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From Policy to Practice: Optimizing Your Nonprofit Personnel Handbook
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
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How good is your personnel policy handbook?

Whether your nonprofit has 10 employees, 200 employees, or more than 1000, you probably have a personnel policy “handbook.” You give it to new employees and require that they sign to acknowledge receipt.

But do they actually read it? If they do, does it cover the policies you want them to understand? Does it reflect the type of working environment you want to maintain? Does it cover issues required by law? In a way that complies with the law?

Does it cover available leaves? Disciplinary procedures? Remote work? Whistleblower protections? Conflicts of Interest? Social media policies?

Does it protect your ability to change the policies? Do you have a way to update it regularly, with changes going to all employees?

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Do your Bylaws reflect the way you actually operate? Do they protect the interests of those who should be protected? Do they spell out clearly how to deal with governance issues? Or do they create uncertainty for those who have to implement them?

Most nonprofits don't spend a lot of time looking at their Bylaws until there is a question or a dispute. That's when you need bylaws that are clear and unambiguous, so your questions on how to proceed are already answered. That's when bad bylaws can lead to unnecessary controversies or even costly litigation. Nonprofit Issues editor Don Kramer will review your current or proposed Bylaws to see if they work for you.

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SAY THAT AGAIN?

May 30, 2025

The loan agreement says: “All contractual rates of interest chargeable on the outstanding Term Loans shall continue to accrue and be paid even after default, maturity, acceleration, judgment, bankruptcy, insolvency proceedings of any kind or the happening of any event or occurrence similar or dissimilar.”

A former banker friend says that “any event or occurrence similar or dissimilar” is some lawyer “fancy talk” for “the kitchen sink!”

See our "Say That Again" collection

Special Report Available

Increasing Gender Diversity on the Boards of Nonprofit Eds and Meds: Why and How to Do It

This report provides a rare inside view on barriers women face to selection and success that are particular to nonprofit organizations and makes specific recommendations on how to improve the gender ratio.
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May donor deduct gift to sponsor musician?

May donor serve on investment committee?

Should we lobby to protect contribution deduction?

Does purchaser receive a contribution deduction?

What may sponsors deduct for sponsorship?

Who should elect the directors of 501(c)(3) nonprofit?

May nonprofit issue stock?

Should I pursue 501(c)(3) exempt status?

Report to IRS about charity lobbying?

May members less than 18 years old vote?

May we use margin loan to bail out operations?

May we pledge endowment for margin account?

May volunteer director be paid as exec?

If no lifetime CEO, why not no lifetime directors?

Is this governance legal?

How do we get records back from secretary?

May supported organization support supporting?

Accountant says sole member corporation doesn't work?

May officer sign Form 990 with stage name?

Is it conflict for politician to lead nonprofit in district?