nonprofit board of directors

November 4 2012

45 Secrets of Driving More Donations through Social Media

Thomas R. Reich PhD SEO, Social Media, Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized 45 Secrets of Driving More Donations through Social Media, church fundraising ideas, Dr. Thomas R. Reich, driving donations through social media, marketing tricks, more donations through social media, NFP, NFP help, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit help, seo for nonprofit, Social Media, Social media for nonprofits, Thomas R. Reich, top 10 fundraising projects, top 12 fundraising projects, TRoblinReich, Twitter for nonprofit

45 Secrets of Driving Donations through Social Media

by Thomas R. Reich

You have wondered what social media can do for your nonprofit, but more important, how can you get more donations through social media? I speak far and wide on the benefit to small business of social media, and having a proper social media network attached like a funnel to your website and blog. But what if this same type of network is used in a nonprofit organization, can you get more donations through social media networking? Read on and be surprised!

Used together in a network, more donations through social media can be achieved, especially when connected to an effective blog and website pages that act as landing pages which are donor friendly, in other words, a page on your website that clearly states your cause, how the visitor can help, and a click here to donate button.

Let’s have some fun looking at each facet of social media, your website, and blog, and together discover many ways to get more donations through social media!

YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Blogs and your website all have their place but when tied together they become a powerful tool to get potential donors to your website and help create more donations through social media.

First let’s look at Twitter:

1) It is important to have as many targeted followers as possible for Twitter to be effective. Take a look at:

Top 10 Mistakes You Must Avoid when Starting a Nonprofit Organization

2) Use Tweepi or another free service that is discussed at length in this blog:

9 free Twitter application Reviews to Clean up Your Twitter Stream

3) Add @ symbol to share content of a respected site in your field and give your tweet more credibility, example: @charitynetusa

4) Automate the tweeting of other sites that you respect to bring more content to your Twitter site.

5) Automate your Tweeting so it is consistent at a certain time, using SocialOomph, Rooster, HootSuite or other services. This will help bring more donations through social media. Read more:

6) Use the # symbol to attract the attention of those searching for the keyword of your mission. An example would be, for this article I would include #social media or #more donations.

7) Be consistent in your content, always stay on the topic of your mission in all you do if you want your network to become a funnel for more donations through social media!

FaceBook:

1) Always update your Facebook page with your latest blog as soon as it is published to help the funnel effect and create the opportunity for more donations through social media!

2) Provide content links on your Facebook page to send them to your blog, your website landing page or to join you on your Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn or Pinterest accounts with one click!

3) Run polls using the standard Facebook ‘Question’ feature (above the ‘Write something’ box) to engage your audience and involve them, possibly encouraging more donations through social media yet again, beginning to get the picture!

4) Link your Facebook to your email newsletter.

5) Have a great “Mission Page” with a call to action on your Facebook encouraging more donations through social media.

6) Write a headline that is ‘keyword’ rich for your industry and niche.

7) Your title should make the potential viewer want to hit the play button, and encourage more donations through social media!

8) Respond to all comments whether good, bad or indifferent in a timely manner. It is important to engage your followers quickly and often to encourage more donations through social media; this is true for any facet of your social media network!

9) Have a listing of past blogs with links to them like this:

YouTube:

1) Interview people involved in your mission, edit to no longer than 2 or 3 min and post on your YouTube channel.

2) Edit short snippets showing the plight of those you are trying to help, make small snippets 30 sec – 90 sec, and post many of them.

3) Edit and post short videos of participants in your latest event, as many different people as possible in 30-90 second snippets, post many snippets individually but never longer than 90 seconds, and make sure to tag with the names of the people in each snippet.

4) Make sure to include your website and your blog link in your YouTube profile!

5) Automate sharing after posting (available under ‘Account settings” then ‘Activity Sharing’, then choose the social accounts and as a minimum select Facebook and Twitter.

6) Make sure to fill out the keywords section on each and every video you post in your YouTube channel, for more information on Keywords: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyword

7) Always announce a new YouTube video posting through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and in your website and newest blog. This is why you have a social media network, to encourage even more donations through social media!

LinkedIn:

1) Choose to make your profile public when making your profile settings.

2) Use all three link options; website, blog and social media links that LinkedIn allows in your profile, in order to maximize more donors through social media.

3) Ask questions in the Q&A section of LinkedIn with possible answer as links to your blog posts that explain whatever the question was about.

4) Set up a special LinkedIn for you blog, all linked to you blog and website, this will help you get more donations through social media.

