Chester’s Mentoring Initiative

February 2023

Members shared the following events and opportunities:

  • Fri, March 10: 9:30-11:30 Delco Area Resource Network meeting at Delco Emergency Services Center in Media, 360 N. Middletown Road, Media or join Zoom Meeting at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89405919639

  • Sat, March 18: Shevlin Family Foundation bowling event

  • April 22: Andrew L. Hicks gala

  • Sat, May 6: Chester River Fest at the Union’s stadium

  • Sun, May 7: 9am-2pm National Children’s Mental Health Day festival at Rose Tree Park

  • Add your program to the Chester Exchange Directory here.

Our guest speaker, Frannie Reilly, Chair of McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC’s Nonprofit Practice, discussed typical nonprofit legal and compliance issues, and ways to manage them. Her tips included:

  • Consider legal, ethical and image perspectives as decisions are made. Ask: Can we do this? Should we do this? How will our supporters and other interested parties react if we do this?

  • Every organization should have a policy on gift acceptance strategies. Ask: Does accepting this type of gift further our mission?

  • Be transparent about where money is coming from and where money is going.

  • Your 501(c)(3) status is at risk if you aren’t following the IRS compliance guide. For example, your board must approve and file the organization’s 990 annually. If this step isn’t taken for three years consecutively, status can be revoked.

  • Subscribe to the IRS Exempt Organization Update newsletter for critical updates for non-profits.

  • It is highly recommended for boards to provide regular training to understand obligations, updated IRS rules, etc.

  • Every organization should have a social media strategy. It is critical to be sure you have permission to post photos, to understand whether you have permission to publicize donations, etc.

  • Some non-profit organizations are collaborating with others (in the format of a fiscal sponsorship or a merger) in order to save on expenses.

  • If a board member steps down, a formal resignation is required. Otherwise, the board commitment technically remains.

  • View her presentation here.