All sectors of business in Maine have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and nonprofits are definitely no exception. As our communities, businesses, and organizations make plans to reopen their doors and resume operations, we all have a civic duty to move forward in a way that is conscious of personal, employee, and public health and safety concerns.
Our friends at the Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) have published a guidebook to assist nonprofits with developing safe plans for reopening offices and resuming specific programs and services. The guidebook is free, and you may request your download through the MANP website.
The MANP guidebook is intended to be used in conjunction with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (MDECD), the World Health Organization (WHO),the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Maine Governor’s office.
Among other things, the guidebook addresses best practices for preparing workspaces ahead of employees returning, ongoing measures for office sanitation, and protocols for reopening to the public. Additionally, it addresses possible human resources and staffing issues, board governance and public relations matters, as well as suggested guidelines for charity events and keeping up with donor relations in challenging times.
Preparing for the Future
In planning your nonprofit’s reopening, you may consider economic recovery planning as well. This includes analysis of cash flow, including projections, forecasting for deficits, managing shortfalls, assessing liquidity needs, and determining your ability and need to borrow. ARB has designed a tool for public use that specifically targets these needs. Download the spreadsheet below to start your economic recovery plan.
Download 13-Week Cash Flow Analysis
Contact ARB
At ARB, it’s our goal to keep our clients equipped with the best financial and tax resources, services, and guidance. We’re here to help our clients through every stage of financial need, which includes times of business growth and times of economic uncertainty. Please contact us if you have any questions, or visit our COVID-19 Financial Resource and Tax Center for additional information on related matters.
by Jason LeBlanc, CPA
