Archive for the ‘Strategic Planning’ Category

Planning to Start a Church?

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Planning to Start a Church?

 

Here are 7 Essential Tips for Founding a Successful Church

 

 

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Church Planting: Beyond Faith and Inspiration

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

Church Planting: Beyond Faith and Inspiration

By Melanie Swift MNM

 

church planting is good for comunities

It has been my pleasure over the last couple of years to have the opportunity to work with many passionate, inspired Christians during their journey in church planting. These faithful missionaries have been such an inspiration- demonstrating their devotion to God by working diligently using church planting to create a new flock from the unchurched. Reaching out to both believers and non-believers in many areas of the world, those called to plant new churches exude a dedication and zeal that reminds me why I chose a career in the nonprofit sector.

 

But there is more to strategically planting a new church than simply following God’s call to action. For church planting resulting in a new church to be successful in acquiring initial capital, attracting a faithful membership, and expanding outreach ministries to reach all populations in need, church leaders must learn to take on the characteristics of entrepreneurs.

 

It may seem divergent to view the Church planting in a commercial sense, however if you think about churches who have achieved extreme success they are operating as a business- a big business. While your goals in church planting most likely have led you to focus on location, congregation, and ways to reach out to disbelievers, you may not have considered the following essential aspects of church administration:

 

Incorporation- Becoming a legal entity, limiting the liability of those involved, and increasing eligibility for funding and benefits such as tax exemption are of importance. Rules and regulations for incorporation vary by state, so be sure you know the facts in your area.

 

Bylaws- While I’m sure you’ve developed a Doctrinal Statement and religious hierarchy for your planned church, it is also essential that you develop and affirm Board duties and responsibilities, conflict of interest policy, and checks and balances, all part of the church planting process.

 

Tax Exemption- Recognition as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) provides validation to supporters that your church is legitimate. It provides the opportunity to receive faith-based grants, receive discounted rates on occupancy and, perhaps most importantly, assures the members of your congregation that their tithes are tax deductible, all part of church planting.

 

Marketing- Word of mouth is a great way to develop membership, however other avenues to market your organization are critical, especially if the church you are planting is in an area in which you do not have established personal contacts, this is essential in church planting. Website development is a great start, as about 50% of Americans log onto the web to conduct searches daily. Search engine optimization for your site is also key- if someone is searching for a Christian church in your target area you’d rather your site for church planting be at the top of the list of results rather than buried ten pages in.

 

Grants- There are many established grantmakers out there whose specific mission is to fund religious organizations and churches. Drafting a successful proposal and conducting detailed research into funding agencies may add a much needed source of capital for your organization. While tithes and offering will undoubtedly represent your bulk of funding, think of how many more missions you could undertake if you could generate a few thousand (or more) extra dollars each year via grant funding.

 

I understand your area of expertise may be in theology and the thought of assuming such administrative responsibilities may seem a daunting task. If that’s the case, you may want to look to outside experts for support, when undertaking church planting. That’s why I’m here.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE  Webinar series!

ChurchNet USA is offering a free Wednesday afternoon webinar with Melanie Swift MNM March 28, 2012 from 3PM – 4PM EST, please attend!

501(c)(3) with Host Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift
Join us for a Webinar on March 28
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/457406402
Wednesday March, 28, 2012
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm online from CharityNetUSA
Key Note Speaker: Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift

How do you determine if your church needs a 501(c)(3) are you jeopardizing your church by not having one?  What are the advantages and protections of having a 501(c)(3)?  How can a 501c3 open new fundraising doors and allow more freedom in your outreach ministry?  Join us for this free webinar, and find a fact filled discussion on one of the most important issues facing churches today, 501(c)(3)!. All of this information and much more is yours in this FREE webinar!

Register Now!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to email us at info@charitynetusa.com or call us at (407) 857-9002

Feel free to view a list of our resources and services at http://CharityNetUSA.com

And View our Past Webinars and more social media tips on our Blog at http://CharityNetUSA.com/Blog

Your Friends in the Struggle,
CharityNetUSA

 

Title: 501(c)(3) with Host Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift
Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT

 

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

 

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

 

Filing a form 990 EZ May Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Filing a Form 990-EZ May Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant

Submit Your Form 990 Tax Return On Time or Face Steep Penalties

 

990 formFor small exempt organizations, the IRS has made compliance with the form 990 Information Return filing a simple task; unfortunately, as with all things in life, the easy way is not always the best way. Specifically, although your nonprofit organization’s total annual revenue may meet the guidelines that allow for completion of a form 990N, it may not be the best option. Did you know that by voluntarily filing the form 990EZ return you become automatically listed with GuideStar, the nation’s leading source of information on nonprofit organizations, and you also have a better chance of being considered for a grant by a foundation?

