ways to Reduce Your Audit Costs

Too many of us think of audit costs as an expense to suffer, not to manage. 
In this September 2009 article appearing in Blue Avocado, Dennis tells us differently.

New 990 Software Release:  Is It Enough?

In July 2009, the National Center for Charitable Statistics at the Urban Institute released a new version of its “990 Online” software to support the redesigned IRS Form 990.  Dennis discusses the compliance challenge faced by many small nonprofits and how 990 Online has come to the rescue.

Tracking Volunteer Time to Boost Your Bottom Line

A Complete Accounting Guide Tracking volunteer time:  sounds like another chore?  Actually it can help you meet match requirements, improve your financial statement presentations, and reduce liability.  In this March 2009 Blue Avocado article, Dennis explains why and how to include volunteer time in your budgets and financials.

Thinking about starting a nonprofit?
“Forming a North Carolina Nonprofit – Process Overview,” revised January, 2010, will give you an overview of what’s involved and some important things to consider before you take the plunge, along with some great resources for planning and administration.