It’s Time for Your Nonprofit to Shine (by Ken Sutterfield)

IT’S TIME FOR YOUR NONPROFIT TO SHINE

Ken Sutterfield

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for your nonprofit to shine.  There is no

better opportunity than after the busyness of November and December to take a

moment to communicate your appreciation to your donors for their partnership.  Be

transparent and share the highpoints and yes - even your setbacks - with those who have

invested in your work.

While it is not an IRS requirement to receipt your donors by January 31, it is an

expected best practice of those who have supported your cause.  Donors are expecting

your year-end Tax Statement so they can prepare their Tax Returns.  There is absolutely

nothing worse for a nonprofit than receiving a call from a donor asking to receive

their statement.  Taking the steps necessary to do this early and communicate

effectively will make you and your organization stand out.  Additionally, thankfully the

IRS allows email statements as well as the standard mailed statement.

This time of year is a tremendous opportunity to communicate to your vested

constituency insights and needs that were possibly not met.  A great opportunity to even

insert a soft ask.    But…. most of all this is a Thank You Note expressing your

appreciation for their partnership and generous investment in your organization’s mission.

[The following is directly from the Internal Revenue Service web site.]

Charitable Contributions - Written Acknowledgments | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

The written acknowledgment required to substantiate a charitable contribution of $250 or

more must contain the following information:

* Name of the organization;

* Amount of cash contribution;

* Description (but not value) of non-cash contribution;

* Statement that no goods or services were provided by the organization if that is the

     case;

* Description and good faith estimate of the value of goods or services, if any, that the

     organization provided in return for the contribution; and

* Statement that goods or services, if any, that the organization provided in return for

     the contribution consisted entirely of intangible religious benefits, if that was the case.

Plan and implement the steps necessary to receipt and communicate with your donors by

January 31st each year.   Your nonprofit organization will shine brightly and will create a lasting

impression that will endear your donors to you and your mission.