Last year over 400,000 nonprofit organizations, or approximately 25% of all exempt organizations, lost their 501 tax exemptions simply because they had failed to file timely and complete form 990 information returns!  In addition to the 990 formpossibility of revocation of tax exemption, nonprofits are also faced with potential penalties for late filing of their annual returns. In an effort to encourage compliance, the IRS imposes fines of up to $50,000 per year for organizations who are non-compliant with filing requirements.  Even small organizations with revenue under $5,000 per year are subject to late filing penalties.

990 formYes, churches are exempt from filing a 990. However, many churches may be generating taxable income as part of unrelated business activities such as parking lot rental, bingo, raffles, or other charitable gaming. In such cases, filing of the form form 990-T is mandated. Additionally, when churches have a community based outreach ministry with a separate 501(c)(3) they must always file the form 990 for this outreach program or risk fines and revocation of the 501(c)(3) status.

Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard or 990N may choose to file the short form return, the form 990-EZ.  Organizations that elect to file the Form 990-EZ must still file a complete return.  An incomplete or partially completed 990 formform 990N or Form 990-EZ will not satisfy the annual filing requirement.

If relying upon a professional for assistance with completion of your annual return, it is important to work with an organization that has experience with nonprofit organizations, their business structures, and needs.  At CharityNet USA, we have worked with over 12,000 organizations over the years and we will make appropriate recommendations in regards to the most beneficial tax filing, with a focus on your organization’s anticipated needs as a growing nonprofit.

Call us today for a free assessment! If simple filing is best, we can handle it quickly and at the best price around.  Further, we can help you with a more comprehensive form 990 information return that may significantly improve your organization’s potential grant opportunities, while also increasing your transparency and easing your state compliance requirements.

Interested in what you’ve read here but still want more information on form 990 IRS Federal Tax Return?  Please attend our FREE Webinar on the preparation and filing of the form 990 Information Return. The Free webinar is being held Wednesday March 14, 2012. CLICK HERE to register.

So it’s up to you. Are you sure you have everything in order for IRS Federal Requirements?  Would you like to have a second opinion?  That is what ChurchNet USA is here for.

990 formIf you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up, grow, or manage your nonprofit, foundation, or church outreach programs please contact ChurchNetUSA by visiting ChurchNetUSA or by calling 1.407.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

LinkedIn for Churches; The Lists for Action!

Monday, March 5th, 2012

LinkedIn for Churches; the Lists for Action Now!

 

Tips and Tricks: how to use Social Media for Nonprofits:

 

 

By: Thomas R. Reich

linked in for nonprofits

LinkedIn for churches is a vital link to donors and volunteers in today’s digital society.  We will assume you have set up your basic profile, and most important that you uploaded a professional looking head shot,not a logo, this is a must on LinkedIn.  We will assume that your profile is filled out and completed 100%!  This is the basis for getting value from LinkedIn for Churches.

Let’s take a look at your profile updates, some interesting things happen when you input a status update:

1)   You can update your status any time you like on LinkedIn for Churches

2)   Your latest status update gets displayed right at the top of your page, right under your Professional looking photo and your name.

3)   That is valuable real-estate; anyone visiting your LinkedIn page will see this update first thing.

4)   It is a great place for announcements regarding your nonprofit or activities you have upcoming.linked in for nonprofits

5)   You can include a live link to either a YouTube video or a PDF file.

6)   “Here are the 5 biggest reasons to Volunteer” linked to a video of a nice presentation of why they should volunteer for your organization.

7)   “Here is a 14 page PDF report with the 25 most effective ways to help others in 2012” with a link

8)   Take advantage of that short status update line use links to point to more in-depth information when using LinkedIn for Churches.

9)   Once a week your followers get “Updates from people you know” in an email, so use this status update once a week, and get maximum exposure from LinkedIn for Churches

linked in for nonprofitsYou have access to start a page, much like a Facebook page, this is a mini web site and is the place for logos and company/Foundation information.  We suggest you put recommendations here sponsored partners, any contests or drives you have going and possibly your Twitter and Facebook links.

