Question: What do you get when you cross an executive director, community outreach coordinator and a cook?
Answer: The CEO at the average nonprofit organization.
Yes, when you run a nonprofit, you must wear many hats. You are expected to know everything from the demographics of the community you work in to how can your nonprofit write off interest or fees.
In the day to day operations of your nonprofit, the issues you encounter could be legal, managerial or financial. Perhaps one of your biggest headaches is IRS compliance, such as when can a nonprofit write off interest and fees. Knowing the answers to these issues can sink or save your business.
Does a Nonprofit Write off Interest or Fees?
IRS rules for nonprofits can be confusing and scary. Make one wrong move and you may expose your organization to penalties, fees and maybe even have your tax exempt status revoked. It’s crucial to understand what you can and can’t do regarding taxes.
When it comes to writing off interest and fees, the answer is yes, you are allowed. However, there are numerous conditions and circumstances that apply.
A nonprofit organization can deduct items such as compensation to company officials, the cost of maintenance and repairs, bad debts and the interest on nonprofit loans. Remember that these deductions must relate to profit-earning activities.
Profits should be filed under unrelated business income. In this case, you will be charged the same rate as for-profit businesses.
How the Right Financing Can Help your Nonprofit
When most people think of not for profit organizations, words like mission, donations and compassion. Concepts like financing or funding resources for nonprofits do not naturally roll off the tongue. Still, they are a necessity for your organization.
Your best option is a business cash advance company, like Financing Solutions (www.financingsolutionsnow.com). They can help your nonprofit start programs on time, make payroll, and take advantage of key opportunities.
As head of your 501c3 organization, it’s up to you to see the big picture. With access to nonprofit capital from Financing Solutions, you can focus more on your growth and success.
How to Make the Right Choices for Your Nonprofit
Each day, you are faced with decisions that could help or hinder your organization. In order to do more help than harm, you must make the right decisions. These tips may help.
One thing you must do is ask the right questions. Instead of yes or no questions like “Should I organize this program?” use more open-ended queries such as “How does this program add value to my business” or “What’s the best way to focus my energies.”
You should also base decisions on reality instead of emotions. In the nonprofit world, it’s easy to get caught up in lofty ideas that seem good…until they aren’t. Use the right data and measurement tools to make choices rooted in facts and hard evidence.
The best choice you can make for your business is to build a cushion against the obstacles that can sideline your mission. You can do this with 501c3 funding from Financing Solutions.
If your nonprofit would like a line of credit that you can use when cash flow is down please visit www.fscreditline.com/np to learn more, to apply and to receive a written offer. A Line of Credit for your nonprofit costs zero to set up and zero until you use it, making it an excellent backup plan.