#nonprofit donation pitfalls

[youtubevideopromotion]

Common Year-End Giving Pitfalls

Learn cost-effective ways to retain donors, how to plan for year-end giving, donor engagement and the downward trend of donor giving. Whether you’re a new or seasoned nonprofit leader, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization. For more click here

[socialroots-ai]

Choosing Nonprofit Association Management Software That Fits Your Unique Needs

Nonprofit associations must focus on strategies that drive engagement, improve operational efficiency, and maintain strong connections with members and stakeholders. One of the most impactful tools in achieving these objectives is Nonprofit Association Management Software. But with so many options available, how can nonprofits ensure they choose the right solution?

Understanding Your Nonprofit’s Needs

Before diving into software features, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your nonprofit’s specific needs. Different organizations may require different functionalities. Consider factors such as :

Membership Management : Track member data, renewals, and engagement using reliable membership tracking software.

Event Management :Coordinate and manage events seamlessly.

Donor Management : Track donations and manage relationships with contributors.

Communication Tools : Ensure smooth communication with members, volunteers, and supporters.

Understanding these needs helps narrow down the Nonprofit Association Management Software options that best align with your nonprofit's mission and operational requirements.

Key Features to Look for in Nonprofit Association Management Software

When evaluating Nonprofit Association Management Software, focus on the following features to ensure that the software supports your association’s long-term goals:

User-Friendly Interface : A system that is intuitive for staff and volunteers to use will reduce training time and errors.

Integration Capabilities : Ensure the software integrates well with other tools you already use, such as community management software, association management platforms, email marketing, accounting, and CRM systems.

Customization Options : our nonprofit may have unique processes that require customized workflows or reporting formats to enhance member engagement software.

Data Security : Given the sensitive nature of nonprofit data, especially member and donor information, ensure the software provides robust security features.

Scalability : As your nonprofit grows, you’ll need software that can scale with your organization’s needs.

The Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based Nonprofit Association Management Software offers several advantages, including :

Accessibility : Staff and members can access the system from anywhere, facilitating remote work and communication.

Automatic Updates : Cloud solutions often provide automatic updates, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and security patches.

Cost-Effectiveness : Cloud solutions typically have lower upfront costs, as they often operate on subscription-based pricing.

These benefits make cloud-based solutions especially appealing for nonprofit organizations with limited budgets and resources.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When selecting Nonprofit Association Management Software, nonprofits should be aware of common mistakes that could hinder the effectiveness of the software :

Not Involving Key Stakeholders : Involve staff, volunteers, and even board members in the decision-making process to ensure the software meets everyone’s needs.

Ignoring Future Growth : Consider not only your current needs but also how the software can accommodate future growth in terms of membership, funding, and staff.

Overlooking Training Needs : Even the best membership management software can fail if the team doesn’t know how to use it effectively. Make sure training resources are included and accessible.

How SocialRoots.ai Can Help

SocialRoots.ai provides a comprehensive Nonprofit Association Management Software solution tailored to help nonprofits manage member engagement and streamline operations. With features such as secure two-factor authentication, HIPAA compliance, and a smart dashboard, nonprofits can ensure data security while easily accessing critical information. The platform offers tools for client onboarding (both offline and online), electronic health records (EHR) integration, and community health management platforms for effective member management. Additionally, the software includes scheduling, calendar integration, and full data encryption to ensure a secure and efficient experience for all users.

The Best Choice for Nonprofits

When it comes to choosing the right Nonprofit Association Management Software, SocialRoots.ai stands out as the best solution. Its comprehensive features, security, and focus on enhancing member engagement make it an ideal fit for nonprofit organizations looking to streamline operations and ensure long-term success.

Get Started with a Free Demo: https://www.socialroots.ai/ 

[starterscfo]

Who Gains the Most from Professional Accounting Services?

Accounting services aren’t just a luxury—they're a game-changer for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a growing business, or someone striving for financial clarity, expert accounting support can be the key to long-term success.

Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Running a business means wearing multiple hats, but financial management shouldn't be a burden. Professional accounting ensures tax compliance, accurate bookkeeping, and strategic financial planning. For startups, accountants offer critical guidance on budgeting and forecasting—laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.

Freelancers & Independent Contractors

Managing irregular income streams can be overwhelming. Accountants streamline invoicing, track expenses, and optimize tax strategies—ensuring freelancers and gig workers keep more of what they earn while staying compliant with financial regulations.

Nonprofits & Charities

Transparency is everything in the nonprofit sector. Expert accountants help manage donations, grants, and operational expenses while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. With precise financial oversight, nonprofits can build donor trust and maximize their impact.

Medium to Large Corporations

For established companies, accounting is more than just number-crunching—it's about strategic financial leadership. Accountants oversee budgets, audits, payroll, and compliance, helping businesses increase profitability while mitigating financial risks. Advanced services like forensic accounting and internal audits ensure financial integrity at every level.

High-Net-Worth Individuals & Investors

From real estate holdings to diversified investments, managing wealth requires careful planning. Accountants provide expert tax strategies, wealth management solutions, and financial structuring to maximize returns and safeguard assets for the future.

Startups Scaling for Success

Growth comes with financial complexities. Accounting professionals help startups navigate cost analysis, budgeting, and tax planning—ensuring a solid financial foundation that attracts investors and avoids cash flow pitfalls.

Anyone Preparing for Tax Season

Tax time can be stressful, but professional accountants turn it into an opportunity. They ensure accuracy, maximize deductions, and keep clients compliant with ever-changing tax laws—saving both time and money.

Why Settle for Guesswork?

Accounting isn’t just about compliance—it’s about unlocking financial potential. Whether you’re a business owner, a nonprofit leader, or an individual managing wealth, expert accounting services provide the clarity and confidence needed to thrive. Don’t leave your financial future to chance—partner with a professional today.

[donationforcharity]

Why Donating Your Car to Charity in California is a Smart Choice for Tax Deductions

Donating your car to charity in California is not only a generous act but also a smart financial move, especially when it comes to tax season. Many people are unaware of the potential tax deductions available when they donate their vehicle, but California residents can take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their taxable income. If you’re looking to give back while also saving on taxes, donating your car could be the perfect option.

In this post, we’ll explore the tax benefits of donating your car to charity in California, how the process works, and why it’s a win-win for both you and the charity.

1. Tax Deductions for Charitable Donations

One of the key benefits of donating your car to charity in California is the potential for tax deductions. The IRS allows you to claim a charitable deduction for vehicle donations to qualified nonprofit organizations. This means that when you donate your car to a charity, you may be able to lower your tax bill by deducting the value of the car from your taxable income.

The amount you can deduct depends on several factors, including the car’s value and whether the charity plans to sell it or use it for its own programs. The IRS has clear guidelines on how to calculate the deduction for vehicle donations, and it’s important to understand these rules to ensure that you receive the maximum possible deduction.

2. Understanding the Different Types of Deductions

When you donate your car to charity in California, the amount you can deduct depends on how the charity plans to use your vehicle. There are two primary scenarios:

A. Deducting the Fair Market Value (FMV)

If the charity uses your car for its programs—for example, using it to transport people or goods—the IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value (FMV) of the car. FMV is the price the car would sell for in a normal market, considering factors like its make, model, age, mileage, and condition.

To determine the FMV, you can use resources like the Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to estimate the value of your car. Be sure to document the condition of the car at the time of donation, as this will affect the value.

B. Deducting the Sale Price

If the charity decides to sell the car (which is often the case), you are allowed to deduct the amount the charity receives from the sale. This is generally lower than the FMV but is still a valuable deduction.

In either case, it’s crucial that the charity provides you with the appropriate documentation. You’ll need a receipt or written acknowledgment that states the car's value or the sale price, along with a description of the car.

3. Avoiding Pitfalls: What to Look for When Donating a Car

To ensure you receive the tax benefits you’re entitled to when you donate your car to charity in California, you need to be aware of certain rules and guidelines:

A. Use a Qualified Charity

The charity you donate to must be a qualified 501(c)(3) non profit organization for your donation to be tax-deductible. Make sure that the organization has this tax-exempt status by asking for documentation or confirming through the IRS website.

It’s also essential to keep a record of the charity’s name, address, and tax-exempt number. You should only donate to organizations that are eligible to issue tax receipts for donations.

B. Documentation Requirements

For car donations valued at over $500, the IRS requires that you fill out Form 8283, which must be submitted with your tax return. This form provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its make, model, year, and the amount you’re deducting.