You also have access to LinkedIn for nonprofits advanced search service.  Let’s say you want to know the name of the CFO of every company involved in the construction industry, so you could approach them for a donation to your habitat for humanity drive.  You set up the parameters and it not only gives you a complete list, but it updates you every week on new additions.

One of the best ways to network and gain prospects on LinkedIn for nonprofits is through the group network.  Click on groups and you will see hundreds of groups you can join locally or nationally that are full of people with the same goals and similar interests.  You may find a national linkedIn for nonprofitsupport group of nonprofits doing exactly what you do in your area, can you imagine the ideas you might be exposed to!

The main way to gain credibility and network most effectively is to actually start a group, and actively solicit members to your cause.  Yes if your organization is big enough to have 40 volunteers you can have a group named after your Church and gain new members right out of LinkedIn for Churches, listed and advertised within their own system for free!  How many companies in this day and age offer you a value like that, totally FREE?  The group comes with internal communications, auto notifications, and group email, all free!

Now when you start to invite people to join your LinkedIn for Churches network do your homework:

1)   Do you know them personally, if you do label as a friend

linkedin for nonprofit2)   If you know of them or work with them in the same industry, label then college.

3)   Personalize your request to have them in your LinkedIn for Churches network, DO NOT send the standard message.

4)   Make the massage relevant and personalized to the person you are requesting the connection with, why should they be in your network?

5)   Be honest, sincere and above all…

6)   Do not try to sell or solicit anything in this request!

What you should do consistently to nurture your LinkedIn for Churches network:

1)   Post a status update weekly

2)   Check and answer any questions sent you at least once a day

3)   Invite interesting people to connect, a few a day not all at once

4)   Join groups that fit your mission and interestslinkedin for nonprofits

5)   Found and nurture a group, relevant to your mission and goals

6)   Answer any group questions promptly, have monthly events

7)   Share articles or interesting blog postings (like this one) with your group or network of friends on a regular basis to hold interest

Your mantra on LinkedIn for Churches should be NOT BE: “Buy my stuff” it will get you a bad rep in no time.

Instead try “Let me suggest something” or “Have you tried this” then call me and we can discuss further.  The soft sell on LinkedIn for Churches works best.

 

APPROACH, TRANSPARINCY and ETHICS

  • linkedin for nonprofitsBuild relationships
  • Add value
  • Share Information
  • Keep it Relevant
  • Promote Others
  • Connect People to Opportunity
  • Always say Thank You for any connect or group join

 

A Final List of things to do to be Successful in LinkedIn for Churches

  • Clearly define your target audience
  • Participate where they do, join the groups they are in
  • Be a consistent person
  • Cultivate your network carefully
  • Be visible and add value to the discussionlinkedin for nonprofits
  • Demonstrate credibility
  • Plan, Execute and succeed with LinkedIn for Churches

                            “IF you try to sell to everyone, you are selling to no one”

 

linkedin for nonprofitsAt CharityNetUSA we have been helping nonprofits, just like you for almost a decade, over 12,000 clients have come to call us home.  Join us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and we can help start you network. Join us on LinkedIn, (which is Efrain Rodriguez, remember no logo’s on LinkedIn)  We are always available to talk about ideas or assist in planning any number of Nonprofit for Churches needs, form bookkeeping and marketing to Social Networking and SEO help.

We have a great FREE Webinar this Wednesday, March 7, 2012 titled “Successful Grant Development”, With special guest Host Melanie Swift.  Space is still available so CLICK HERE to sign up now

 

LinkedIn for nonprofitsIf you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Top 10 Tips for Grant Funding 

Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

top 10 tips for grant funding

In today’s world of nonprofit grant funding, competition is stiff. Overall, available grant funding has greatly diminished and organizations must use every accessible resource to their advantage.  A grant writing service can assist you in obtaining grants and ultimately grant funding, but you must do everything in your power to adequately prepare.  Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of Nonprofit Services for CharityNet USA, has prepared a list of the top 10 things your nonprofit must have well established prior to the commencement of a grant funding campaign.

Mission- Know your mission in and out. Be prepared to describe your organization’s specific mission and know how you work each day to fulfill that mission. Be sure your mission statement reflects your purpose, your unique method of delivery, and your organization’s core values.

