Author Archive for NonProfitBanker

6 Questions to Help Choose the Right Conduit Organization

"Port for Water Pipe" by ikhlasulamal

…Those Israeli nonprofits that choose the second option of a Conduit (also referred to as an Intermediary or Fiscal Agent) are in luck, as recent years have seen an quasi-explosion in the number of American charities that offer Conduit services. This being the case, foreign organizations have luxury and liberty — and some might argue the responsibility and obligation — to investigate the various Intermediaries so as to choose the best fit for the nonprofit. And, yes, all Conduits are by no means the same.

My six criteria for judging a potential Fiscal Agent: Cost, Currency, Time, Payment Method, Communication and Association.
Recent years have seen an explosion of these types of charities. With so many to choose from, Israeli charities have the luxury of choosing their partner – and they should because all Conduits are not the same. But, of course, the only way to finding the right fit is to ask the important questions, namely: Cost, Currency, Time, Payment Method, Communication and Association.

Defining an Amutah [Israeli Charity]

"Harry" by Thomas Hawk

The Hebrew word amutah, referring to a charity in Israel, is used both correctly and incorrectly to describe just about any nonprofit organization registered in the country. But wait, it get’s more confusing. Not all charities are charities, sometimes they’re companies. And sometimes a charity isn’t tax-exempt while a company might be.

Confused? Don’t worry. In this post I’ll cover the various terms and statuses available to Israeli charities — along with links to government websites — that will help you find the answer to the bottom-line question burning in your mind: Is this organization worthy of my donation?

6 Reasons "Friends of" Orgs Should Bank Abroad

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

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

Weekly Roundup: December 12

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

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

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

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

Weekly Roundup: November 21

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

Guest Post: Lessons from a Short-Lived Nonprofit

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

Weekly Roundup: November 14

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