In addition to Form 8283, the charity must provide you with a written acknowledgment of your donation. This acknowledgment should include:

The charity's name and address

A description of the car

A statement that no goods or services were received in exchange for the donation (or if they were, the value of those goods or services)

The date of the donation

C. Timing of the Donation

To claim the deduction for the current tax year, you must donate the car before December 31. If you donate after this date, the deduction will apply to the next tax year. Make sure you follow up with the charity to ensure the donation is processed in time for the current tax cycle.

4. Tax Savings and Potential Refunds

The tax savings you can receive from donating your car to charity in California can be substantial, especially if you donate a high-value vehicle. By lowering your taxable income, you could potentially move into a lower tax bracket, which means you’ll pay less in federal and state taxes.

Additionally, if your charitable deduction exceeds your tax liability, you may be eligible for a tax refund. This is especially beneficial if you’re donating a vehicle that is worth more than the taxes you owe. However, it’s important to remember that charitable deductions are subject to limitations based on your income, so consult a tax advisor to understand how much you can actually deduct.

5. The Environmental Impact of Donating a Car

In addition to the tax benefits, donating your car to charity in California also provides an environmental advantage. Many charities partner with eco-friendly recycling programs that ensure your car is disposed of properly. Instead of the car sitting in a junkyard or being scrapped inefficiently, the materials from your vehicle will be reused or recycled, reducing waste.

If the charity decides to sell your car, it may also be refurbished and reused, helping extend its lifespan and reduce the demand for new vehicles. This is an eco-conscious way to part with an old car while also supporting a charitable cause.

6. Free Towing Services and Convenience

One of the most convenient aspects of donating your car to charity in California is that many charitable organizations offer free towing services. Whether your car is no longer operational or simply needs to be picked up from your location, charities often provide this service at no cost to the donor. This saves you time and money compared to selling or scrapping your car independently.

The donation process is typically quick and hassle-free, with many organizations handling all of the paperwork and towing arrangements. This means that even if your car is no longer running or requires expensive repairs, you can still donate it and receive tax benefits without any added stress.

7. Supporting Local Communities

When you donate your car to charity in California, you’re supporting local nonprofits and helping strengthen the communities you live in. Many charities use the proceeds from vehicle donations to fund important programs, such as providing food, shelter, and healthcare to vulnerable populations, or supporting education initiatives for youth in need.

Your car donation could directly benefit local families, children, veterans, and seniors, creating a positive ripple effect throughout your community. It’s a simple way to make a significant impact right where you live.

Conclusion

Donating your car to charity in California isn’t just a thoughtful act of giving—it’s a smart financial decision that can provide you with valuable tax deductions and other benefits. Whether you’re looking to save money on taxes, support a local charity, or make a positive impact on the environment, donating your car is a win-win situation. By understanding the tax rules and choosing the right charity, you can maximize your deductions and ensure that your donation has the greatest impact.

If you're ready to donate your car and start reaping the benefits, remember to select a qualified charity, gather the necessary documentation, and claim your tax deduction. Donating your car to charity in California is not only easy, but it's also one of the best ways to give back and improve your financial situation this tax season.

[josenoelrobles]

Nine Common Pitfalls in Nonprofit Management and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the complexities of running a nonprofit can be challenging, especially when faced with common pitfalls that can hinder your organization's success. In Tawnia Wise's insightful guide, "Become a Nonprofit Pro: Nine Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them," these challenges are laid out with practical advice on how to overcome them. Here’s a detailed look at each pitfall and how to steer clear of them. Pitfall 1: Believing Fundraising Will Solve All Your Problems Solution: While fundraising is crucial, it isn't a panacea for all organizational issues. It’s essential to have a robust infrastructure in place, including strong programs, operations, and governance. Fundraising should be viewed as one leg of a three-legged stool that includes programs and operations. Ensure your organization is operationally sound and has effective programs that demonstrate impact, as these are critical for sustainable fundraising. Example: Imagine a nonprofit focused solely on raising funds without proper financial oversight. They might secure donations but fail to create lasting impact due to poor program execution and operational inefficiencies. Pitfall 2: Your Financials Tell the Wrong Story Solution: Accurate and transparent financial reporting is vital. Potential donors and funders rely on financial documents to gauge your nonprofit's health and credibility. Ensure your financial statements, including budgets, balance sheets, and Form 990s, are meticulously prepared and reflect the true financial state of your organization. Example: A nonprofit that doesn't track its expenses properly may end up mismanaging funds, leading to a loss of donor trust and financial instability. Implementing robust accounting software and regular audits can prevent this. Pitfall 3: Your Funding Is Not Sustainable Solution: Diversify your funding sources to avoid over-reliance on a single revenue stream. Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes individual donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Focus on building unrestricted revenue to ensure financial flexibility. Example: A nonprofit that relies heavily on grant funding may face a crisis if a major grant is not renewed. By cultivating individual donors and other funding sources, you create a more resilient financial foundation. Pitfall 4: Your Board Is Asleep at the Wheel Solution: An engaged and proactive board of directors is essential. Ensure your board understands their roles and responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic planning. Regular training and clear communication can help keep them active and involved. Example: A nonprofit with a disengaged board may struggle with strategic direction and financial accountability. Regular board meetings, training sessions, and clear expectations can invigorate board members and improve governance. Pitfall 5: You Are Undervaluing Your Organization Solution: Recognize and communicate the true value of your organization’s work. Develop a compelling value proposition that highlights your unique impact and effectiveness. This will help attract more significant support from donors and funders. Example: If a nonprofit doesn’t effectively communicate its impact, potential donors may not see the value in contributing. Use data and success stories to illustrate the difference your organization makes. Pitfall 6: You Are Not Fully Living Your Mission Solution: Ensure that all aspects of your organization align with your mission. Regularly evaluate programs and activities to ensure they are effectively contributing to your goals. Mission drift can dilute your impact and confuse stakeholders. Example: A nonprofit focused on education might start offering unrelated services to attract funding. This can lead to mission drift and weaken the organization’s core focus. Staying mission-centric ensures clarity and effectiveness. Pitfall 7: The Calls Are Coming from Inside the House Solution: Internal conflicts and mismanagement can be detrimental. Foster a healthy organizational culture with clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels. Address issues promptly and transparently to maintain trust and morale. Example: A nonprofit with frequent staff turnover and internal conflicts may struggle to achieve its goals. Building a positive work culture and resolving conflicts quickly can enhance organizational stability. Pitfall 8: Your Organization Isn’t Serious about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Solution: Prioritize DEIA in all aspects of your organization. This includes hiring practices, board composition, program delivery, and community engagement. A commitment to DEIA strengthens your organization’s relevance and impact. Example: A nonprofit that doesn’t consider DEIA may alienate potential supporters and beneficiaries. Implementing inclusive practices and policies ensures broader community support and engagement. Pitfall 9: Your Fundraising Goals Are Unreasonable Solution: Set realistic and achievable fundraising goals. Base your targets on past performance, current capacity, and thorough market analysis. Overambitious goals can lead to burnout and disappointment, while attainable targets build confidence and momentum. Example: Setting a goal to double your donations in one year without a clear plan can demotivate your team if not achieved. Gradual and steady growth with strategic planning is more sustainable. Conclusion Avoiding these common pitfalls requires a holistic approach to nonprofit management, focusing on strong governance, financial health, effective programs, and strategic fundraising. By implementing the solutions provided, your organization can build a solid foundation for long-term success and greater community impact. Practical Tips for Implementation - Conduct Regular Financial Audits: Ensure transparency and accuracy in your financial reporting to build trust with donors and funders. - Engage Your Board: Regularly train and communicate with your board to keep them involved and accountable. - Diversify Funding Sources: Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes various revenue streams. - Prioritize DEIA: Implement inclusive practices in hiring, program delivery, and community engagement. - Set Realistic Goals: Base your fundraising targets on thorough analysis and past performance. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, nonprofit leaders can strengthen their organizations and enhance their ability to make a meaningful difference in their communities. This guide, inspired by Tawnia Wise's expertise, provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges and achieving long-term success. Citation Wise, T. (2023). Become a Nonprofit Pro: Nine Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them. Advantage Media Group. Read the full article

[ngopartner]

How a Leading Software Development Company in Delhi Can Transform Your Business

In the bustling metropolis of Delhi, where innovation and technology converge, the role of a Software Development Company cannot be overstated. As businesses navigate the complex landscapes of the digital age, having a reliable partner to harness tech prowess becomes paramount. This article explores how a leading Software Development Company in Delhi can be the catalyst for transforming your business, with a particular focus on the crucial intersection of technology and social impact through accounting software for NGOs.

