​Nonprofit organizations are famous for running lean when it comes to budget. But gone are the days of sacrificing service quality for cost. Here’s the secret (and it’s not so secret anymore). It’s outsourcing. A way for nonprofits to maintain control of costs AND benefit from high quality financial back office management.
 
With advanced cloud-based systems and virtual technology, outsourced financial services are more affordable and attainable than ever for nonprofits. It’s a win-win, especially if you partner with a company like Blue Fox (that’s us) that tailors service to the social impact sector. We employ experienced nonprofit gurus to get the job done – whether it’s virtual CFO service, controller-level oversight, bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, or financial coaching, outsourced service providers can provide you the insights and information you need at a fraction of the cost of an employee.

​Be transparent.
Build trust.
Strengthen relationships.
Raise more money.
Repeat.
 
There you have it: the secret to nonprofit success!
 
If only it were that simple, right?! The most successful development professionals and their nonprofits spend years building trusting relationships with their donors. Trust is not easily earned and it’s as fragile as glass. But did you know that new research shows that financial transparency is key in the trust-building process? Donors who see the financial impact that their funds make on your mission are more likely to give again.  So, why do so many nonprofit organizations only share financial data internally? Did you know that sharing financial data with donors can change the fundraising game for your organization?
 
Here’s the research to back it up: the Give.org Donor Trust Report and research by GuideStar prove a positive correlation between organizational transparency and donor giving.  When the first goes up, so does the other.
 
So, what does it mean to be transparent? What can you do to infuse transparency into your organization?
 
Our team at Blue Fox created a step-by-step guide to guide you through this transformative process. And our recommendations are not as abstract as you might think.
 
Here’s what we know: Donors want to see the impact of their dollars. They need to know each and every penny (hey, that’s our mascot’s name!) is leveraged to its fullest. They want all the feel goods that come from giving to their passion. So, let’s show them!
 
Here’s what you do…
 
6 Steps to Build a Transparent Nonprofit Organization:
 
Step 1:
ORGANIZE: Your Financial Systems & Information
Honesty is the best policy. This is especially true when it comes to the financial data you share with your board members, staff, committees, donors and the community as a whole. Only share financial information if you’re 100% sure it’s accurate. Start here:

• Make sure your books are up to date.
• Streamline processes to ensure anyone with access to financial information is entering data in a consistent and accurate way.
• Consider hiring an outsourced accounting firm (like us) to seamlessly manage your back office or to simply complete an comprehensive review of your financials (You can bet that GuideStar’s team will be doing a deep dive review of your financials if/when you apply for their Seal of Transparency).

 
Step 2:
TEACH: Educate Your Staff & Board
Whether you realize it or not, your entire internal team (staff and board members) are walking, talking promoters and fundraisers for your organization. It’s time to educate them on the innerworkings of how the organization operates, the current state of the financials and future needs. Educated employees are empowered employees. Now that your financials are squeaky clean, use them to mobilize your team:

• Review financial statements at staff meetings (you’ll be shocked how this can motivate people)
• Use dashboard style reports at board meetings to get their attention.
• Analyze financial information with your team to reveal what the data is telling you

 
Step 3:
PROVE: Your Credibility, High Standards & Stewardship
You’re on the way to financial stewardship excellence and it’s time to prove it. Disclaimer: this step may take some time but it’s worth it. Keep your eye on the prize and remember that checking these boxes will build the foundation for your new level of transparency. This is the step where you generate the powerful content for your future public relations efforts (steps 5 and 6).
 
(1) Certifications, accreditations and memberships are a sure-fire way to boost your credibility and legitimacy (a.k.a. trust) in the eyes of donors.