History- What inspired your organization’s founding? What have been the major milestones since? Has your organization received any grants need mission statementsrecognition for its efforts? Be able to provide success stories to demonstrate your capabilities.

Funding- How have you sustained your organization thus far? Who are your major contributors? How do you fundraise? It is extremely important to funders that potential grant funding recipients be able to demonstrate past fiduciary responsibility.

Need- Can you show that there is really a significant need for your organization’s programs within the community you serve? Research statistical data on the problem you address as well as the degree of other efforts being made to combat the same problem.

governing capabilities for grant fundingGoverning Capabilities- Are you able to promote members of your board or staff as responsible, knowledgeable, nonprofit professionals? Be prepared to describe their education and experience. Convince me that they are competent leaders.

Objectives- Know the difference between a goal and an objective.  You must be able to provide targeted, measurable objectives! Identify objectives that are realistic and attainable, which is a necessity in order to receive grant funding.

Methods- Do you really know, step-by-step, how you will meet your objectives? Are you aware of everything and everyone that will be involved, down to the smallest detail? It is essential that the questions of Who-What-When-Why-How be answered for each proposed activity.

Evaluation- How will you evaluate the success of your proposed project? Take the time to develop a scientific plan for evaluation that describes who will be involved, at what intervals, and what costs will be incurred.

Sustainability- You must think past the grant award period. Exactly how will you continue to fund this project once the grant funding runs out? evaluation for grant funding-Funders seek out projects that will exist into perpetuity.

 

Budget- Learn to develop a precise line item budget. Know the difference between an operating budget and a project budget, and learn how to allocate your administrative costs within each program. This activity requires significant board involvement.

 

preparing for grant fundingMelanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of nonprofit Services for CharityNetUSA will be conducting a FREE Webinar: “Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready” Wednesday February 29, 2012.  This seminar is the first in a series on grant funding  given by Ms. Swift, and one you do not want to miss:

Join us for a webinar on making sure your nonprofit is “grant ready“. If you are you getting ready to apply for a grant or even thinking about it, then you can’t miss this opportunity to learn more about grant funding.

 

Our Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift will lay out the steps involved in the strategic preparation for undertaking a grant campaign, so you’re prepared for the legwork that goes into getting grant funding.  Sign up now for the FREE webinar CLICK HERE Learn the importance of a clarified mission and vision, an existing tax exemption, a strategic plan, a qualified Board, and a unique method for service delivery. In addition, discover the power of forthright financial information.

 

grant fundingIf you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact ChurchNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Family Life Ministries – Growing Your Church

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Family Life Ministries – Growing Your Church

 

 

Family Life Ministries By Thomas R. Reich

church ChurchNetUASIn today’s fast paced world, we tend to want everything now.  Developing Family Life Ministries at your church may be a priority, but proper planning is a necessity!  Using the following formula, a Church can strengthen its membership, and serve its community as well.  With proper preparation, you can enjoy success and prosper with Family Life Ministries added to your services.

When developing Family Life Ministries, churches should follow a comprehensive process that will not only ensure there’s a need for the program but that the church has the human and capital resources to effectively and efficiently carry out the program. The following five-step process can be used to develop Family Life Ministries at your church.

  1. Assess the Family Life Ministries needs of your members and surrounding community.
  • Survey your congregation on the types of Family Life Ministries they would like to conduct.

    Church ChurchNetUSA

    Family Life Ministries should benefit your Community

  • Survey the community about the types of programs that they need.
    • Educational, Health, Financial Literacy, etc.
    • Match the congregation’s needs and interests with the community’s needs.
      • For example: Did the majority of the congregation want to start a financial literacy program? Did your community survey indicate that many people are unaware of financial management practices?

Select the need that you are most able to meet given the resources that are available for Family Life Ministries.