The Delhi Advantage: A Hub of Technological Innovation

Delhi stands at the forefront of India's technology hub, providing an ideal environment for businesses aiming to leverage cutting-edge solutions. A Software Development Company in Delhi is uniquely positioned to tap into a vibrant ecosystem, offering access to skilled professionals, collaborative opportunities, and a diverse clientele. Entrepreneurs and businesses seeking transformative digital solutions can benefit from the rich tapestry of Delhi's tech landscape.

Tailored Solutions for Business Evolution

A leading Software Development Company in Delhi excels in providing tailored solutions that align with the specific needs of businesses across various sectors. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, these companies bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, the ability to adapt and evolve in the rapidly changing tech landscape is crucial for sustained success.

The Crucial Role of Accounting Software for NGOs

In the realm of social impact, NGOs play a pivotal role in addressing pressing issues. To amplify their impact, incorporating advanced technologies is essential. One such technology that significantly influences the efficiency of NGOs is accounting software. This specialized software is designed to meet the unique financial management needs of non-profit organizations.

NGOs often handle a myriad of financial transactions, including donations, grants, and expenses. The meticulous tracking of funds, compliance with regulatory standards, and transparent reporting are imperative for their credibility and sustainability. Here's where accounting software for NGOs, developed by leading companies in Delhi, steps in.

Efficient Financial Management for NGOs

Advanced accounting software tailored for NGOs simplifies financial complexities. It automates tasks such as fund tracking, donor contributions, and expense management, allowing organizations to allocate more time and resources to their core mission. This efficiency not only reduces the burden of manual bookkeeping but also minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring accurate and transparent financial reporting.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

Transparency is a cornerstone of trust in the nonprofit sector. Donors, stakeholders, and the public at large expect NGOs to manage their finances responsibly. Accounting software for NGOs fosters transparency by providing real-time insights into financial activities. This transparency, coupled with accurate reporting, enhances accountability and instills confidence in donors, thereby securing sustained support for the organization's initiatives.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance

NGOs operate in a regulated environment, with stringent compliance standards. Failure to adhere to these standards can lead to legal consequences and damage an organization's reputation. Leading Software Development Companies in Delhi understand the importance of developing accounting software that ensures NGOs comply with relevant regulations. By automating compliance processes, NGOs can focus on their mission without the constant worry of legal pitfalls.

Conclusion: A Technological Revolution for Business and Impact

In conclusion, the transformative potential of a leading Software Development Company in Delhi goes beyond merely enhancing business operations; it extends to the realm of social impact. By developing advanced accounting software for NGOs, these companies empower organizations to operate more efficiently, transparently, and accountably.

As businesses and NGOs alike embrace the digital era, partnering with a Software Development Company in Delhi becomes a strategic imperative. The tech prowess unleashed by these companies not only propels businesses forward but also amplifies the positive impact of NGOs, contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future for all.

[wasteremovalmiami]

Furniture Removal on a Limited Budget

If you're moving, you're likely about to go through a local or interstate furniture removal process. Naturally, there are always options for moving, and backloading is one of them if you're going over state lines. But regardless of whether you're looking to find assistance with packing, a complete relocation, or just moving in general, the advice in the following article may be helpful to reduce any stress you might be feeling. Also more information please click here "Waste Removal Miami"

It is always challenging to move. Moving involves so many potential financial pitfalls that we must be cautious about. However, moving while keeping an eye on your budget can result in an excellent moving experience. Instead, plan to thoroughly examine your possibilities for saving money. The following advice is designed to make moving into a new house accessible while keeping your bank account full.

Get going early to save money.

The adage "time is money" is very accurate. The more you prepare ahead, the more money you'll save. Plan your budget's maximum allowable spending amount and adhere to it. If you must travel by plane, book your trip and hotel rooms as soon as possible to take advantage of the best deals. If you intend to go by automobile, plan a route that will fit inside your spending limit, taking into account costs for things like gas, tolls, food, and lodging.

People frequently overlook moving costs: home repairs, rental fees, pet care, storage fees, and financial advice for hiring professional movers. Keep track of every expense you incur during the moving process to ensure an exact total.

Remember to keep all of your receipts. Maintain your records and then give them to your accountant so they can determine which moving expenses are and are not tax deductible. A significant portion of moving costs may be deductible from your taxes.

Employ or Not to Employ

One of the initial choices is whether to hire expert furniture movers, rent a moving truck, or look for a self-service moving company. If you want to avoid driving a car, consider hiring a team of expert furniture movers.

Regardless of your choice, always keep track of the costs associated with moving so you can create the most accurate tabulation possible. Be wary of absurdly low estimates, and always check references before hiring (for movers).

Next is packing

The next step is to gather all of your belongings quickly. Pack your belongings unless they require specialized care from professionals (such as a baby grand piano). Always watch for the tools you'll need, like boxes, paper, tape, garbage bags, and scissors. Local newsletter advertising often features these items for sale; your neighbours may also have some on hand. Instead of purchasing bubble wrap, cover all your delicates, such as ceramic plates, in your blankets and towels.

Have a garage sale if you decide certain goods are no longer desired. You should be able to sell off many items as long as you prepare ahead and take advantage of free advertising options. It also saves time and works for you and your movers. If you feel like something other than holding a garage sale, consider gathering the unwanted items and donating them to a nearby nonprofit.

Finally, ask your family and friends to help you move. The more hands you have, the better because you won't need to hire as many movers, and you'll probably find someone ready to watch the kids or the pets. Throughout the moving day, provide your helpers with many refueling snacks, and arrange a satisfying home-cooked lunch as a thank-you gift.

Waste Removal Miami 

Address: Miami, Florida 

Phone Number: (786) 746-7095

[fbwzoo]

My friend and I want to start a shelter of sorts for rehoming abandoned, unwanted and neglected pets. We live in India where these kind of organisations are seriously lacking and because of that we don't have a lot of resources as well. Do you have any advice and resources you could point us towards ? We won't start it until everything's completely planned out of course.

That’s an awesome plan! :D Fair warning that there’s a LOT of text after this, heh. Sorry for the length, but there’s lots to talk about and think about with something like this.

So the first thing I would suggest doing is looking into all of the possible rules and regulations that might apply to what you want to do. Check for things like types of animals that are allowed to be kept where you are, whether any require permits or anything like that, if there’s a limit to number of animals that can be kept in a building or on a property, any noise regulations (especially if you anticipate taking in a lot of dogs, noisy birds, etc.). Also check on any permits or forms that need to be filled out in order to run a rescue specifically - I found out that my city requires a permit for any type of animal rescue/shelter, even for as small as hermit crabs. Might be that none of this applies, especially since it’s so rare in your country, but it’s worth checking, just to make sure. You don’t want to get really far down the road on planning or be set up & running and find out that you’ll be shut down because of missing a permit or something.

Another thing to look into while you’re doing all of that, is whether there are any rules/regulations in India about receiving donations for a rescue/shelter. In the US, you can receive donations in general for a cause, but it’s easier to get donations if you apply to be a non-profit, which can be a lot of work to get done, if I remember correctly. But doing so means that donations people give you are tax-refundable, so it makes the idea more appealing to people and you’ll get more money & item donations that way.

Related to the above things, look into the financial aspect of the entire plan. This would include planning how you want to fund the rescue/shelter (your own money, donations, specific events/fundraisers to make money for the shelter, etc.), and also find out whether you’ll have to worry about any kind of tax things with the shelter. I’m not really clear on all the rules to do with that in my country, much less whether it would apply or what you would have to look into for yours. I would suggest maybe talking to a bank or a lawyer or something. You could also contact any rescues/shelters that you do know of in the country & see what they know about it, as well as their advice & knowledge on the above topics.

And in general, reaching out to any similar organizations in the country is a really good idea! You can ask for advice on the above topics, but you can also find out if they have any other advice specific to starting/running a shelter in your country. Things like where to look for donations, how to market yourself, and the best resources for supplies.

If you have trouble finding any shelters/rescues in your country, you could try expanding your search and talk to animal rescue groups in other countries as well - they can still have good advice on any pitfalls they ran into while getting started, what to look for when taking in animals & what to look for in new homes when you adopt animals out, and so on.