5) Integrate your Blog post feed into your LinkedIn account using the ‘Add an Application’ button at the bottom right of your home page.

6) Add your Twitter feed into your LinkedIn account using the ‘Add an Application section.

7) Add access to your Pinterest account the same way as above.

Pinterest:

1) Linking your Facebook and Twitter accounts with your Free Pinterest account enables you to sync all networks and maximize your chances to get more donations through social media!

2) In order to place another user’s pin on one of your boards, you must ‘repin’ it! In doing so, you give the credit to who it came from which helps build relationships with other Free Pinterest account users.

3) Upload relevant, useful media from your website or find pictures that represent or pertain to your brand once or more a day.

4) BE AUDIENCE APPROPRIATE: According to MGD Advertising, as of April this year, 87% of Free Pinterest account users are women with the majority of ages between 25 & 54. Therefore, target your posts to maximize interest from that target group to get more donors from social media with Pinterest.

5) Read 10 more tips: http://troblinreich.com/free-pinterest-account/

Blog Tips:

1) Produce inspiring, educational and awesome content that is so compelling that people want to share it, this is the foundation of your capacity building. All media is about good content and social media is no different, good content = more donors through social media.

2) Write regularly and consistently, at least once a week and and link all your new posts to all your social media. Potential donors will then come and visit regularly and keep coming back because they know it will be new and topical, and on an issue they want to learn more about. These repeat visitors are your target; they will be the ones to get you more donors through social media!

3) The blog headline is important for several reasons; first they need to attract attention, second they need to contain the keyword or keywords you are using to attract donors.

4) Post your blogs through services like Stumbled upon, Reddit and Digg.

5) Make sure you have a re-tweet button at the top of your blog and ask people to let their Twitter networks know about your post, this is called going viral, and can greatly increase your readership!

6) Make sure your blog post has a Facebook share and a Facebook like buttons.

7) Comment on blogs similar to your targeted topic, and include links back to your blog.

8) Have a “friendly” subscribe to my Newsletter and blog signup button on your blog posts, which will help build an audience and get more donors through social media.

Let’s keep the conversation going, comment and let us know your favorite tips and tricks!

Related Blogs

October 12 2012

10 Reasons why you should not put off filing for a 501c3 and why you should have CharityNet USA prepare your filing now!

Thomas R. Reich PhD Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized 501(c)(3), 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, NFP, NFP help, nonprofit board of directors, Social Media for small business, starting a nonprofit, Thomas R. Reich, TRoblinReich

10 Reasons why you should not put off filing for a 501c3 and why you should have CharityNet USA prepare your filing now!

By Thomas R. Reich

1) The holiday and tax seasons are approaching and we get very busy during this time. Right now we can work with you quickly and help speed the process.

2) We are offering a flat 10% discount for a limited time; this sale will end very soon.

3) People who make donations this holiday season want to verify you have 501(c)(3) status or are in process.

4) There is a real possibility that IRS filing fees may increase significantly in early 2013.

5) In many cases filing preparation can take from three to six months, but we can start today and help you file within 30 days.

6) The Cushing’s Help Organization reports that the IRS receives 80,000 501(c)(3) applications a year, half of which do not make it through the process.

7) An organization that plans to seek 501(c)(3) status should do so within 15 months after forming, before the IRS begins to look askance.

8) The IRS cites 10 major issues that cause 501(c)(3) applications to be delayed, nine of which deal with providing a sufficient and complete application.

9) The top reason is an incorrect or missing user fee.

10) CharityNet USA smoothes the process. We have helped over 12,000 charities prepare filings for 501(c)(3) status and we can help you too.

Related Blogs

October 3 2012

Mission Based Marketing: An Essential for Charities and Churches + All New FREE Webinar

Thomas R. Reich PhD SEO, Social Media, Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized marketing tricks, mission based Marketing, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit book keeping, nonprofit help, SEO, starting a nonprofit, Thomas R. Reich, top 10 fundraising projects, top 12 fundraising projects, TRoblinReich, Twitter for nonprofit, Uncategorized

Mission Based Marketing: An Essential for Charities and Churches + All New FREE Webinar

By Melanie M. Swift MNM

When consulting nonprofit administrators and talking about Mission Based Marketing, I have found that many individuals involved in nonprofit operations, especially those in small grassroots organizations, carry the belief that their organization is not a business. I suppose the term “business” lends a for-profit connotation, and makes many nonprofit leaders feel that it violates their charitable mission. It has been my goal to make these emerging leaders aware that increased organizational capacity can only be generated if they begin to undertake administrative tasks that were once found only within for-profit entities.

