In January, I had the opportunity to talk to 40 or so people in our local community of Melbourne, Florida about nonprofit financial sustainability. It was a lively discussion, especially when we got to talking about the key components of an efficient and sustainable nonprofit back office. 

There was one key misconception in the room about implementing new technology that I thought I'd share with you here. A bunch of folks raised objections about technology saying it was expensive. It's true, there are lots of tech tools out there that are pricey and present budget barriers. But there are also TONS of free tools and programs which can help offset or even eliminate those costs. Here are some of my favorites:

- Microsoft 
- Google Suite & AdWords Grants
- Tech Soup (discounts on hardware and even free software licenses)
- Best Accounting Software's "Useful tax resources for charities and nonprofits"

Careful, thoughtful investments in your back office tech is an essential part of an intentional approach to IT. You don't have to make huge investments or sweeping changes to see a big improvement in your internal workflows. 

And as always, if we can help you think through some of your needs, especially on the accounting, payroll, and HR side of things, don't hesitate to reach out. That's what we're here for!​

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have experienced identity theft. The IRS estimates that it pays out at least $1 billion in fraudulent tax refunds each year. What should you do? Identity theft prevention is possible and the IRS recommends registering for an Identity Prevention PIN Number. 
 
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 protect your email, passwords, systems, 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.​

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], and visit www.YourBlueFox.com.