Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Fundraising
Where Can I Find Financial Information About a Nonprofit?
Where do find out about the finances of a charity you're interested in volunteering for or donating to?
Can We Start Raising Funds or Do We Have to Register First?
It is not enough to become an IRS registered nonprofit in order to raise funds. Most states require registration too.
What Is Unrelated Business Activity?
Most nonprofits engage in some kind of business activity to help support their organization. But, what activities are related and what are unrelated? And, what are the tax implications?
Should We Suggest Donation Levels?
Should you include suggested donation levels on your donor's return envelope?
Can one make part of a for-profit business into a nonprofit?
There are potential pitfalls when combining a business and nonprofit organization, though it can be done.
Are there any rules about how much fundraising my nonprofit has to do?
501(c)(3) charitable organizations have to have a certain percentage of funding from the general public
How Can a Nonprofit Accept Credit Card Donations?
Most nonprofits of any size should be able to accept donations by credit card. Donors love the convenience and perks that they get when they pay with a credit card; and the nonprofit benefits from quick collection of funds.
I'm starting a nonprofit. When can I start accepting donations?
You may want to start soliciting donations before you are an official nonprofit, but it is really best to wait until you have your letter from the IRS.
What is a donor acknowledgment letter?
Certain disclosures are now required from any charity that receives a donation in excess of $250. Do you know what they are?
How Do We Get Rid of an Outdated Restricted Fund?
What do you do if you got donations that were restricted for a specific purpose but now that purpose no longer exists?
How Much Unrelated Earned Income Can a Nonprofit Receive?
Does your nonprofit have earned income as well as income from donations and grants? Find out the ins and outs of earned and unrelated income for your organization.
Should We Hire a Professional Grant Writer?
This is a tough question and depends on the nonprofit's resources.
Should We Suggest Donation Levels?
Should you include suggested donation levels on your donor's return envelope?
Do I Have to Register to Raise Funds Online?
There are new rules governing online fundraising.
Can We Receive Tax-Exempt Contributions When We Are So Tiny?
Sometimes, organizations are too small and have too few resources to become a full nonprofit. Or, their purpose is limited and temporary. How can they solicit tax-free contributions?