As far as how to find shelters/rescues, I have to admit I’m not entirely sure the best way to go about finding good ones & contacting them. I know Best Friends Animal Society in the US is a relatively well-known rescue, but can’t say for sure how easy they are to get a hold of for this kind of advice/talk. If any of my followers have more suggestions on places to check out for this, feel free to comment!

Oh, and Best Friends also has a page on their site that may help you out -

Some other things to consider - https://bestfriends.org/resources/how-start-rescue-or-other-animal-nonprofit

- Do you want to take in any & all animals or limit yourself to particular species? How good is your knowledge base on different species? Do you have reliable places to get accurate and up-to-date info quickly if necessary, if you’re likely to take in species you don’t know as well?

- Brainstorm fundraising & marketing techniques. You’ll want ways to spread the word about your shelter & get attention from people who will be willing to donate and help you out. And of course, this will also help with finding new homes for the animals. 

- Do you have a good vet lined up? You could maybe find out if they’d be able & willing to give you discounts as a shelter/rescue, but that depends on your relationship with the vet.

- Make sure you’re familiar with quarantine practices & willing and able to put them into practice. All too often quarantine doesn’t get thought of or isn’t carried out as carefully as it should be. It’s a pain in the ass, but it can save a lot of trouble! Make sure you also have the space and supplies to do quarantine.

- A very important thing - set your limits. Set them before you start, make sure everyone agrees on them, and stick to them. One of the most common ways for a good rescue/shelter to end up in a big mess is to not stick to their limits on how many animals they can handle. Especially in situations where there’s a strong need & not a lot of alternatives, it’s really easy to go “well, just one more…” and to keep doing that until you’re overwhelmed. Figure out how many animals can fit in your space how many you can physically take care of each day (providing food, water, health checks, cage cleaning, and enrichment). Figure out your financial limits & stick to them as well. Even if it feels like “I could at least provide better than that…”, compromising the care of all of your animals to try & help just one more is going to set a bad precedent and lead you down a bad road.

- Along the same lines as that last one - make sure you have the ability to be realistic and make hard decisions. You can’t save them all. It sucks, but it’s just not possible. Always remember that death is not the worst thing that can happen - particularly a quick, painless death from euthanasia. Sometimes it’s the best option you can give an animal, and that’s okay. It’s hard, but you need to be able to do it. Another frustrating thing about some shelters/rescues is their determination that “every animal deserves a chance” or that “every life matters”. It sounds callous, but….there are a lot of animals in this world. There are overpopulations of some animals in places, where there’s far more animals than resources or people who want to help & care for them. When you’re making the choice between an animal that’s going to take tons of time & resources to be adoptable (or may never be adoptable) and being able to help 10 animals with the same amount of resources, which is the better option? This is an issue with some rescues that are determined to try & rehab people-aggressive dogs, especially ones with a bite record. Obviously it’s dependent on case, but… those are the types of decisions you’ll very likely encounter and have to make a call on.

- Keep in mind that education is a big part of any shelter’s goals. My hermit crab group is a great example of this. Educate people on what animals entail. Show them what good animal care is and easier ways to achieve it. A shelter’s goal is that one day, they won’t be needed anymore. I know it’s more of a fantasy than a realistic goal, but even so. The more animals you can keep in a home by educating their owner, the more animals you can help for people who just don’t have a choice, or animals that have already been dumped.

I think that’s all I can think of for right now. I hope some of this was helpful & let me know if you have any questions on anything I mentioned! 

[jooesnideer]

Carol Quijandria Los Angeles | When Your Non-Profit Loses Its Integrity

This article is shared by Carol Quijandria Los Angeles.

Once a non-profit organization loses the public’s trust, it can be a difficult and long journey to regain it again. Not only does a damaged reputation look bad in the public eye, but there are also sponsors and donors that the organization is accountable to.

Strong policies that focus on ethics can help a non-profit organization to avoid this pitfall, but what about when it happens anyway or if it is already too late? What can you do at that point?

Carol Quijandria of Los Angeles, an expert, and consultant in the field, has several recommendations for regaining an organization’s foothold, and more importantly, trust:

Acknowledge the issue

Transparency is key. When trust is gone, it will simply be seen as disingenuous maneuvering if you lead with anything else.

“Acknowledge that something went wrong, that it does not align with the purpose of the organization, that it did damage to the community’s trust, and that you are hard at work to resolve it and to move forward without similar issues.”

–  Carol Quijandria, Los Angeles

In our current cancel culture, because everyone is under a microscope, the majority of both for-profit and non-profit organizations have a standard form-letter response for when issues arise. While a more genuine approach is recommended, there is nothing wrong with having an immediate plan and response already in place to give your organization a little breathing room to work on the problem internally.

A case study

In 2018, it came to light that Larry Nassar, a physician for the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic team, was being investigated and convicted of sexually abusing more than 150 women during his career. This quickly led to discoveries of other cases of abuse by coaches and physicians.

The U.S. Gymnastics board initially responded poorly, even going as far as threatening gymnasts who spoke out. This eventually led to the entire board being forced to resign.

New leadership stepped up and responded appropriately, initiated a change of policies, and acknowledged the problem:

Source: USA Gymnastics, Twitter

While the road to regain full trust would be a bumpy one, they had already taken the first and most crucial step.

Expect to pay your penance

There will be backlash. Now is a time to cut unnecessary spending before the organization feels the full force of reduced support and donations. A weathering the storm mentality is a good one to have at this juncture. You will want to make certain that the organization can make it through to the other side when the sun emerges again.

Carol-Quijandria-Los-Angeles-Natural-Scene

Image credit: Johannes Plenio

This does not mean giving up on fundraising. However, it is a time to make sure that your fundraising is 100% ethical to help alleviate the fears of remaining as well as new donors. The National Council of Nonprofits sums it up best:

“Transparency inspires confidence. Beyond what the law requires, non-profits can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices by being entirely transparent with financial information and fundraising practices.”

Change policies and show genuine transformation

Begin the process of creating solid ethics policies that acknowledge current issues as well as anticipating future ones. At a minimum, you will want to cover:

spending limits

salaries and perks

conflicts of interest

gift acceptance

transparency

accountability

tax and financial fraud prevention

ethics training

whistleblower protection

Don’t go it alone. There is a lot to cover. Find a non-profit consultant with experience in creating and maintaining organizational integrity. If you are in the Los Angeles area, reach out to Carol Quijandria for assistance or a referral.

The post Carol Quijandria Los Angeles | When Your Non-Profit Loses Its Integrity appeared first on Carol Quijandria Los Angeles.

Published first here: https://carolquijandrialosangeles.com/when-your-non-profit-loses-its-integrity/

Carol Quijandria Los Angeles | When Your Non-Profit Loses Its Integrity syndicated from https://carolquijandrialosangeles.com/

Originally published here: https://jooesnideer.wordpress.com/2021/11/03/carol-quijandria-los-angeles-when-your-non-profit-loses-its-integrity/

[youtubevideopromotion]

Learn cost-effective ways to retain donors, how to plan for year-end giving, donor engagement and the downward trend of donor giving. Whether you're a new or seasoned nonprofit leader, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization. For more click here

[socialroots-ai]

Choosing Nonprofit Association Management Software That Fits Your Unique Needs

Nonprofit associations must focus on strategies that drive engagement, improve operational efficiency, and maintain strong connections with members and stakeholders. One of the most impactful tools in achieving these objectives is Nonprofit Association Management Software. But with so many options available, how can nonprofits ensure they choose the right solution?

Understanding Your Nonprofit’s Needs

Before diving into software features, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your nonprofit’s specific needs. Different organizations may require different functionalities. Consider factors such as :

Membership Management : Track member data, renewals, and engagement using reliable membership tracking software.

Event Management :Coordinate and manage events seamlessly.

Donor Management : Track donations and manage relationships with contributors.

Communication Tools : Ensure smooth communication with members, volunteers, and supporters.

Understanding these needs helps narrow down the Nonprofit Association Management Software options that best align with your nonprofit's mission and operational requirements.

Key Features to Look for in Nonprofit Association Management Software

When evaluating Nonprofit Association Management Software, focus on the following features to ensure that the software supports your association’s long-term goals:

User-Friendly Interface : A system that is intuitive for staff and volunteers to use will reduce training time and errors.

Integration Capabilities : Ensure the software integrates well with other tools you already use, such as community management software, association management platforms, email marketing, accounting, and CRM systems.

Customization Options : our nonprofit may have unique processes that require customized workflows or reporting formats to enhance member engagement software.

Data Security : Given the sensitive nature of nonprofit data, especially member and donor information, ensure the software provides robust security features.