  1. 2.       Develop the Goals and Objectives
  • What would you like to accomplish through your Family Life Ministries?
  1. 3.       Organize the Program Plans
  • Describe step by step how your Family Life Ministries will work.
    • How will you market the program?
    • Where will the program be held?
    • How often will the program be provided?
    • What are the times of operation?
    • What materials will you need for the program?
    • How much will everything cost?
    • How many volunteers will you need per week?
    • Who will be responsible for facilitating your Family Life Ministries?
  1. 4.       Implement the Program
  • Implement the steps outlined during the Family Life Ministries planning process.

    church ChurchNetUSA

    Helping families is Family Life Ministries

  • Call the Congregation to Action!
    • Get the congregation involved by advertising the Family Life Ministries during announcements and on the church’s bulletin board.
    • Provide sign-up sheets for volunteers
    • Develop a Twitter account for the Family Life Ministries
    • Interact with the community via your Church website blog and your Facebook page.
    • Alert the local media.
      • Provide a press release to the local newspaper, radio station, and online sources to create awareness of your Family Life Ministries and in the process get positive exposure for your Church!
    • Provide “top-notch” service.
      • Remember that the Family Life Ministries participants are also possible Church members. Build a strong positive relationship with each person that you encounter.
    • Keep the congregation excited about the Family Life Ministries by recognizing exemplary volunteers and achievements on an ongoing basis look for acts of grace to reward.
      • Provide updates about the Family Life Ministries during the announcements portion of your worship service.
      • Provide constant updates about your Family Life Ministries activities on your Twitter, website blog and Facebook.
      • Put pictures of program volunteers at work on the church’s bulletin board, Facebook and in a special section of your website.
      • Reward dedicated volunteers with a special recognition ceremony.
      • Periodically, do a spotlight report in your Website blog on one special volunteer, or area business that has helped the Family Life Ministries.
  1. 5.       Evaluate the Program
  • Survey the congregation and community.
    • Is the congregation satisfied with the Family Life Ministries?

      Church ChurchNetUSA

      Family Life Ministries should help the community

    • Are the Family Life Ministries participants satisfied with the program?
    • Did the Family Life Ministries achieve its goals and objectives?
    • Has the Family Life Ministries met the needs of the community?
    • If the answer to any of these questions is no, revise the program depending on the results of your surveys and program data, if you feel the survey has merit.  Remember, in many cases it the good you do that improves a community.  You know when you are doing good, it may not poll well, but the good is still being felt.  You are your best judge of a Family Life Ministries success.
      • If you went over the projected budget, increase the budget or downsize your program.
      • Did the hours of operation conflict with church member’s schedules?
      • Were the materials created for the Family Life Ministries effective?

We know that following this five-step process will assist your Church or Nonprofit Organization with developing an outreach program that is truly a

Church ChurchNetUSA

Announcements of Family Life Ministries events add interest!

help-mate to the community. A Family Life Ministries program can respond to the community’s needs while also serving as a growth agent for the church. Furthermore, an excellently implemented program is much more attractive to donors and volunteers than one with little planning at all. Keep these steps in mind while planning your Family Life Ministries program and success is sure to come!

 

We at ChurchNetUSA and CharityNetUSA have helped over 12,000 organizations achieve success, and have assisted many Church groups establish successful Family Life Ministries.  Our noted Nonprofit Consultant Howard Walker will be conducting a FREE webinar this coming Wednesday February 22, 2012 that you can’t afford to miss.  Howard Walker has been there, in the trenches and can give you much insight in the important concerns in setting up Family Life Ministries the right way.

Do not miss this FREE opportunity to hear Howard Walker live, and be inspired to greatness!  Click here to sign up for this one time live webinar event provided free from our friends at ChurchNetUSA and CharityNetUSA.

Church ChurchNetUSAIf you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or Church please contact CharityNetUSA and ChurchNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Business Law; Top 10 Pitfalls Church’s Should Avoid

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Church Law; Top 10 Pitfalls Churches Should Avoid

Be Prepared with Business and Church Law in 2012

 

By Thomas R. Reich

Nonprofit Business Law

1)      Lack of or Poor Organizational Documents! You must create and maintain the right organizational documents, to prepare your nonprofit business for Church Law.  You must first determine what type of structure you want your nonprofit business to operate under.  Church Law it does not stop there; there are annual filing requirements and documents that must be maintained.  Don’t be a casualty, do your paperwork!

2)      Lack of Proper Corporate Records! If you say “we are a small nonprofit, Ill remember the records and do them later” you will fail.  Keeping up with records is a must to be prepared in Church law and takes little time if you make it an ongoing process!

3)      Accepting Money from Investors Without Understanding Nonprofit Securities and Church Laws! There are ways to accept investment, endowments and donations in your new nonprofit, that are legal and this is the only way they should be accepted.  Consult a lawyer first if you are unsure of Nonprofit Business Law. This is the rule of thumb; make sure you and your investors are protected before you get yourself in hot water.