• GuideStar Seal of Transparency
• Mission-aligned accreditations
• Memberships with professional alliances
• Personnel certifications (Ex. Nonprofit Leadership Alliance NCP)

 
(2) Schedule a brainstorming and analysis session with your team. It’s time to build a financially data-driven list of your organization’s accomplishments and future goals. What do we mean by data-driven? Use your financial data to frame your story (percentages, numbers, benchmarks). Some of these might seem basic, but many organizations overlook them:

• Our fundraising events cost $____ per attendee
• We are 85% funded to launch XYZ new program
• Our overall budget grew by X% last year allowing us to serve X# of more…
• If we want to bring in $____ in money next year, it means either raising program fees to ____ or getting XX donors to give at $____ level or higher

 
Step 4:
ALIGN: Your Funding Needs & Systems
Okay, so you’ve got ducks in a row internally. You know where you’ve been and are excited to tell the world where you’re going, with data to back it up! But, wait! There’s one more step before you can package the information and shout it from the roof top. Make sure to coordinate your fundraising efforts with your marketing messages. Ask yourself these questions:

• What are your most pressing funding needs based on your data?
• What funding requests in the pipeline will appreciate your new transparency-based communications? Do not miss this opportunity to ask for support!
• Do your donors receive follow-up communication after making a contribution and how can you integrate transparency-related messages?

 
 
Step 5:
DEVELOP: Your Key Messages & Marketing Collateral
It’s time to call in the marketing team! (If you don’t have one, consider trading sponsor visibility with a local agency.) This is when you compile your data-driven information, accomplishments, accreditations and certifications in an easy-to-digest manner (everything from step 3). Here are some suggestions:

• Write a press release
• Create an infographic
• Create graphics
• Write blurbs and summaries
• Create a visually-appealing annual report

 
BRING IT HOME: Your primary messaging goal is to show that you’re a financially responsible, trustworthy organization that uses every dollar raised to provide services to your community. Always bring your messages back to how donors are making an impact. Use the data to tell a story and don’t be afraid to pull some heart strings.
 
Step 6:
PROMOTE: Publish, Send, Schedule, Post, Share, Spread the Word!
It’s time to publicize the whole kit-and-kaboodle. You’ve prepared all of your data-driven key messages and connected them to fundraising appeals. Now it’s time to spread the word:

• Share information on your website
• Send your press release
• Communicate with email subscribers
• Integrate your messages into event announcements
• Hold an event to celebrate a major accomplishment
• Schedule social media posts
• Weave messages into fundraising collateral
• Update signage (for high traffic and even-based nonprofits)

 
If you’ve read this far, congratulations! It takes massive effort and commitment from the very beginning to become a more transparent nonprofit. But the reward is worth the work. Take these steps one-by-one. Eat that elephant in bite size pieces. And, when you’re finished, donors will see your organization as a highly trustworthy and impactful place to invest.
 
And remember, our team of nonprofit financial gurus can provide back office support along your journey. The best time to ask us for help is the very beginning (step 1). Whether you need bookkeeping services or help with financial analysis, Blue Fox is here to help.
 
Your financials have a story to tell. Let’s start listening and telling that story!
 
Authors:
Chantal Sheehan, Founder & CEO, Blue Fox
Chelsea Clementi, Director of Marketing, Blue Fox

Ahhh, fundraising. Is it an art or a science? What’s more important: relationships or branding? Are you following the 80/20 rule? How is your nonprofit adapting to digital fundraising platforms?
 
First of all, can we get three cheers for all the fearless, passionate development peeps in this field? Their work is not easy! And, the path to money-raising success evolves so quickly it can make your head spin.
 
That’s why our team at Blue Fox decided to share some of our favorite resources available on today’s digital streets. These are hand-selected resources we choose based on their depth and insight:

• (VIDEO) 8 Steps to Finding New Donors
• (ARTICLE) 6 Online Fundraising Tools to Watch in 2020
• (WEBINAR) Reboot Your Fundraising Event
• (GUIDE) Corporate Sponsorships for Nonprofits: The Basics
• (CHECKLIST) Ultimate Financial Checklist for Fundraisers

 
Keep in mind that fundraising is just the first step to grow your nonprofit. It’s what you do with those funds (how you manage and leverage them) that’s key to organizational growth. Surprise, surprise! That’s where our team at Blue Fox comes in handy. We’re like a swiss army knife – each service we offer designed to streamline your back office and manage your financials in the most effective way possible. Our CEO likes to say, “It’s not about penny pinching – it’s about a full understanding of the leverage and power in every dollar.”
 