With the increased competition that is becoming apparent within the sector, one such critical task is adequate marketing of the organization. Market-driven nonprofit organizations are implementing a variety of market strategies in order to fulfill their mission, meet their programmatic goals, and achieve long-term financial stability through Mission Based Marketing.

In the nonprofit sector, Mission Based Marketing incorporates focusing on the needs of your constituents and planning to satisfy those needs over time. Program services to clients are the primary reason that nonprofit organizations exist. Therefore, it is critical to know how to plan Mission Based Marketing programs. To become highly effective, begin with understanding your program’s target markets. You’ll need to identify what groups of potential clients exist, what their needs are, what groups you’d prefer to serve, and what programs you might develop to meet their needs through Mission Based Marketing.

Business Plans
Market Research
SWOT Analysis
Strategic Plans
Website Development (A must in today’s technology-driven world!)
Search Engine Optimization
Social Media Marketing
Corporate Branding

Keep in mind that an essential aspect of Mission Based Marketing is continuously developing a positive self-image for the organization. The relationship between price and perceived value is nowhere more evident than in the nonprofit sector. Thus every organization must find ways to make clients believe your programs or services have the most value.

Careful Mission Based Marketing planning allows a nonprofit organization to position itself best to compete for all kinds of support, including funds, by looking systematically at Mission Based Marketing, image, constituents, competitors, resources, strengths, and weaknesses, and then devise strategies to gain more favorable position in the competitive marketplace. Ultimately, adequate Mission Based Marketing will help your organization to meet its strategic goals, whether they are to increase revenue, expand your client base, or promote your organization in a new market.

Free Webinar
Wednesday October 10, 2012 2PM EST

Cause Marketing with Melanie M. Swift

New Blog

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September 29 2012

10 Tips and Tricks to make Your Website a Lead Generating Machine!

Thomas R. Reich PhD SEO, Social Media, Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized Business start up, church fundraising ideas, Free small business resources, Lead Generating Machine, marketing tips, marketing tricks, NFP help, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit help, seo for nonprofit, small business advice, Social Media for small business, Thomas R. Reich, tips and tricks, TRoblinReich

10 Tips and Tricks to make Your Website a Lead Generating Machine!

by Thomas R. Reich PhD

Books are judged by their covers, websites are judged by their landing pages.

You have heard it 100 times; the first 10 seconds in any meeting are the most crucial. A visitor to your internet site will size up the site like a customer walking in a store or showroom. The colors you employ, the size, style and relevance of your visuals, text and your brand are what can make you a Lead Generating Machine. Any time a new potential customer visits your website they must know in just 10 seconds whether they have arrived in the absolute right place. There must be no indecision here – they must know they are in the right place. Make it clear to them right on first thing page see:

• We are important to you because…

• We sell or provide…

• We want to solve your need.

• How can we help you?

Then clearly lead them to what they are looking for.

Keep your home page and all pages open and uncluttered to create a Lead Generating Machine .

Many websites try to cram so many pictures and text on a page it confuses the viewer and they leave. How fast does your internet site load for you? Do every one your visitors possess broadband internet access? Your rule is 8-seconds with a 56K dial-up modem, any longer and you will be losing visitors. Specifically, avoid the temptation to create your webpage as some massive logo image or flash web presentation. Remember, convey who you are, what you sell, and how you can help the visitor with what they are looking for if you want your website to be a Lead Generating Machine. Do this in a clean, uncluttered way branded with the same colors and typeface throughout. Keep it simple, stay on target, and stay branded throughout the website.

Link destinations should be targeted and links on your blog should be mostly internal.

The normal landing page for a website is the home page, often times the visitor feels trapped or overwhelmed and quickly departs. A link from an email or e-news letter should bring the visitor to a blog on your site which concentrates on a target topic which relates to your product or service. The blog should have many links within them but these links should bring them to the answers within your website which then becomes a Lead Generating Machine. If you need to use a knowledge source outside of your website it should be generic not a competitors site. This seems obvious but many make the mistake of sending the competition a lead you yourself generated!

We may hate pop-ups but they are still very effective!

Do you dislike those infuriating pop-up windows that many internet websites use? You know the ones…in your face some won’t go away no matter what you do. Bear in mind that pop-ups do work and do increase email lists if used properly within a Lead Generating Machine. Use a cookie based conservative pop-up, do not block the site and allow the visitor to easily opt out. You may try once again when they leave the site but offer something free, more on this later!

