Starting and Running a Nonprofit

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the roles expected of nonprofits in society.
• Specify how nonprofits measure their success.
• Describe the different types of nonprofits.
• Identify the stages of the nonprofit lifecycle.
• Specify the legal structures most commonly used by nonprofits.
• Identify the contents of nonprofit articles of incorporation and bylaws.
• Recall the types of tax forms filed by nonprofits in the United States, and the consequences of not doing so.
• Specify the reasons why nonprofits develop mission, vision, and values statements.
• Describe how a nonprofit develops plans using SMART goals and SWOT analyses.
• Specify how a nonprofit conducts a needs assessment within its planning process.
• Specify how mission drift can occur in a nonprofit.
• Recall how nonprofits deal with restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Recall the different funding sources from which nonprofits obtain resources.
• Specify the requirements for accurate nonprofit financial forecasting.
• Identify the reason why the administrative expense ratio is so closely followed.
• Recall the responsibilities of a nonprofit board and its committees.
• Recall the policies that a nonprofit board may use.
• Specify why diversity is a useful goal in nonprofit governance.
• Identify why a nonprofit needs job descriptions, training, and recognition programs.
• Recall the techniques available for reducing nonprofit staff turnover.
• Specify the different types of fundraising methods, and the issues associated with each one.
• Identify the reasons why donor stewardship is a major concern for nonprofits.
• Recall the types of insurance that a nonprofit may need.
• Specify why nonprofits should conduct periodic risk assessments.
• Identify the elements of a nonprofit branding strategy.
• Recall the reasons why nonprofits need to maintain relationships with journalists.
• Specify how a nonprofit can use social media.
• Identify the need for a nonprofit media kit.
• Recall the management issues associated with nonprofit communication strategies.
• Specify the different types of financial statements that a nonprofit may prepare, and how each one is used.
• Identify the various ratios that a nonprofit may use to evaluate its financial condition and performance.
• Recall the different types of internal controls that a nonprofit may install.
• Specify why a nonprofit may register with its state for charitable solicitations.
• Identify the situations that can put a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status at risk.
• State the types of revenue that may be subject to unrelated business income tax.
• Recall the compliance requirements for a nonprofit that hires employees.
• Specify the situations in which a nonprofit may use the services of outside lawyers and/or accountants.
• Identify the types of activities associated with a nonprofit audit.
• Recall the difference between output measures and impact measures, and recall examples of each one.
• Specify the proper use for foundation and government grants.
• Identify the types of earned income that a nonprofit may generate.
• Recall the issues associated with relying on a small number of donors for a large part of a nonprofit’s total revenue.
• Specify the challenges associated with succession planning.
• Identify the ways in which a nonprofit can avoid mission drift.
• Identify the reasons why long-term planning is so important for nonprofits.