**Updated Jan 5, 2026 Your volunteers work hard! Well, most of them do. :) And like many program leaders, maybe YOU are a volunteer. And YOU work harder than anyone else! Can an organization say "thank you" to your volunteers (including yourself)?? Yes, and it should! But before you write them a check, hand them a stack of cash, or give them a gift card, take a minute to understand what is acceptable when it comes to appreciating volunteers. This is a complex issue with a lot of nuance. This...

This article specifically pertains to 501c3 organizations A program leader in Florida asks, "... is there any way for the board member children to get discounted tuition?" I hear this question frequently especially considering that nonprofit board members volunteer their service to the organization and often do a lot of the day-to-day work as well. Do they really have to pay for their children to attend as well?? First off, I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all of you out there serving the...

You are an education entrepreneur. You have a great idea (or two!). Who has time to start a nonprofit?!? Recruiting a board, creating bylaws, incorporating, and applying for 501(c)(3) status? No thanks! Wouldn't it just be easier to start an LLC? Or just operate a Sole-Proprietorship? Well.... that depends... First, it's important to understand that business structure is established in and governed by your state--not the IRS. You become a nonprofit in your state. Nonprofits are not...