Another "CEGA pointer" before we move on to Part 3 in this series...

I recently received an email from an executive director who had been contacted by the IRS regarding the late filing of its Form 990 and associated penalties. The 990 was indeed filed late, but to make matters even more challenging, the executive director could not find a copy of the 990 that he had mailed. Oops.

This immediately brings to mind the critical importance of keeping good records at your non-profit organization. It is, for sure, part of your Accountability responsibility as a charitable organization. Just a few thoughts:

1. With non-profit executive director (ED) turn-over a fact of life, is your filing system well established and not dependent on any one individual?

2. Do you have back-up copies (hard copy or electronic) of critical documents?

3. Is your legal counsel or your CPA familiar with your records and record-keeping practices?

4. If, as a board member, you were called upon to produce documentation on your non-profit, would you know what documents were required annual filings for your city, state, or federal compliance?

CEGA believes the non-profit world is poised for excellence. Your organization can be a leader. Excellence is an important defining element: take your Documentation responsibility seriously.