Looking for a sure-fire way to scare your IT department? Tell them the board wants recommendations on a new software platform - buy or build - to vote on at the next meeting.

A good accounting program is integral to the success of any business, but this especially true for non-profits. Non-profits often have to balance multiple funds and prepare reports for several governing bodies. Using a good fund accounting package makes it all very simple.

Depending on where you are with your organization, you may or may not already have a web site. If you don’t have one, then it’s time to make that a priority. Web sites are invaluable to the nonprofit organization, and every year it seems there are more and more advantages. At first, sites were a great way to dole out information such as your mission and location. As technology progressed, things got even better. “Donate now” buttons were added so constituents could support good causes. Blogs came along and allowed for actual interaction on sites. Now it seems like the opportunities are practically limitless, with new innovations being added all the time (online registration, information sharing, payment processing, etc.).

At the year 2010 comes to an end, there are some significant trends taking shape that are likely to effect the success of\nonprofits in 2011 and beyond. Here are the top issues we see at the top of the list for issues every nonprofit should be aware of as they move forward.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or donations, can often be seen as window-dressing, but when done right corporate responsibility can bring personal fulfillment through the act of giving. Earning my living helping corporations (and individuals) utilize the media and public forums to build their brand, I am often asked if certain charitable initiatives will help companies make more, or be portrayed better and my professional answer is always: Only if you are dedicated to it and really believe in it.