4)      Failing to have Founders and Employees Non-Compete Agreements! If you or your new employees have come from a similar business and are now competing with an old employer, make sure there is not aNon-Compete agreement enforce.  By the same token protect

Legal issues for churchs

Church Law can have important differences

yourself if what you are doing is of a unique nature.

5)      Weak or Non-Existent Vendor/Client Written Agreements. If you go into your new nonprofit on a handshake agreement to provide services or products to a friend or acquaintance, this is very risky.  Having a simple contract, one with terms and a time period assures that your demand will still be there when you take the plunge and open your doors.  Without a written agreement, one using practical Business Law, you may find the endowment does not materialize and you have no legal recourse.

6)      Litigation! Pure and simple, many new nonprofit owners feel they are in the cat bird seat now and they “Aren’t going to take this anymore!”  You must avoid all litigation if possible, work out problems without filing suit.  Litigation is very expensive and at the small Church level, it can bankrupt a company from the preparation of just one law suit, this is Business and Church Law fact!.  Collections are another matter, but there are professionals for that,STAY AWAY FROM LITIGATION IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

Nonprofit Business Law

7)      Collections! Collections can be a problem in many nonprofits, and it is tempting to take things personally.  First work directly with the donor, sometimes a personal call and request for payment of promised funds does the trick.  Never threaten or harass the donor, you could cross a line that puts them in the driver’s seat legally.  When the account can’t be salvaged with sugar, find good collections groups that work on a percentage and let them sow the vinegar, they are much more likely to be an expert in Nonprofit Business and Church Law, and much more likely to collect!

8)      Non-Performance Alleged Against your Nonprofit! It is most advisable that you do you level best to go overboard and fix non-performance allegations against you.  As a new Church, you do not want negative statements on services like “Rip off Report” or the BBB.  Offer a refund or the bend over backwards to fix the problem.  Defending against a law suit is both unproductive and expensive, avoid if you can, this is the case with all Business or Church Law, avoid litigation if you can.

Nonprofit Business Law

9)      Non-Performance of Other Service Providers to Your Small Business! Same rules apply; avoid Litigation if you possibly can.  A call from your CEO or Director may do the trick, be cool calm and consolatory.  Remember they do not want negative reports on “Rip off Report” or the BBB either.  Again, Litigation is very expensive, so do you level best to work out difference civilly, but calmly and reserve the right to do what is necessary to receive services or products you have paid for.  Remember how you handled the other side of this issue, and use that experience to look at the other company’s point of view.  Never loose site of your rights under Nonprofit Business and Church Law, but keep your eyes clearly on Public relations and you image in the community!.

10)  No Internal Controls, Guidelines, Manuals, etc! It is important to have written rules and regulations to govern your Church on a daily basis.  Internal Controls, Guidelines and Manuals are welcome by your employees, it lets them know exactly where they stand.  You will find that if rules are in place, you employees will not only follow what is expected of them but be thankful for knowing how to operate within guidelines.  You will be secure in the knowledge that you have done what you can to prepare your nonprofit under Business and Church Law.

 

Church LawIf you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation, church or any nonprofit please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

 

Social Media Boosts Church Fundraising

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Social Media Boosts Church Fundraising:

Basic Rules of Engagement

 

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

Fundraising in 2012

This is the year to imporve you skills with social media to boost church fundraising

Social media boosts

Developing an effective mission statement

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

As the leader of a church startup, many pastors or ministers find that during their church startup and growth phases, many responsibilities automatically fall upon their shoulders. There are many different topics to discuss such as where to hold church meetings, what type of church outreach programs to launch, selecting board members, acquiring funding, etc. During these beginning phases, it is crucial to lead your congregation with purpose and vision. As your congregations begin to grow and define the church purpose, there are some helpful steps that should be considered.

Including your congregation can be both beneficial and impending on the final decision for a mission statement. If you have a congregation of more than thirty people, the use of a selection committee should be considered. If you choose to build a committee, make sure that all demographics of your church congregation are represented.

Once you have selected the committee of people that are going to assist in the process of creating a mission statement, present the committee with four key questions. The first question to consider is,

Strategic Planning for Churches

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Churches, like all organizations, must map-out how they plan to grow and/or sustain themselves over a period of time.