Illinois Nonprofit Principles and Best Practices 2020

whitePaper | March 4, 2020

The look on her face said it all. “You want me to create a strategy for every single one of the donors on my caseload? Are you kidding me?” This is usually the reaction our team at Veritus Group gets when we tell MGOs that this will be one of the first things they need to do if they want to become successful with us. After the initial shock wears off and denial turns to acceptance, we get to work. We don’t skirt the enormity of the task. It is HARD work. We realize that. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But they are not. And this is one of the reasons that MGOs, and ultimately non-profits, struggle with their major gift programs… they don’t have a plan. In this paper, we’re going to share with you a step-by-step process on how to put together a strategic plan for each donor. This is the same process we use with our clients to help them overcome what they think is insurmountable. Once MGOs start working on this process, they realize that not only is it possible, but it’s necessary for them to stay on task and become successful.

whitePaper | April 1, 2022

This year there are increasing macroeconomic headwinds on the horizonaltogether. As we continue to operate in an uncertain environment this will undoubtedly increase the importance of the work of charities in our society. In this publication, we consider these headwinds, and the sector risks they present as well as the opportunities and practical considerations for charities. A particular focus will be on climate change and how charities can develop their response in this area. We also review wider developments in the charity world, including in relation to specific risks and external audit, as well as in the areas of tax and VAT.

whitePaper | April 6, 2020

Philanthropy has always been centered on individuals giving back to causes that ignite an emotional response. In recent years, this emotional connection to important causes combined with controversial political events has produced a new type of giving that many have dubbed “rage philanthropy” or “rage giving.” Americans today are making more political donations than they were two decades ago, highlighting the fact that they are engaged in political issues now more than ever before (Hughes, 2017). Political events and changes to major legislation can influence the way donors engage with your nonprofit—and understanding rage philanthropy can help your organization increase giving opportunities.

whitePaper | February 2, 2023

A year ago, the phrase “the new normal,” was commonly used to describe expectations for 2022. This year, the word “normal” is largely absent. Nearly every risk report looking ahead to 2023 begins with a litany of disruptions and challenges organizations are facing: COVID-19 variants, inflation, higher interest rates, staffing shortages, cyberthreats, war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, increase in energy prices, political and social change, and more.

whitePaper | November 12, 2021

If nonprofit organizations were to vote on a common theme that best characterized their operations, the winner might be “doing more with less.” Although all organizations try to run as cost-effectively as possible, the imperative to do so can be especially acute for nonprofits. One of the best areas for nonprofits to boost efficiencies is in their finance and accounting processes. Download this eBook to learn from other nonprofits how you can save significant amounts of time and money by automating your AP processes, while freeing up staff to focus on higher-value activities and your mission.

whitePaper | November 13, 2019

Well documented research shows that much like humans, organizations move through predictable life cycle stages and developmental milestones. A stage is a developmental period when characteristic and predictable patterns of behavior are present and particular tasks are accomplished. Applied to nonprofit organizations, the organizational life cycle framework illuminates the significant events at each stage of a nonprofit organization’s life that are crucial for its continued development and success.