Scalability : As your nonprofit grows, you’ll need software that can scale with your organization’s needs.

The Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based Nonprofit Association Management Software offers several advantages, including :

Accessibility : Staff and members can access the system from anywhere, facilitating remote work and communication.

Automatic Updates : Cloud solutions often provide automatic updates, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and security patches.

Cost-Effectiveness : Cloud solutions typically have lower upfront costs, as they often operate on subscription-based pricing.

These benefits make cloud-based solutions especially appealing for nonprofit organizations with limited budgets and resources.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When selecting Nonprofit Association Management Software, nonprofits should be aware of common mistakes that could hinder the effectiveness of the software :

Not Involving Key Stakeholders : Involve staff, volunteers, and even board members in the decision-making process to ensure the software meets everyone’s needs.

Ignoring Future Growth : Consider not only your current needs but also how the software can accommodate future growth in terms of membership, funding, and staff.

Overlooking Training Needs : Even the best membership management software can fail if the team doesn’t know how to use it effectively. Make sure training resources are included and accessible.

How SocialRoots.ai Can Help

SocialRoots.ai provides a comprehensive Nonprofit Association Management Software solution tailored to help nonprofits manage member engagement and streamline operations. With features such as secure two-factor authentication, HIPAA compliance, and a smart dashboard, nonprofits can ensure data security while easily accessing critical information. The platform offers tools for client onboarding (both offline and online), electronic health records (EHR) integration, and community health management platforms for effective member management. Additionally, the software includes scheduling, calendar integration, and full data encryption to ensure a secure and efficient experience for all users.

The Best Choice for Nonprofits

When it comes to choosing the right Nonprofit Association Management Software, SocialRoots.ai stands out as the best solution. Its comprehensive features, security, and focus on enhancing member engagement make it an ideal fit for nonprofit organizations looking to streamline operations and ensure long-term success.

Get Started with a Free Demo: https://www.socialroots.ai/ 

[orbemnews]

The Covid-19 Plasma Boom Is Over. What Did We Learn From It? Scott Cohen was on a ventilator struggling for his life with Covid-19 last April when his brothers pleaded with Plainview Hospital on Long Island to infuse him with the blood plasma of a recovered patient. The experimental treatment was hard to get but was gaining attention at a time when doctors had little else. After an online petition drew 18,000 signatures, the hospital gave Mr. Cohen, a retired Nassau County medic, an infusion of the pale yellow stuff that some called “liquid gold.” In those terrifying early months of the pandemic, the idea that antibody-rich plasma could save lives took on a life of its own before there was evidence that it worked. The Trump administration, buoyed by proponents at elite medical institutions, seized on plasma as a good-news story at a time when there weren’t many others. It awarded more than $800 million to entities involved in its collection and administration, and put Dr. Anthony S. Fauci’s face on billboards promoting the treatment. A coalition of companies and nonprofit groups, including the Mayo Clinic, Red Cross and Microsoft, mobilized to urge donations from people who had recovered from Covid-19, enlisting celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson, the actor known as the Rock. Volunteers, some dressed in superhero capes, showed up to blood banks in droves. Mr. Cohen, who later recovered, was one of them. He went on to donate his own plasma 11 times. But by the end of the year, good evidence for convalescent plasma had not materialized, prompting many prestigious medical centers to quietly abandon it. By February, with cases and hospitalizations dropping, demand dipped below what blood banks had stockpiled. In March, the New York Blood Center called Mr. Cohen to cancel his 12th appointment. It didn’t need any more plasma. A year ago, when Americans were dying of Covid at an alarming rate, the federal government made a big bet on plasma. No one knew if the treatment would work, but it seemed biologically plausible and safe, and there wasn’t much else to try. All told, more than 722,000 units of plasma were distributed to hospitals thanks to the federal program, which ends this month. The government’s bet did not result in a blockbuster treatment for Covid-19, or even a decent one. But it did give the country a real-time education in the pitfalls of testing a medical treatment in the middle of an emergency. Medical science is messy and slow. And when a treatment fails, which is often, it can be difficult for its strongest proponents to let it go. Because the government gave plasma to so many patients outside of a controlled clinical trial, it took a long time to measure its effectiveness. Eventually, studies did emerge to suggest that under the right conditions, plasma might help. But enough evidence has now accumulated to show that the country’s broad, costly plasma campaign had little effect, especially in people whose disease was advanced enough to land them in the hospital. In interviews, three federal health officials — Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; Dr. Peter Marks, a top F.D.A. regulator; and Dr. H. Clifford Lane, a clinical director at the National Institutes of Health — acknowledged that the evidence for plasma was limited. “The data are just not that strong, and it makes it makes it hard, I think, to be enthusiastic about seeing it continue to be used,” Dr. Lane said. The N.I.H. recently halted an outpatient trial of plasma because of a lack of benefit. Plasma promotions Doctors have used the antibodies of recovered patients as treatments for more than a century, for diseases including diphtheria, the 1918 flu and Ebola. So when patients began falling ill with the new coronavirus last year, doctors around the world turned to the old standby. In the United States, two hospitals — Mount Sinai in New York City and Houston Methodist in Texas — administered the first plasma units to Covid-19 patients within hours of each other on March 28. Dr. Nicole M. Bouvier, an infectious-disease doctor who helped set up Mount Sinai’s plasma program, said the hospital had tried the experimental treatment because blood transfusions carry a relatively low risk of harm. With a new virus spreading quickly, and no approved treatments, “nature is a much better manufacturer than we are,” she said. As Mount Sinai prepared to infuse patients with plasma, Diana Berrent, a photographer, was recovering from Covid-19 at her home in Port Washington, N.Y. Friends began sending her Mount Sinai’s call for donors. “I had no idea what plasma was — I haven’t taken a science class since high school,” Ms. Berrent recalled. But as she researched its history in previous disease outbreaks, she became fixated on how she could help. She formed a Facebook group of Covid-19 survivors that grew to more than 160,000 members and eventually became a health advocacy organization, Survivor Corps. She livestreamed her own donation sessions to the Facebook group, which in turn prompted more donations. “People were flying places to go donate plasma to each other,” she said. “It was really a beautiful thing to see.” Around the same time, Chaim Lebovits, a shoe wholesaler from Monsey, N.Y., in hard-hit Rockland County, was spreading the word about plasma within his Orthodox Jewish community. Mr. Lebovits called several rabbis he knew, and before long, thousands of Orthodox Jewish people were getting tested for coronavirus antibodies and showing up to donate. Coordinating it all was exhausting. “April,” Mr. Lebovits recalled with a laugh, “was like 20 decades.” Two developments that month further accelerated plasma’s use. With the help of $66 million in federal funding, the F.D.A. tapped the Mayo Clinic to run an expanded access program for hospitals across the country. And the government agreed to cover the administrative costs of collecting plasma, signing deals with the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers. The news releases announcing those deals got none of the flashy media attention that the billion-dollar contracts for Covid-19 vaccines did when they arrived later in the summer. And the government did not disclose how much it would be investing. That investment turned out to be significant. According to contract records, the U.S. government has paid $647 million to the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers since last April. “The convalescent plasma program was intended to meet an urgent need for a potential therapy early in the pandemic,” a health department spokeswoman said in a statement. “When these contracts began, treatments weren’t available for hospitalized Covid-19 patients.” Updated  April 17, 2021, 10:17 a.m. ET As spring turned to summer, the Trump administration seized on plasma — as it had with the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine — as a promising solution. In July, the administration announced an $8 million advertising campaign “imploring Americans to donate their plasma and help save lives.” The blitz included promotional radio spots and billboards featuring Dr. Fauci and Dr. Hahn, the F.D.A. commissioner. A coalition to organize the collection of plasma was beginning to take shape, connecting researchers, federal officials, activists like Ms. Berrent and Mr. Lebovits, and major corporations like Microsoft and Anthem on regular calls that have continued to this day. Nonprofit blood banks and for-profit plasma collection companies also joined the collaboration, named the Fight Is In Us. The group also included the Mitre Corporation, a little-known nonprofit organization that had received a $37 million government grant to promote plasma donation around the country. The participants sometimes had conflicting interests. While the blood banks were collecting plasma to be immediately infused in hospitalized patients, the for-profit companies needed plasma donations to develop their own blood-based treatment for Covid-19. Donations at those companies’ own centers had also dropped off after national lockdowns. “They don’t all exactly get along,” Peter Lee, the corporate vice president of research and incubations at Microsoft, said at a virtual scientific forum in March organized by Scripps Research. Microsoft was recruited to develop a locator tool, embedded on the group’s website, for potential donors. But the company took on a broader role “as a neutral intermediary,” Dr. Lee said. The company also provided access to its advertising agency, which created the look and feel for the Fight Is In Us campaign, which included video testimonials from celebrities. Lack of evidence In August, the F.D.A. authorized plasma for emergency use under pressure from President Donald J. Trump, who had chastised federal scientists for moving too slowly. At a news conference, Dr. Hahn, the agency’s commissioner, substantially exaggerated the data, although he later corrected his remarks following criticism from the scientific community. In a recent interview, he said that Mr. Trump’s involvement in the plasma authorization had made the topic polarizing. “Any discussion one could have about the science and medicine behind it didn’t happen, because it became a political issue as opposed to a medical and scientific one,” Dr. Hahn said. The authorization did away with the Mayo Clinic system and opened access to even more hospitals. As Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths skyrocketed in the fall and winter, use of plasma did, too, according to national usage data provided by the Blood Centers of America. By January of this year, when the United States was averaging more than 130,000 hospitalizations a day, hospitals were administering 25,000 units of plasma per week. Many community hospitals serving lower-income patients, with few other options and plasma readily available, embraced the treatment. At the Integris Health system in Oklahoma, giving patients two units of plasma became standard practice between November and January. Dr. David Chansolme, the system’s medical director of infection prevention, acknowledged that studies of plasma had showed it was “more miss than hit,” but he said his hospitals last year lacked the resources of bigger institutions, including access to the antiviral drug remdesivir. Doctors with a flood of patients — many of them Hispanic and from rural communities — were desperate to treat them with anything they could that was safe, Dr. Chansolme said. By the fall, accumulating evidence was showing that plasma was not the miracle that some early boosters had believed it to be. In September, the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommended that plasma not be used in hospitalized patients outside of a clinical trial. (On Wednesday, the society restricted its advice further, saying plasma should not be used at all in hospitalized patients.) In January, a highly anticipated trial in Britain was halted early because there was not strong evidence of a benefit in hospitalized patients. In February, the F.D.A. narrowed the authorization for plasma so that it applied only to people who were early in the course of their disease or who couldn’t make their own antibodies. Dr. Marks, the F.D.A. regulator, said that in retrospect, scientists had been too slow to adapt to those recommendations. They had known from previous disease outbreaks that plasma treatment is likely to work best when given early, and when it contained high levels of antibodies, he said. “Somehow we didn’t really take that as seriously as perhaps we should have,” he said. “If there was a lesson in this, it’s that history actually can teach you something.” Today, several medical centers have largely stopped giving plasma to patients. At Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, researchers found that many hospitalized patients were already producing their own antibodies, so plasma treatments would be superfluous. The Cleveland Clinic no longer routinely administers plasma because of a “lack of convincing evidence of efficacy,” according to Dr. Simon Mucha, a critical care physician. And earlier this year, Mount Sinai stopped giving plasma to patients outside of a clinical trial. Dr. Bouvier said that she had tracked the scientific literature and that there had been a “sort of piling on” of studies that showed no benefit. “That’s what science is — it’s a process of abandoning your old hypotheses in favor of a better hypothesis,” she said. Many initially promising drugs fail in clinical trials. “That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.” Plasma’s future Some scientists are calling on the F.D.A. to rescind plasma’s emergency authorization. Dr. Luciana Borio, the acting chief scientist at the agency under President Barack Obama, said that disregarding the usual scientific standards in an emergency — what she called “pandemic exceptionalism” — had drained valuable time and attention from discovering other treatments. “Pandemic exceptionalism is something we learned from prior emergencies that leads to serious unintended consequences,” she said, referring to the ways countries leaned on inadequate studies during the Ebola outbreak. With plasma, she said, “the agency forgot lessons from past emergencies.” While scant evidence shows that plasma will help curb the pandemic, a dedicated clutch of researchers at prominent medical institutions continue to focus on the narrow circumstances in which it might work. Dr. Arturo Casadevall, an immunologist at Johns Hopkins University, said many of the trials had not succeeded because they tested plasma on very sick patients. “If they’re treated early, the results of the trials are all consistent,” he said. A clinical trial in Argentina found that giving plasma early to older people reduced the progression of Covid-19. And an analysis of the Mayo Clinic program found that patients who were given plasma with a high concentration of antibodies fared better than those who did not receive the treatment. Still, in March, the N.I.H. halted a trial of plasma in people who were not yet severely ill with Covid-19 because the agency said it was unlikely to help. With most of the medical community acknowledging plasma’s limited benefit, even the Fight Is In Us has begun to shift its focus. For months, a “clinical research” page about convalescent plasma was dominated by favorable studies and news releases, omitting major articles concluding that plasma showed little benefit. Now, the website has been redesigned to more broadly promote not only plasma, but also testing, vaccines and other treatments like monoclonal antibodies, which are synthesized in a lab and thought to be a more potent version of plasma. Its clinical research page also includes more negative studies about plasma. Nevertheless, the Fight Is In Us is still running Facebook ads, paid for by the federal government, telling Covid-19 survivors that “There’s a hero inside you” and “Keep up the fight.” The ads urge them to donate their plasma, even though most blood banks have stopped collecting it. Two of plasma’s early boosters, Mr. Lebovits and Ms. Berrent, have also turned their attention to monoclonal antibodies. As he had done with plasma last spring, Mr. Lebovits helped increase acceptance of monoclonals in the Orthodox Jewish community, setting up an informational hotline, running ads in Orthodox newspapers, and creating rapid testing sites that doubled as infusion centers. Coordinating with federal officials, Mr. Lebovits has since shared his strategies with leaders in the Hispanic community in El Paso and San Diego. And Ms. Berrent has been working with a division of the insurer UnitedHealth to match the right patients — people with underlying health conditions or who are over 65 — to that treatment. “I’m a believer in plasma for a lot of substantive reasons, but if word came back tomorrow that jelly beans worked better, we’d be promoting jelly beans,” she said. “We are here to save lives.”’ Source link Orbem News #boom #Covid19 #learn #plasma