Tempt, coerce or bribe

So, what is the point of pop-up windows – they should only exist for a single reason exclusively – to highlight a special offer, or even better, to spotlight the free email information newsletter. Everybody knows that it is much easier in selling to an active consumer rather than to a new one. Remember what you offer the visitor for free is getting you a potential client for FREE. This is the time to give a free trial or a free white paper or a free Webinar in exchange for the visitor signing up to your email news letter. Incentivize your visitors if you need to, but get their email address and details right away, it is all part of a Lead Generating Machine.

Never believe visitors are browsers and can’t be sold right then!

Many website owners just accept that there are lots of competitive websites and the visitors are not necessarily purchasers. That may have been true in 2005 but today things have changed! Web browsers are searching with a goal in mind – they are searching for a result that will solve their need or problem – and if you don’t meet their needs, then they will keep searching. What if they are not willing to purchase yet, but you are the answer they have been looking for? In that case, seize their details for the opt-in e-newsletter list is more important than ever in a Lead Generating Machine, if they leave without giving their email you have lost them; the internet is simply too big for them to come back on their own. Do you believe that you have a great online business, the correct products and services, and the right price level? Then demonstrate it and scream it from your online business! Your email list is your chance to bring them back for another look, or make a better offer, possibly introduce an even better product for their needs or make a personal contact!

Employ the effectiveness of FREE in your favor.

Alright, I can hear you arguing, “But… But… But…” The most effective way to close a client is to engage that client! A single pay per click can cost more than $5 just to attract a visitor, and you give them nothing when they arrive! Think of your website as a booth in a huge trade show, offer a free white paper for a email sign-up, but what if you have a cool little free give away, think about it, you then get their full information, and when you mail the item, you get to include whatever sales material you wish! Yes, everyone loves free stuff, of course, we all do. SO GIVE THEM FREE STUFF as part of a Lead Generating Machine! Though – whenever you provide free things, provide it in exchange for their details, in order to get back to them, if not they remain just numbers in analytics.

Guide your visitors through your website, like a good salesman in a showroom.

The moment you have gained your online visitors interest and attention, you then want to virtually take their hand and direct them to every page across the website, this is an essential part of a Lead Generating Machine. This is achieved by using links and clever words and phrases to take your visitors to the answers they are looking for. Find out what your visitors want and make sure you provide those answers on your website.. Lead them bit by bit towards the contact us web page, until you have their name and email address.

Once you have the Visitors Email, use it wisely, with a plan to build their interest, not to pester them.

Once you have got hold of them (your new potential customers) – Don’t let go! Love them, care for them, and even if they have not opened their wallet for you – show them the same level of gold service that you normally reserve for the spending clients, if you want your Lead Generating Machine to produce customers. It is important to email and update them with new data and facts and to personalize your company, welcome the visitor to your circle of friends! Do not abuse their trust; your emails should give them information on your products and services. Never sell or misuse your email list for other products not represented on the website they signed up under!

Make your website one portion of a network.

First, make sure you have a Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pintrest, and YouTube accounts all branded the same as your website and all attached to your website which is your Lead Generating Machine. Additionally, you may want to make link deals with related but different product and services websites to exchange leads and traffic. Remember, the goal once the traffic gets to your site is to get at least their opt-in email address, without that email contact the visitor is just a useless number on an analytics report. It is the difference of a customer walking through a mall looking in store windows and a customer walking in a store! Get those Email addresses.

Using Your Website and Social Media to create a Lead Generating Machine!

This webinar is free and as always, if you register and are unable to make the live webinar we will send a recorded version to you after the event!

Title:	Lead Generation Strategies
Date:	Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Time:	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

We will explore the many aspects of lead generation. Wether you are a small business looking for new customers or a nonprofit looking for donors or volunteers, this is the webinar for you! Using your Social Media Network as a leads funnel to your blog and website, can generate many leads. Once you have leads what is an easy way to tell a hot lead from a cold lead, what lead can generate sales not and who should be followed up on in the future? When does a lead become a prospect?

All this and more will be answered by resident marketing expert, Thomas R. Reich.

This webinar is free and as always, if you register and are unable to make the live webinar we will send a recorded version to you after the event!

