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VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: February 2026
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about transitioning from cash basis to accrual basis accounting, the ideal Board size for a new nonprofit organization, how to avoid falling behind in the budget preparation process, and tips for keeping the Board of Directors focused on strategy rather than minutiae.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: January 2026
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about the pros and cons of receiving a modified audit opinion vs. delaying completion of the audit, whether the Board of a membership organization owe fiduciary duties to the members or to the mission, the use of non-disparagement language in severance agreements, and how better understand an organization's finances.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: December 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about documenting Executive Director performance in committee minutes, whether tax-exempt status can be transferred to another organization, addressing audit findings related to handling of restricted funds, how new nonprofits should fill out Form W-9, and whether new nonprofits should file a Form 990 for the first short tax year.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: November 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about best practices in structuring and approving executive bonuses, updating cost allocation methods and the importance of time sheets, cash management for organizations with healthy operating reserves, and managing the costs of insurance.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: October 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about converting from 501(c)(4) to 501(c)(3) status, communicating the financial condition of an organization with significant restricted funds on the balance sheet, how much unrelated business income tax (UBIT) is too much, and considerations when opening a bank account in a foreign country outside of the United States.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: September 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about adding an Immediate Past President position, Board giving requirements, when related organizations must have consolidated audits, and preparing to receive restricted funds and comply with restrictions by donors and grantors.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: August 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about the rights of members to access a membership organization's documents, whether small organizations should have an audit committee, addressing auditor findings, and balancing privacy concerns with reporting and disclosure requirements.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: July 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about what to do when a capital campaign falls short of its goal, whether a 501(c)(3) organization can have only one Board member, getting back into compliance with the organization's investment policy, and whether unpaid internships raise conflict of interest issues.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: June 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about preparing to serve on a nonprofit Board of Directors, the pros and cons of group exemptions, mitigating auditor concerns about pledges receivable, and whether the rationale for a Board member's dissenting vote should be included in Board meeting minutes.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: May 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about the role of legal counsel in leading updates to an organization’s employee handbook, the best time to start planning for the end of an office lease, transitioning from fiscal sponsorship to becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and whether it’s a good idea to promote a staff bookkeeper or accountant to controller, director of finance, or CFO.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: April 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about the potential consequences of having 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status revoked, whether a mid-year amendment to the budget should be made if an organization’s federal grants have been terminated, tax forms and disclosures required when hiring foreign contractors, and what to do when a project must be stopped in the middle of a capital campaign.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: March 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about record-keeping and document retention practices, using LLCs to limit liability risk in a fiscal sponsorship, disclosure of committee meeting minutes as part of the audit process, whether abstaining Board are counted for purposes of satisfying unanimous written consent procedures, and whether a quarterly Board meeting can be delayed into a subsequent quarter.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: February 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about how to navigate a financial environment in which grand funding is uncertain, whether people under 18 years old can serve on a nonprofit Board of Directors, whether membership dues are treated as donations or fees for services, and whether a last-minute item can be added to the Board meeting agenda.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: January 2025
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about how quickly a nonprofit Board of Directors must act to fill a vacant Board seat, how an organization can show a third party that it’s 501(c)(3) status is current and in good standing, the pros and cons of growing an organization through local chapters and affiliate structures, and the benefits of issuing an annual report for the general public to showcase an organization’s growth and successes.
VIDEO Q&A for Subscribers: December 2024
Ben and Mike answer questions from subscribers about implementing a CEO / Executive Director succession or transition plan, how to handle errors in an already-filed Form 990, planning for the possible loss in grant funding or a change in funding sources, and whether a person can old two officer positions simultaneously.