Internal Controls for Nonprofits

Why strengthen your nonprofit’s internal controls around financial management?

  • To prevent fraud and mistakes.

  • Protect funding and nonprofit status.

  • And assure board members, donors, and even auditors that your nonprofit is managing its resources – and their donations -- efficiently.

If you think your nonprofit organization can get by without strong internal controls, consider the following:

Internal Controls Reduce Fraud Risk
There are continuous reports of fraudulent activity at nonprofits, who are especially vulnerable due to a tendency towards lower oversight and a more "ad-hoc" operating environment - often consisting of volunteers with higher turnover. 

Internal Controls Protect Funding and Nonprofit Status
Failure to comply with current legislation can have significant consequences and could result in the loss of your non-profit status. In addition, more emphasis is being placed on the tighter scrutiny defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), enacted for public companies, when reviewing the internal controls and operational procedures of any type of business entity.

Internal Controls Streamline Your Audit
Auditors are reviewing your internal controls whether you realize this or not, and being prepared in advance can save significant time and effort, as well as improve your overall audit performance. A little proactive effort in this area can create savings that puts money back where it belongs - in your charitable organization. 

Internal Controls Instill Confidence 
Having strong internal controls sends a message of organizational strength to your employees, volunteers, board members, and donors. You’re telling stakeholders, “We take our financial activities – and the time and money you donate – seriously.”  

How You Benefit

 

save time

 

Save time: Deploy a complete internal controls solution in days, not months. Get efficient and consistent results from nonprofit volunteers and staff in all financial management tasks.


save money

 

Save money:  Protect your organization's resources by preventing fraud and mistakes, which are common in nonprofits. Get everything you need in one affordable package.

 

audit tools

Improve audit management and compliance efforts: Get tools to be more organized in advance of your audit. Implement controls to ensure all your financial transactions meet your funding requirements. 


Risk thermometer

Improve financial risk managment efforts: Identify and mitigate risks to protect your nonprofit. Assure stakeholders of your nonprofit's financial management operations.

 

Video - Financial Risk Management for Nonprofits