6 Reasons “Friends of” Organizations Should Bank Abroad

The fiscal responsibilities of an American charity have become more complicated in recent years. Increased scrutiny from the IRS, more intricate tax documentation, the recent economic crisis, and donors’ need for transparency, are just a few of the challenges facing the sector. When a charity operates internationally these difficulties are only exacerbated. These global organizations are expected to be familiar with regional and global charity regulations, comfortable working in foreign languages and cultures, able to cope with inherent increased expenses, and capable of forging new relationships – all while maintaining a high level of accountability.

A powerful tool in helping a “Friends of” organization cope is an additional account abroad in the country in which it operates. When used to its potential, this kind of account is invaluable.

Weekly Roundup: December 12

A collection of links to the great articles covering the nonprofit sector that I have reviewed and posted to Twitter between December 1 – December 12.  This week’s topics include: U.S. Tax & Law •  Israeli & Jewish Nonprofits  •  Strategy & Governance  •  Marketing & Fundraising  •  Potpourri.

The Carmel Fire & Haiti: No Need to Reinvent the Wheel

Jews around the globe are mobilizing to donate to help fight the effects of the recent fire in Israel’s Carmel Forest.

One of the outcomes of the Haiti Earthquake (January 12, 2010) is an in-depth case study in disaster-relief giving. Hence, those donating to Carmel Fire relief efforts need not reinvent the wheel and can rely on the many lessons learned just 11 months ago.

Weekly Roundup: November 21

A collection of links to the great articles on the nonprofit sector that I’ve read and posted to Twitter between November 15 – November 21, 2010. This weeks topics include:  U.S. Nonprofits  •  Israeli & Jewish Nonprofits  •  Strategy & Governance  •  Marketing & Fundraising  •  Social Media & Internet.

Guest Post: Lessons from Starting, then Closing, My Non-Profit within 4 Months

Chana Mason was born in Colombia and grew up in South Florida. She has a degree in Theatrical Directing and Engineering from Dartmouth College. She has worked in management consulting, high school education, and high-tech. Since moving to Israel in 2003, she has been involved in a number of Israeli non-profits.

Recently, within a matter of months, I opened and then proceeded to close a amutah [Hebrew referring to a registered charity in Israel] here in Israel.  I wanted to open up a seminary [school focusing on religious studies] and, with the advisement of experts in the field, decided it would be best for the seminary to run under its own administrative body.  Unfortunately, we did not come to this understanding until late into the process of developing the seminary, which meant that we were rushed to register the amutah, file in the tax authorities, and open a bank account.  I learned many things in this process that perhaps can help others looking to start their own non-profit organizations.

Weekly Roundup: November 14

A collection of links to the great articles on the nonprofit sector that I’ve read and posted to Twitter between November 8 – November 14, 2010. This weeks topics include:  U.S. Tax & Law  •  Israeli Nonprofits  •  Strategy & Governance  •  Marketing & Fundraising  •  Social Media & Internet

Money Musings: Why Local NPOs Should Fundraise Locally First

Welcome to the first of a new style of video posts, “Money Musings,” which will cover issues and challenges inspired by conversations with nonprofit professionals.

In this episode, I discuss 2 reasons why local nonprofit organizations should fundraise from their constituents first. While the video specifically describes a nonprofit operating in Israel, the principles are true for any charity in any country.

Weekly Roundup: November 7

A collection of links to the great articles on the nonprofit sector that I’ve read between October 26 – November 7, 2010. This weeks topics include:  International Philanthropy  •  US Tax & Law  •  Strategy & Governance  •  Marketing & Fundraising  •  Social Media & Internet  •  Jewish/Israel Nonprofit & Finance  •  Skills & Personal Development.

3 Dangers that Money-Changers Pose to Charities

In Israel, more than in most countries, foreign currency is an integral part of every facet of the country’s daily economic enterprises – private, business, and public sectors, alike.

A recent released study showed that 53% of financial support to Israeli charities came from abroad. Thus, making foreign exchange exchange fees, rates, and processing times of the utmost importance to Israeli charities.

The Weekly Balance Sheet: October 17

A list of the great articles that I’ve read and posted to Twitter between October 4 – 17, 2010.  This week’s topics inlcude: Mark Zuckerberg & Philanthropy; Strategy & Governance; Social Media & Internet; Jewish & Israel (Nonprofit News); and Economy & Finance.