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September 8 2012

How to Write a Strategic Plan

Thomas R. Reich PhD SEO, Social Media, Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized business plan, business plan success, Business start up, Free small business resources, NFP help, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit book keeping, nonprofit help, small business investors, Small Business Resources, Thomas R. Reich, TRoblinReich, Twitter for nonprofit

How to Write a Strategic Plan

Not to oversimplify how to create a strategic plan, but by placing all the parts of a plan into three areas, you can clearly see how the pieces fit together. The three pieces of the puzzle are:

Where are we now?

Where are we going?

How will we get there?

Each part has certain elements to show you how and where things fit it.

Where are we now?

As you think about where your organization is now, you want to look at your foundational elements (mission and value) to make sure there has not been a change. More than likely, you will not revise these two areas very often. Then you want to look at your current position or your strategic position. This is where you look at what is happening internally and externally to determine how you need to shift and change You should review your strategic plan regularly through the use of a SWOT. These elements are as follows:

Mission statement: The mission describes your organization’s purpose in a good strategic Plan — the purpose for which you were founded and why you exist. Some mission statements include the business of the organization. Others explain what products or services they produce or customers they serve. Does your mission statement say what you do? Why does your organization exist?

Values and/or guiding principles: This clarifies what you stand for and believe in. Values guide the organization in its daily business. What are the core values and beliefs of your company? What values and beliefs guide your daily interactions? What are you and your people really committed to?

SWOT: SWOT is an acronym that stand for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These elements are crucial in assessing your strategic position with your organizations starategic plan. You want to build on your company’s strengths; shore up the weaknesses; capitalize on the opportunities; and recognize the threats.

Where are we going?

The elements of the question Where are we going? help you answer other questions such as What will my organization look like in the future? Where are we headed? What is the future I want to create for my company? Because the future is hard to predict, you can have fun imagining what it may look like. The following elements help you define the future for your business:

Sustainable competitive advantage: Sustainable competitive advantage explains what your are best at compared to your competitors. Each company strives to create an advantage that continues to be competitive over the time. What can you be best at? What is your uniqueness? What can your organization potentially do better than any other organization?

Vision statement: Your vision is formulating a picture of what your organization’s future makeup will be and where the organization is headed. What will your organization look like in 5 to 10 years from now?

How will we get there?

Knowing how you’ll reach your vision is the meat of your strategic plan, but it’s also the most time consuming. The reason it takes so much time to develop is because there are a number of routes from your current position to your vision in a strategic plan. Picking the right one determines how quickly or slowly you get to your final destination.
The parts of your plan that layout your roadmap are listed below:

Strategic objectives: Strategic objectives are long-term, continuous strategic areas that help you connect your mission to your vision. Holistic objectives encompass four areas: financial, customer, operational, and people. What are the key activities that you need to perform in order to achieve your vision?

Strategy: Strategy establishes a way to match your organization’s strengths with market opportunities so that your organization comes to mind when your customer has a need. This section of a strategic plan explains how you travel to your final destination. Does your strategy match your strengths in a way that provides value to your customers? Does it build an organizational reputation and recognizable industry position?

Short-term goals/priorities/initiatives: Short-term goals convert your the strategic objectives into specific performance targets. You can use goals, priorities, initiatives interchangeably. In this book, I use goals to define short-term action. Effective goals clearly state what you want to accomplish, when you want to accomplish it, how you’re going to do it, and who’s going to be responsible. Each goal should be specific and measurable. What are the 1- to 3-year-goals you’re trying to achieve to reach your vision? What are your specific, measurable, and realistic targets of accomplishment?

Action items: Action items are plans that set specific actions that lead to implementing your goals. They include start and end dates and appointing a person responsible Are your action items comprehensive enough to achieve your goals?

Scorecard: A scorecard measures and manages your strategic plan. What are the key performance indicators you need to track to monitor whether you’re achieving your mission? Pick 5 to 10 goal related measures you can use to track the progress of your plan and plug them into your scorecard.

Execution: In executing the plan, identify issues that surround who manages and monitors the plan and how the plan is communicated and supported. How committed are you to implementing the plan to move your organization forward? Will you commit money, resources, and time to support the strategic plan.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/400866258

Developing a Strategic Business Plan with Melanie Swift

How do you determine if your ready to apply for a 501c3, are you jeopardizing your organization by not having one? What are the advantages and protections of having a 501c3? How can a 501c3 open new fundraising doors and allow more freedom in your organization? Join us for this free webinar, and find a fact filled discussion on one of the most important issues facing our industry today, 501c3!. All of this information and much more is yours in this FREE webinar

We invite you to spend a valuable hour with CharityNet USA and our Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift and discover another way we can help your nonprofit organization cannot only overcome, but grow during the current economic conditions.

