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Nonprofit FAQ

The Blog

[Blog Archive]

The Nonprofit FAQ

The Nonprofit FAQ is an indexed collection of answers to Frequently Asked Questions about nonprofit organizations. Started in 1994, the Q&A in the FAQ is continually updated using new materials from many sources including online discussions.

The range of resources in the FAQ is accessed through five topical indexes. Click on the links below to see the contents in each category.

Organization

Includes discussions about starting a new nonprofit, the general character of the US nonprofit sector and its history, and challenges facing nonprofit organizations of all types. This section also offers insights into problems with fraud, abuse and other such issues.

Management

Runs through the full range of management questions related to running a nonprofit – from the specific accounting standards that nonprofits follow to discussions of nonprofit human resources and volunteer programs. Insurance, compensation and technology are other topics found here.

Regulation

Covers the many aspects of nonprofit work that are either regulated by governments or draw the attention of nongovernmental watchdogs.

Resources

Provides listings of useful books and the names and addresses of the specialized organizations that exist to help nonprofits succeed in the US states and in many countries around the world.

Development

Addresses the perennial problem of finding sources of support for the work of nonprofits: grants, fundraising, donations, and sponsorships.

See also the special collections of resources offered by Idealist.org listed under “Resources for…” at the right hand side of this page.

For further information about the FAQ and how best to use it for your specific interests, please visit the FAQ Guide.

If you would like to link to the FAQ or copy information found within it, visit About the Nonprofit FAQ.

The Nonprofit FAQ would not exist without the generosity of knowledgeable people who have contributed commentaries and information over the years. Idealist.org thanks them for their help.

Additions and corrections are always welcome. Please use the “feedback” option found at the bottom of every FAQ page to contact the editors with any suggestions.

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