[ultravickyblog]

Important Things To Keep In Mind For A Classic Car Donation

A classic car donation should be a simple process, but in many cases, it is not. This is mostly due to many donors of classic cars not understanding that the donation process is not always as easy as advertised. There are potential scams, serious tax issues, amongst other pitfalls that can make the whole experience seem both financially and morally worthless. Protect your charitable gift by arming yourself with the crucial information about classic car donation to ensure that what you give is used in the best way possible.

Repairs and Safety

When you donate a classic car with Collectibles With Causes, or any other reputable charity, you will find it is very different from more traditional types of car gifting in that the value of antique automobiles is usually much higher than a modern gifted vehicle. Although, this also means that there are often issues with both safety and repairs that some donors will look into repairing before making a car donation. Others may prefer to donate their classic car as-is, even if it is not road worthy. There are lots of great charities that will cater to both types of donors.

There are some legal experts who will recommend that donors take all steps necessary to professionally correct any potential safety issues that could cause problems “down the road.” There are some donors who will work with an attorney to have a document drafted that transfers these issues, along with the task of mitigating them, to the receiving party. It can be a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Find a Legitimate Charity to Support

You must always remember to perform your due diligence when it comes to selecting a reputable charitable organization. There are hundreds of stories from around the country of cars being gifted to charities that are not approved by the IRS. This means that the donor will not be able to claim the fair market value of the vehicle as a tax deduction.

Worse still are the cases where donations have been made to groups that pose as charities but actually sell the donated vehicles to keep the cash for profits.

To alleviate some of these concerns, ask for documentation or EIN number ( a nine-digit tax number that IRS assigns to nonprofits, charities, organizations, and business) to prove the charity’s status. If you’d feel more comfortable doing your research discreetly, you can confirm a charitable organization’s status online through the Better Business Bureau, GuideStar, or Charity Navigator.

Deal Directly with the Charity

Advertisements for car donation services are actually paid for by groups that intercede in the donation process to make a profit. As a middleman, these types of groups do little more than make the arrangements between a donor and a charity and take a large portion of the gift for themselves.

Consequently, it is important to work directly with the charity whose work you would like to support. This is the only way to absolutely ensure that the maximum value of your donation goes to support the cause you have chosen.

