Remove Blog Remove Indirect Remove Policies
article thumbnail

Strategies for Impactful Grantmaking During Funding Uncertainty

Blackbaud

Just as we finally got our footing from a global pandemic and spinning up programs to support communities dealing with extreme weather events, now federal policy shifts have grantmakers and grantees alike scrambling. As Kris Putnam-Walkerly wrote on her blog, Uncertainty isnt an excuse to retreatits a call to adapt.

article thumbnail

How to Develop Your Nonprofit Operating Reserves

Blackbaud

The post How to Develop Your Nonprofit Operating Reserves first appeared on The ENGAGE Blog by Blackbaud. Consult your auditor and CPA to identify the options that work best for your organization. This post was originally published October 2016 and updated January 2025.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Understanding Nonprofit Overhead: Strategies for Transparency and Efficiency in 2025

Blackbaud

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revised their uniform guidance in 2024, increasing the de minimus (or standard) rate allowed for indirect costs—overhead for federal grants—from 10 to 15%. But overhead expenses have also been the focus of recent policy changes as well. Overhead vs Indirect Costs: What’s the Difference?

article thumbnail

Federal Policy and Private Schools: 5 Steps to Navigate Change

Blackbaud

While most private and independent schools are not heavily reliant on federal funding, the ever-shifting landscape of federal policies and priorities can create significant uncertainty for any organization. Step 1: Stay Up to Date on Policy Changes Funding uncertainty is not new to private and independent schools.

article thumbnail

13 Tips for Ensuring Government Grant Compliance for Your Nonprofit Organization

Blackbaud

Pre-Award Preparation Have certain policies and processes in place before applying for a grant so you can be confident you meet their requirements and there are no surprises. Tip 1: Have your leadership drive the conversation on grant funding and the policies associated with this revenue stream. Update your policies accordingly.

article thumbnail

Why Fund Accounting Software Beats Spreadsheets for Nonprofit Grant Reporting and Compliance

Blackbaud

So how can you minimize these errors and create data entry policies for your users? Understand Your Indirect Costs Tracking and allocating your indirect costs is one of the most tedious aspects of grant applications and reporting. Tracking: Cut Out the Spreadsheets! Ready to tackle the tasks of grants?

article thumbnail

7 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Build a Strong Financial Foundation in 2024

Blackbaud

Create an Operating Reserve Fund (or Review Your Policy) An operating reserve is a crucial part of creating a strong financial foundation for your organization. Tip 1: If you have an operating reserve, review your policy. Update the policy based on your current and future needs.