Thanks for stopping by to access our picks for top nonprofit fundraising resources! If you’re interested in hearing more from us, subscribe to our newsletter today! 

If you’re like us, your daily inbox is jam-packed with newsletters and educational opportunities from like-minded social impact leaders. These spectacular humans work around the clock to foster positive change in their communities. Then, somehow, find time to share their story. We tip our hat to them! Here are just a handful of our favorite resources this month:

• (ARTICLE) Learn to Listen: How — and Why — to Gather Employee Opinions at an Impact Company
• (PODCAST STORY) Meet the Female CEO Who Created A Social Enterprise From A Palestinian Refugee Camp
• (TRENDS) These Social Entrepreneurship Trends Will Hit All the Emotions in 2020
• (CONFERENCE) Frontiers of Social Innovation: People, Power & Resources: The Redistribution Wave
• (PREDICTIONS) Five Fintech Predictions For 2020
• (OPINION) ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is About Value, Not Values, Says This CEO

 
Thanks for stopping by to explore our picks for social enterprise news this month! If you’re interested in hearing more from us, subscribe to our newsletter today! 

Nonprofits everywhere equate fundraising with tireless event planning, digital crowdfunding, relationship building, and writing grants. But we would offer that before your staff gets to work, the finance and development teams should have a solid understanding of the organization’s financial position. That information can help light a fire with the staff and board, shape your giving goals, and inform the messaging of your appeals.
 
So, we put together this handy checklist to help you get your financial house in order before you launch your next fundraising initiative. We’re pretty sure this is the first list of its kind – so enjoy and let us know how we can help!

CLICK HERE to download the goods!

Building a strong brand is difficult but important for any type of services provider. But those of us in the financial services industry can struggle even more with marketing and the creative side of branding. Wouldn’t it be nice if clients just fell into our lap and we could spend our days crunching numbers in our cozy office? I mean… you didn’t go into finance as a creative outlet, right?! Don’t worry there is a method behind the marketing madness and we’re going to show you the way!
 
Recently our CEO, Chantal Sheehan wrote a guest article for Bill.com featuring a 4-step guide to help financial service firms build a best-in-class brand.
 
[Read Our CEO’s Article on Bill.com]
BONUS: [Subscribe here to get the next article in her branding series]
 
We won’t reiterate the entire article, (just go read it for in-dept commentary and step-by-step instruction) but here is the basic essence:

1. Understand Who You Are – People don’t buy services; they buy the people providing the service. Identify your core values and personality traits so that your new brand truly reflects who you are.
2. Uncover Your Niche – Identify which of your clients you work best with. What clients are most profitable? And, what services are you best positioned to deliver.
3. Select Your Sweet Spot – Use step two’s introspection to identify what industries match your preferred niche. Then research your niche to the fullest. What service would benefit them most? How do they communicate? What is their size, current method of financial service consumption, industry trends, etc.
4. Bring It All Together: The Creative – Compile all of your notes and use them to develop a creative plan that speaks to the hearts and minds of your target niche. Okay, this step is still scary marketing but should be much easier when you’ve done your research. Plus, if you’re using an agency, you will be able to communicate the true essence of who you are and all about the clients your seeking. The creative team can do the rest and they will thank you for the insight!

 
So, why is our CEO writing about this? Why is she helping other financial service firms with their marketing? Well, because it’s the right thing to do, and that’s what she does. Here is the rebranding story of Blue Fox which resulted in immediate and mentionable growth. This story of successful rebranding needed to be retold!
 
Even better, part 2 in this series is coming soon! Learn what to do with your new logo and graphics in hand. How can you leverage these visuals and messaging to reach new clients in the most cost-effective way possible?  Subscribe here and we’ll send you part 2 of this series when it’s ready.