As the past shows: the economy will recover, resources will catch up with us and finances will level out. Don’t wait for recovery to happen, get started growing your nonprofit now. When America recovers, your nonprofit will not only be in the game, but you will be an MVP!

Contact Marketing Coordinator Thomas R. Reich for more info at tom@Bizcentralusa.com or call him at (407) 857-9002 ex 510

Webinar Registration

Wednesday,Sept 12, 2012
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm online from CharityNetUSA
Key Note Speaker: Melanie Swift

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/400866258

Related Blogs

August 19 2012

Nonprofit Does Not Mean Tax Exempt Status

Thomas R. Reich PhD Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized 501(c)(3), 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, IRS, IRS tax exempt status, NFP, NFP help, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit book keeping, tax exempt status, Thomas R. Reich, TRoblinReich

Nonprofit Does Not Mean Tax Exempt Status

By Melanie Swift MNM and Thomas R. Reich

A common misconception in the field of philanthropy is the notion that an organization has tax exempt status simply due to the fact that it has been organized as a nonprofit. Unfortunately, with very few exceptions, this particular misunderstanding could leave an organization who thought they had tax exempt status, to now face tax debt with both the IRS and their state franchise tax board.

Nonprofit tax exempt status is a concept of state law and not necessarily tax exempt. A nonprofit organization, in its simplest variation, is any organization for which those who control or support it do not earn a profit. Choosing to incorporate as a “nonprofit” or “nonstock” corporation may, in fact, come with certain privileges, such as eligibility for state and federal tax exempt status, however this tax exempt status is far from automatic. It may be best to liken tax exempt status to a driver’s license- if you choose to request the privilege, you must apply, pass the test, and then, most importantly, follow the rules. For those organizations that choose not to pursue this privilege of tax exempt status, payment of annual corporate taxes is required.

Nearly all organizations that are nonprofit wish to have tax exempt status as well, so the terms are often confused. Many charitable organizations, for example, are nonprofit organizations and are recognized by the federal government as having tax exempt status. But becoming nonprofit and becoming an organization with tax exempt status are different processes, done at different times, and by different government agencies. To apply for federal tax exempt status, you need to have been granted nonprofit status first. Further, not all nonprofits are eligible for tax exempt status.

The road to tax exempt status, for most nonprofits, is paved with compliance. Organizations must be familiar with all processes and procedures, and be prepared for detailed reporting. In addition to the provision of particular clauses in the organizing document that precedes an extensive application process with the IRS, charities must be mindful of state and local tax exempt status and the registration requirements. Additionally, organizations that have been granted tax exempt status must be aware that that not all income received is eligible for tax exempt status, and be mindful to pay required taxes on any unrelated business income.

As I mentioned, there are a few rare exceptions to the rule. Some organizations are automatically recognized as having 501(c)(3) status (tax exempt status) without filing a formal application for recognition of the exemption. These groups include:

Subordinate organizations that are covered by a group tax exempt status; however it’s important to note that group exemptions require a unique application process. Existing 501(c)(3) organizations cannot simply choose to add other organizations to theirs and create a group.
Churches, parts of churches, or associations of churches
Organizations that are not private foundations and normally have gross receipts of not more than $5,000 total per year.

Even though these groups automatically have tax exempt status, they may choose to file anyway, in order to have the official letter of determination on file. This often makes it easier to solicit contributions and ask for state tax exempt status.

There are a total of 27 tax exempt status existing under the federal tax code for different purposes, and some community organizations might find one of them more appropriate than others. For example, a group that is involved in heavy lobbying or political advocacy work would be unable to apply for 501(c)(3) status, as it isn’t allowed under that statute. So a group heavily involved in social welfare that wants to lobby extensively for political candidates, for example, might find 501(c)(4) tax exempt status (which deals uniquely with social welfare organizations) more appropriate for their purposes.