Delivering the Classic Car

While tax benefits are a common reason mentioned for donating a classic car, for most donors, it is about the philanthropic work. If your primary aim is to maximize the value for the charity, you should ask about the possibility of delivering your classic car donation directly to the charity. Otherwise, the organization is often forced to pay for transport costs that will ultimately reduce the value of your donation.

Transfer of Ownership

This is one of the most critical parts of the donation process. You have to ensure that a transfer of ownership occurs when you make your donation. If the vehicle is not transferred over correctly, you may be held responsible for any liabilities the car presents once it leaves your care. This includes everything from parking tickets and related citations to the possibility of trouble should the car be involved in an accident or crime.

General Car Donation Tax Rules

Everyone’s tax situation is different, but the following critical points concerning tax rules and donating a classic car covers just about everyone:

Ensure the charity is a 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization.

If the charity sells your car, it must send you the IRS form 1098 C within 30 days. This form will indicate how much the organization received for the sale of your donated vehicle.

If the fair market value of your donation happens to be more than $500, you will also need to file IRS form 8283.

If the fair market value of the classic car is more than $5,000, an independent professional appraisal will be required to file for a tax credit.

If the car sells for less than $500 but has a fair market value of at least that, you may still be able to earn the full credit.

In order to get the credit for your donation on the current year's tax return, you must donate your car by 12/31.

Rules Regarding Use of Your Classic Automobile Donation

Your charitable tax deduction will be directly affected by the way a charity utilizes your car donation. Charitable groups may also use donated cars for their own transportation needs, for an attraction, for fundraisers, for other types of events, or they may also give the car away to an individual in need.

Most donors still qualify for a full tax deduction if they are able to show sufficient evidence of this type of use. It is important to talk with your charity of choice to find out how they will use the vehicle before you execute your plan to donate a classic car. The IRS has a helpful pamphlet outlining the rules regarding car donations and what is expected of donors. It is worth taking a look at if you are planning to make a classic car donation.

Donating a classic car to charity is a powerful way to benefit those in need while gaining a tax deduction. Be cautious, if not gifted correctly, your philanthropic actions may potentially cause more trouble than they are worth. To be completely certain you go about making a charitable donation in the best way possible, consider talking to a trusted attorney or tax advisor (or both) before you donate a classic car, vintage muscle car, antique motorcycle, old truck, or another collectible automobile to charity.

[rafaelthompson]

Getchuajob Provides Résumé Help for Marginally Identified Baristas

Craft a better résumé with the new arm of Getchusomegear, and check out some expert advice for your next job application.

BY MARK VAN STREEFKERK BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Cover photo courtesy of Chris Mcauley

This has been a busy year for Getchusomegear, a grassroots service that relies on donations to get coffee gear and brewing equipment to marginally identified baristas who ask for them. Started last year by Chris Mcauley, the North Carolina-based project has expanded to include more volunteers, including supporters in Canada and coffee educators Cydni Patterson and Erica Jackson. Chris and Cydni led the discussion “Race, Specialty Coffee, & the Urgent Need for Progress” at this year’s virtual Re:co Symposium. The team also surpassed their GoFundMe goal to help their journey earn nonprofit status. (Since Getchusomegear has exceeded their goal, Chris says, “In lieu of donations to us, folks should consider donating to Food Not Bombs 919.”) 

As a continuation of Getchusomegear’s mission to promote inclusivity and access among LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other marginally identified groups in coffee, they partnered with longtime supporter and writer Sally Parlier to launch Getchuajob in July. The free résumé proofreading service is available to LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, or other marginally identified coffee workers. Read on to find out more about the service, which you can access here, as well as some tips for your next résumé or cover letter, including how to navigate name or pronoun changes in your job search.

Long-time Getchusomegear supporter Sally Parlier is a self-described “recovering coffee professional” and writer who offers résumé and cover letter proofreading. Photo courtesy of Sally Parlier.

Sally is a self-described “recovering coffee professional” who was a tutor for the Appalachian State University writing center while working on her English degree. She has also been a barista, café manager, and brand ambassador, and now works at a food co-op. She says what really honed her résumé skills was working in a management position. “A writer has to understand their audience, and becoming a manager gave me a new perspective on the time constraints and concerns a person has when recruiting new employees,” she says. 

Sally clarifies Getchuajob isn’t a service that writes résumés, but it acts as an editorial eye that can make edits and provide feedback. “I read over the materials, doing line edits and proofreading, and offer suggestions on how to better communicate experience. Depending on what the person wants, we either work on a generic résumé that can be adapted to different kinds of job searches, or we can focus on materials for a specific job opportunity.” 

We asked Sally, Chris, and Iaisha Munnerlyn, coffee pro and store manager for NYC-based Variety Coffee Roasters, for some general résumé advice, as well as common mistakes to avoid. Some of their responses have been edited and condensed.

Coffee pro and store manager Iaisha Munnerlyn is a contributor to the Getchuajob service, and notes that “nowadays most of our résumés go through a program that searches for enough keywords to then get passed along to a hiring manager if it meets the criteria.” While a smaller company probably doesn’t use this service, it’s important to keep this idea in mind. Photo courtesy of Iaisha Munnerlyn.

Résumé recommendations: 

Commit to parallel structure. Being consistent in the way you format your résumé and express your experience brings clarity and balance to your writing.

Use keywords. Mirror language from the job description, finding ways to include verbatim specific titles or skills. Iaisha points out that job search websites like Indeed go so far as to filter out résumés that do not include enough words that match with the job posting.

Ask someone to read it before sending it out. Whether it’s a service like Getchuajob or a trusted friend, having another set of eyes on your writing always helps you avoid potential pitfalls.

Some common mistakes to avoid: 

Very long résumés that provide paragraphs of description and go more than a single page. A résumé should be an easy-to-read list of your experience. Hit the bullet points and save the details either for the cover letter or the interview. This is where knowing your audience comes into play. We all have a basic idea of what means. But were you a barista at a particularly high-volume shop? Did you receive specialized training or certifications? Consider what makes you unique and the best way to highlight that.

Significant time gaps between jobs or jobs held for a short duration. Right now, with COVID-19, a lot of people are going to have periods of unemployment. Some people may have gaps for other reasons, like taking time off to care for family or themselves. Some people may have only held a job for a short duration because it turned out to be a bad fit or an unstable environment. None of these is going to kill your chances for getting a job, but it’s important to show that you are able to make an extended commitment to some sort of responsibility. Are you an artist who occasionally sells work at pop-up markets? Great, you’re self-employed—include that! Do you volunteer weekly at a food pantry? Amazing, you’re consistent and altruistic—let them know!

Incorrect contact information. It seems silly, but a surprising number of people mistype their email address or phone number and miss out on interview opportunities.

Notes about names:

You can put your preferred name on your résumé. It’s usually only necessary to share your legal name for new hire paperwork or background checks. Pronouns can be included in your contact information. If your name or pronouns are different from what you previously went by, know that you can use any trusted person from a former company as a reference. If you experienced pushback for your identity from a manager, for example, you can list a supportive shift lead or even a co-worker as a reference. 

Research Your Potential Employers

The Getchuajob team also encourages applicants to research a company before applying. See if you can connect with someone who has worked there, or read online reviews. “If you get to the interview stage, remember that you’re interviewing the company as well,” Sally says. “It can be scary to assert yourself when you’re in a situation where you really need a job, but asking the potential employer hard questions or navigating difficult conversations about how they practice inclusion can help you preserve your well-being in the future.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Van Streefkerk is Barista Magazine’s social media content developer and a frequent contributor. He is also a freelance writer, social media manager, and novelist based out of Seattle. If Mark isn’t writing, he’s probably biking to his favorite vegan restaurant. Find out more on his website.

The post Getchuajob Provides Résumé Help for Marginally Identified Baristas appeared first on Barista Magazine Online.

Getchuajob Provides Résumé Help for Marginally Identified Baristas published first on https://espressoexpertsite.tumblr.com/

[bestdjkit]

Lindsey Stirling Launches Fund to Provide Financial Support to Fans Amid Pandemic

"With so many people at risk of losing everything, I knew I had to do something."

Lindsey Stirling has launched a new charitable initiative aimed at supporting fans who are currently experiencing the pitfalls of COVID-19.

The award-winning dance-pop violinist recently announced her Upside Fund, a nonprofit that directs funds to alleviate the financial hardships contrived by the pandemic.Anyone who requires immediate economic assistance, such as housing, food, rent, utilities, and medical bills, is eligible.