As Dwight Schrute (The Office) so eloquently puts it, “Identity theft is not a joke, Jim! Millions of families suffer every year.”
 
This is actually (and sadly) true. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. The IRS estimates that it pays out at least $1 billion in fraudulent tax refunds each year.
 
Each year, thousands of tax returns are filed fraudulently using legit social security numbers. Fraudsters get your social in the back alleys of the interwebs and then file fake information and link it to their bank accounts. You’ll only find out this happened when your tax return is rejected when you go to file it!
 
So, how do you prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft and prevent your social from getting scammed out of a tax refund?
 
The IRS recommends that all eligible taxpayers get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
 
Who’s eligible for an IP PIN?
How do I get an IP PIN?
How do I use an IP PIN?
 
Just click right here to get all of those important details.
Shameless plug time:
Now, let’s say you personally or the nonprofit organization you manage needs assistance during tax season. Our team of tax experts and nonprofit gurus can help! Give us a call at (321) 233-3311 or email hello@yourbluefox.com. We make taxes look easy!

Last week our CEO received a phone call that started like this: “Hi Chantal, I’m staring a nonprofit in Delaware and could use some support getting my organization off the ground. Is this something you can help with or do you only work with established nonprofits?”
 
Our CEO’s response: “Yes, our team would love to help! Tell me what you’ve completed so far and we can go from there.”
 
So, where do you begin? How do you start a nonprofit organization from scratch? First: make sure you have a working coffee pot! Then start to check off this list:

• Register as a nonprofit corporation in your state
• Secure your EIN/tax ID number from IRS
• Recruit your founding board of directors
• With their help, craft bylaws, mission, and vision statement
• Establish your first year’s budget and strategic priorities
• Develop back office processes for accounting, payroll, and tax preparation (or let our team at Blue Fox handle this for you – wink, wink)

 
Here are 3 of our favorite resources to help as you work on crafting the bylaws, mission, vision, and setting up your founding board:

• Nonprofit Bylaws Made Easy
• How to Write Your Nonprofit Bylaws
• Board Composition and Recruitment

 
WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?
Our CEO loves to work with ‘nonprofit-preneurs’ in the start-up phase. Why? Because our team of nonprofit gurus can help set up back office operations in the most efficient manner, with the latest technology, right off the bat. This means that our clients are free to focus on strategy, fundraising, marketing, program development, team-building, event planning, and all the things that they do best!
 
If you are starting a nonprofit, give us a call and let us get your sorted! Schedule a chat with our CEO, email us at hello@yourbluefox.com or call (321) 233-3311.
 
 And above all, thank YOU for your dedication to serving others! 

If you’re like us, your daily inbox is jam-packed with newsletters and educational opportunities from like-minded social impact leaders. These spectacular humans work around the clock to foster positive change in their communities. Then, somehow, find time to share their story with fellow nonprofit enthusiasts. We tip our hat to them!
 
Here are just a handful of our favorite nonprofit resources this month:
 

• (TRENDS) The Top 5 Fundraising Trends in 2020
• (WEBINAR) 5 Ways to Transform Your Year-End with a Donor Management System
• (ARTICLE) Why January Is the Most Important Time for Donor Retention
• (WEBINAR) Let’s RAP – Creating a MAJOR GIFT Relationship Action Plan
• (MYTH BUSTER) 3 myths about creativity that are probably holding you back

 
 
Thanks for stopping by to read our picks for top nonprofit news this month! If you’re interested in hearing more from us, subscribe to our newsletter today!
 
About Blue Fox: Our team provides customized, boutique financial and back office services for social impact organizations. Services range from standard bookkeeping and payroll services, to coaching and consulting, to comprehensive virtual CFO services. Our mission is to disrupt the traditional accounting model through technology, innovation, and a radically client-focused approach that truly empowers nonprofits and social enterprises. For more information call (321) 233-3311, email hello@yourbluefox.com, and visit www.YourBlueFox.com.