Therefore, before deciding to become 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, it’s a good idea to sit down and study other possibilities with an expert. Together you can decide on the type of tax exempt status that best meets your needs. That way you won’t be trying to push a square peg into a round hole.

tax exempt status Thomas R. Reich

501(c)(3) Tax exempt Benefits with Melanie Swift

Join us for a Webinar on August 22

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/519556298

Wednesday Aug 22, 2012
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm online from CharityNetUSA
Key Note Speaker: Melanie SwiftHow do you determine if your ready to apply for a 501c3, are you jeopardizing your organization by not having one? What are the advantages and protections of having a 501c3? How can a 501c3 open new fundraising doors and allow more freedom in your organization? Join us for this free webinar, and find a fact filled discussion on one of the most important issues facing our industry today, 501c3!. All of this information and much more is yours in this FREE webinarWe invite you to spend a valuable hour with CharityNet USA and our Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift and discover another way we can help your nonprofit organization cannot only overcome, but grow during the current economic conditions.As the past shows: the economy will recover, resources will catch up with us and finances will level out. Don’t wait for recovery to happen, get started growing your nonprofit now. When America recovers, your nonprofit will not only be in the game, but you will be an MVP!Contact Marketing Coordinator Thomas R. Reich for more info at tom@Bizcentralusa.comor call him at (407) 857-9002 ex 510Register Now!

Your Friends in the Struggle,
CharityNetUSA

Title:	501(c)(3) Tax exempt Benefits with Melanie Swift
Date:	Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Time:	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

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Related Blogs

August 4 2012

Top 10 Tips for Grant Funding Resources: Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

Thomas R. Reich PhD Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized grant, grant funding, grant funding resources, grants, NFP, NFP help, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit book keeping, nonprofit help, Thomas R. Reich, top 10 grant funding resources, TRoblinReich

Top 10 Tips for Grant Funding Resources:

Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

In today’s world of nonprofit grant funding, competition is stiff. Overall, available grant funding has greatly diminished and organizations must use every accessible resource to their advantage. A grant writing service can assist you in obtaining grants and ultimately grant funding, but you must do everything in your power to adequately prepare. Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of Nonprofit Services for CharityNet USA, has prepared a list of the top 10 things your nonprofit must have well established prior to the commencement of a grant funding campaign.

Mission– Know your mission in and out. Be prepared to describe your organization’s specific mission and know how you work each day to fulfill that mission. Be sure your mission statement reflects your purpose, your unique method of delivery, and your organization’s core values.

History– What inspired your organization’s founding? What have been the major milestones since? Has your organization received any recognition for its efforts? Be able to provide success stories to demonstrate your capabilities.

Funding– How have you sustained your organization thus far? Who are your major contributors? How do you fundraise? It is extremely important to funders that potential grant funding recipients be able to demonstrate past fiduciary responsibility.

Need– Can you show that there is really a significant need for your organization’s programs within the

community you serve? Research statistical data on the problem you address as well as the degree of other efforts being made to combat the same problem.

Governing Capabilities– Are you able to promote members of your board or staff as responsible, knowledgeable, nonprofit professionals? Be prepared to describe their education and experience. Convince me that they are competent leaders.

Objectives– Know the difference between a goal and an objective. You must be able to provide targeted, measurable objectives! Identify objectives that are realistic and attainable, which is a necessity in order to receive grant funding.

Methods– Do you really know, step-by-step, how you will meet your objectives? Are you aware of everything and everyone that will be involved, down to the smallest detail? It is essential that the questions of Who-What-When-Why-How be answered for each proposed activity.

Evaluation– How will you evaluate the success of your proposed project? Take the time to develop a scientific plan for evaluation that describes who will be involved, at what intervals, and what costs will be incurred.

Sustainability– You must think past the grant award period. Exactly how will you continue to fund this project once the grant funding runs out? Funders seek out projects that will exist into perpetuity.

Budget– Learn to develop a precise line item budget. Know the difference between an operating budget and a project budget, and learn how to allocate your administrative costs within each program. This activity requires significant board involvement.

Our Director of Nonprofit Services, Melanie Swift, has laid out the steps involved in the strategic preparation for undertaking a grant campaign, so you’re prepared for the legwork that goes into getting grant funding in this blog. Now learn the importance of a clarified mission and vision, an existing tax exemption, a strategic plan, a qualified Board, and a unique method for service delivery. In addition, discover the power of forthright financial information. Howard Walker has been a Federal Grant Grader for the U.S. Government and continues to consult with them annually. Howard will give you real world insight into the preparation and mindset needed to apply for and win a grant in today’s economic environment.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/132790322

Howard Walker, Nonprofit Consultant for CharityNet USA, will be conducting a FREE Webinar: “Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready” Wednesday, August 8th, 2012.