The fund, which is named after her single "The Upside," is a 501c3 nonprofit that is now accepting tax-deductible donations. According to Riff Magazine, Stirling has already donated hundreds of thousands of dollars since April. "All of us have felt the effects of COVID-19,” said Stirling in a press release issued to announce the initiative. "If this would have happened when I was just starting out, it could have been the end of my career. With so many people at risk of losing everything, I knew I had to do something."

"I started encouraging my fans who are struggling financially to apply for assistance through my website so that I can try to help," she continued. "Those of us fortunate enough to be able to give back have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help those who are in jeopardy during this hard time. It’s time for us to come together with our communities and lift where we stand."

You can make a donation to Stirling's Upside Fund here and apply for assistance here.

FOLLOW LINDSEY STIRLING:

Facebook: facebook.com/lindseystirlingmusic Instagram: instagram.com/lindseystirling Twitter: twitter.com/lindseystirling

from Best DJ Kit https://edm.com/news/lindsey-stirling-upside-fund

[khalilhumam]

Reopening the World: Coordinating the international distribution of medical goods

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Reopening the World: Coordinating the international distribution of medical goods

By Geoffrey Gertz

Like other countries around the world, the U.S. is beginning to re-open while coronavirus transmission persists in many communities and before a vaccine has been discovered. This suggests demand for key medical goods—including medicines, coronavirus tests, ventilators, and crucial personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks—will remain high, both as precautionary measures and to respond to localized flare-ups or a possible second wave of the virus. Supply of such goods has and will continue to increase. But even with an aggressive push to increase production, supply is unlikely to be sufficient to meet the 20-fold increase in demand.   During the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak, the federal government struggled to get medical goods to the people and places that needed them. It initially left distribution to market mechanisms—sparking price spirals and accusations of gouging by profiteers as state governments and hospital systems bid against one another, desperately seeking supplies. More recently, the government began blocking the export of certain medical goods, cutting off trade flows to countries in need.  Looking forward, the U.S. needs to avoid the pitfalls of both the wild west of unfettered markets and the threat of every-country-for-themselves economic nationalism. To reopen while preventing the price spirals, trade restrictions, and shortages that have so far plagued medical goods markets, the U.S. government should cooperate with other countries around the world to better organize and coordinate the procurement and international distribution of key medical goods. By establishing communication channels and coherently planning the demand and supply of such products, governments can build trust in each other and lay the foundation for more effective management of global health.  

Calling for global cooperation during a crisis may seem far-fetched, yet history shows that it is precisely during emergencies that the need for cooperation to achieve public goods can spur government action.

FROM MARKET PANDEMONIUM TO ECONOMIC NATIONALISM  

Through the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government largely refrained from intervening in markets for medical goods. The result was chaos: governors and hospitals found themselves competing against one another, struggling to evaluate a dizzying array of offers from amateur brokers while bidding up prices to astronomical levels. Ambitious middlemen and profiteers cashed in while doctors and nurses scrambled to make do with what they could find. As economists often note, one virtue of market mechanisms and price signals is to allocate goods where demand is highest. Yet price signals conflate both willingness to pay and ability to pay—and in the current context, allocating COVID-19-related medical goods to those who can best afford it does not necessarily align with public interests.   Partially in response to such market failures, more recently the federal government has stepped in— but in ways that are sometimes counterproductive. In early April, the government announced it would restrict exports of certain PPE goods. To be sure, the United States is not alone in taking such actions: in the face of stark shortages and spiraling prices, many governments have attempted to prevent medical goods from leaving their country. Based on data collected by the International Trade Centre, as of May 10, around 95 countries have introduced some form of temporary export restrictions related to COVID-19. Though these limits may boost domestic supply, they simply shift the costs of supply shortages on to other countries; and as the escalating number of countries implementing such restrictions suggests, they risk spiraling protectionism that leaves everyone worse off.   Thankfully, governments have begun to correct some of their earlier missteps. The European Union, which was one of the first to impose an export licensing regime, has since revised its policy to limit the number of goods facing restrictions, include further humanitarian exceptions, and ensure transparency of all licensing decisions. Similarly, the United States has eased some of its licensing restrictions, allowing for continued exports to Canada and Mexico and for exports donated by nonprofit agencies.  

COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAINS  

While these corrections are welcome, we are still far from what is needed: international coordination to promote a more orderly distribution of medical goods. Calling for global cooperation during a crisis may seem far-fetched, yet history shows that it is precisely during emergencies that the need for cooperation to achieve public goods can spur government action. For instance, during World War I, Western Allies initially found themselves bidding against one another on crucial agricultural commodities, namely wheat. Just as is the case with medical goods today, the result was spiraling prices and further shortages. In the face of this challenge, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy came together in 1916 to found the Wheat Executive, a centralized body that coordinated all wheat purchases for the three countries. This cooperation expanded the following year with the formation of the Allied Maritime Transport Council, which brought together the U.S., UK, France, and Italy to oversee the allotment of shipping tonnage to ensure transport capacity was available where it was most needed, rather than relying on decentralized market distributions. These examples show how, in the face of politically salient shortages, government leaders can strike creative agreements to avoid both the tyranny of markets and beggarthy-neighbor economic nationalism. Similar efforts are needed today.   Coordination of procurement is essential for the world’s poorest countries, which otherwise will be battered by either a market distribution system (as they will be outbid by richer countries) or an economic nationalist approach (as they depend on imports for meeting domestic medical supply needs). But it is also squarely in the United States’ more narrowly defined national interest. Given existing chaos, price spikes, and shortages in the U.S. medical goods market, the American healthcare system would directly benefit from a more orderly and coordinated distribution system. Greater coordination at the international level also would complement greater coordination at the domestic level, as the House of Representatives is currently pushing for. Similarly, the fact that the U.S. imports five times more PPE than it exports underlines that the U.S. stands to lose out overall if every country were to block medical trade.   Moreover, leading a coordinated international response to shortages in COVID-19-related medical goods could help restore America’s international reputation, which has been marred by accusations of “piracy” in seeking to amass PPE. In a recent survey of American foreign policy experts, only 3 percent of respondents rated U.S. leadership in coordinating the international response to COVID-19 as either somewhat or very effective, with over 80 percent rating the response as “not effective at all.” Facilitating a coordinated distribution system could begin to recast such perceptions, and simultaneously help counter China’s “mask diplomacy” efforts.   What might such a coordinated program look like in practice? Ideally, governments would enter a cooperative arrangement to oversee the distribution of PPE and other medical goods, minimizing any hoarding and allocating goods to the people and places where they’re most needed. Crucially, this could include pooled procurement: rather than competing against one another and bidding up prices, governments would jointly purchase needed medical goods, taking advantage of their buying power to negotiate fair prices. Pooled procurement can also allow buyers to commit to large future purchases, based on their combined forecast demand, incentivizing the investments needed to increase supply. Similar pooled procurement mechanisms have been used for years in acquiring pharmaceutical products, particularly for developing countries; there are certainly lessons from these experiences that could apply to purchases of PPE today.   Achieving such levels of cooperation can be difficult, however, particularly given low levels of trust between national governments at present. Indeed, it was a full two years into the First World War before the Wheat Executive was created, which suggests developing such mechanisms can take time. Thus, if governments are unable or unwilling to enter into an arrangement for coordinating the distribution of COVID-19-related medical goods, a possible intermediate step is to improve information sharing and transparency in policymaking. Simply put, governments should inform one another of their supply and demand for specific medical goods, their purchasing plans, and especially any trade policies or export restrictions that will influence global markets.   The Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS), created by the G-20 in the wake of food price spikes in 2007–08 and 2010, provides a potential model. AMIS is an information clearing house where governments share market and policy guidance for key agricultural crops and a forum for informal coordination among policymakers, particularly during times of crisis. A similar mechanism for sharing information and discussing policy developments for COVID-19- related medical goods could improve outcomes even without governments ceding any decision–making power to a cooperative body.  

PREPARING FOR A VACCINE  

There is a pressing immediate need for better coordination of existing COVID-19-related medical goods. Looming on the horizon, however, is an even more challenging international distribution problem: allocating doses for a coronavirus vaccine, once one is discovered. Competition for the vaccine will undoubtedly be stark, and without coordination rival bids will send prices skyrocketing. Efforts today to build trust and establish communication channels in distribution of PPE and other medical goods will lay the groundwork for future cooperation on a potential vaccine. Just as during WWI efforts to coordinate wheat distribution led to the broader program on coordinated shipping, mechanisms developed now can potentially evolve into a system for allocating vaccines in the future.