Join us for a webinar on making sure your nonprofit is “grant ready”. If you are you getting ready to apply for a grant, or even thinking about it, then you can’t miss this opportunity to learn more about grant funding.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling 407.857.9002. Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

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July 3 2012

Top 10 Mistakes You Must Avoid when Starting a Nonprofit Organization

Thomas R. Reich PhD Thomas R. Reich, Uncategorized church fundraising ideas, church help, Free small business resources, IRS, Mission, nonprofit board of directors, nonprofit book keeping, nonprofit help, starting a nonprofit, Thomas R. Reich, top 10 fundraising projects, top 12 fundraising projects, TRoblinReich

Top 10 Mistakes You Must Avoid when Starting a Nonprofit Organization

By Thomas R. Reich

1) Do Your Due Diligence; Initial Research: Is there a need for the mission you are passionate about in your area when starting a nonprofit. If there is another organization providing the same service, can you partner with them? Will your organization qualify for 501©(3) status?? Read and research everything you can on nonprofit organizations, their operation and the specific mission you wish to peruse.

2) You must have a Plan; Make a Thorough Business Plan: You will quickly discover, when starting a nonprofit, that a nonprofit organization is a business. In order to survive, a nonprofit ‘business’ must have as much money coming in as it has services and expenses going out. Have you written a realistic business plan?

3) Make sure you Mission is for a Charitable Purpose: Sure it’s a great idea, when starting a nonprofit, but does it qualify as a charitable cause? The basic definition of a tax-exempt 501©(3) nonprofit organization is one that serves the public good and is organized for religious, charitable, educational, scientific or literary purpose. If you are unsure, research similar organizations for information.

4) You must Register: In the US registration is required in most states when starting a nonprofit. Some people think they don’t have to register and since they are “nonprofit” they won’t get in trouble. Wrong! Registration of nonprofits, paid solicitors and fundraising counsels protects citizens from becoming victims of fraud and helps to maintain a responsible environment for charitable work.

5) You Must keep good records: As a business, the organization will be required to file various reports of business activity when starting a nonprofit. You just can’t make things up thinking that you won’t be held responsible. If you are not organized, learn to be before starting a nonprofit organization.

6) You Must have a Funding Plan: Raising money is a tough and competitive requirement of most nonprofit organizations when starting a nonprofit. If your experience with raising funds was through attending a dinner, golf outing, bake sale or car wash, you need help with fundraising. Without funding, there is no way to sustain a nonprofit organization.

7) You Must Comply with IRS Statutes: Most nonprofits must file federal and state forms and you need to learn what government requires of nonprofit organizations when starting a nonprofit. You receive great tax breaks by being a 501©(3) nonprofit and complying with reporting is a fair deal considering the benefits you receive.

8) Do not Misjudge Time Required to run a Great Nonprofit: Operating a nonprofit organization is not a hobby. If you think, when you think about starting a nonprofit, that you can run a nonprofit organization part-time, you need to have others helping you or you will fail. When you consider that it is a business and is subject to filing and reporting requirements in addition to service work, you quickly realize it requires a full-time commitment.

9) Building an Effective Board is Essential: Leadership is critical when starting a nonprofit and an effective board is one that is composed of talented, dedicated and connected people are best. Your board should add integrity to your work, offer access to funding, provide some of the expertise you need and be dedicated to your mission.

10) Make sure to have the Very Best Talent Involved: At a minimum, you will need very professional help that fully understands all aspects of the nonprofit industry, when starting a nonprofit. Some of the key specialized professionals do not need to be on staff, and can be retained only as needed. The same is true for Fundraising efforts; you need access to professionals that fully understand nonprofit fundraising. For key areas of nonprofit organization reporting and management you are best served hiring professionals who fully understand the legalities of reporting the collections and dispersal of funds. Having systems set up by professionals in the nonprofit world will save you money, time and possible major violations along the way!

Luckily for you there is CharityNet USA to help you starting a nonprofit, and entire organization dedicated to solving you nonprofit back office needs. From registration to filing for 501©(3) all the way to your fundraising plans and 990 tax filings, CharityNet USA can handle it quickly and efficiently. After more than 13,000 clients, CharityNet USA’s systems are fully tested and proved, and the pricing is far below the competition.

CharityNet USA is offering a free nonprofit review and a free session with a nonprofit business consultant just to show you what can be accomplished when we work together for the greater good!

Join us for a FREE nonprofit webinar Wednesday July 11, 2012 from 2PM-3PM EST “The Basics of Starting a Nonprofit Organization” with Nonprofit Industry Expert Howard Walker. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/654680578