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Three Ways Audit Services Benefit Your Nonprofit

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In many of the most fundamental ways, a nonprofit is run in an entirely different fashion than a for-profit organization, from its hierarchical structure to asset management. However, a lot of the same rules still apply. In many states, the law requires audits, while in others, it’s not necessary to conduct an one, but it’s not a bad idea to consider it anyway if you plan to apply for government funding or if you wish to maintain a good reputation with the public. Here are a few reasons your not-for-profit might consider obtaining audit services.
1. To Abide By State Law

Laws vary by state not only in regards to whether or not nonprofit organizations are required to be checked out, but also under which conditions. In most states, not-for-profits are required to submit reports in order to raise funds. Some other reasons why certain states require them include meeting or exceeding a threshold for charitable donations, the total amount of fiscal year revenue, charity registration renewal, and other indicators. The type of service required varies also. In some states, depending on the circumstances, a full audit is required. Other states or different circumstances require only a review or a compilation.

2. To Maintain Your Good Reputation

When nonprofit organizations are in the news, it’s often not because of charitable deeds or honorable accomplishments. It’s because they are being accused of or being investigated for fraud. Seeking audit services is a good way to help prevent a situation like this from occurring. The public, especially those who contribute or have contributed to charitable organizations, appreciate financial transparency. People want access to information, and when they’re denied that access, they might feel that you have something to hide. Keeping financial records available to the public can help you avoid this issue.

3. To Apply for Funding

If you’re hoping to apply for a grant or other funding, there’s a good chance you’ll need to conduct an audit. Many agencies, especially the state or federal government, want proof that your nonprofit runs a tight ship before providing funding of any kind. Some private organizations do, too. If you’re up for a substantial grant or plan to apply for funding now or in the future, it’s a smart idea to begin conducting them yearly. Showing that you take care and pride in conducting your financial business by the book is always advantageous.

Because not-for-profits have a completely different financial culture than for-profit businesses, it seems strange that it would be necessary for a nonprofit to conduct a yearly audit. However, despite the fact that it is mandatory by law under certain circumstances in many states, it’s often simply a matter of good business practice to choose some kind of regular audit services, be it for a full audit, a review, or a compilation. Proving your organization to be fiscally responsible and reliable is an easy way to open the door to funding opportunities and to maintain a positive image with the public and, especially, with your contributors.

Things You Didn’t Know Your Health Insurance Would Pay For

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Most of us expect our health insurance to pay for procedures like annual physicals and children’s checkups. If you’re not very familiar with your policy, you could be missing out and paying out of pocket for prescriptions and procedures that are often covered. Of course, what is covered will vary from policy to policy and state to state, but it is always worth it to call the customer service number on the back of your card to research a bit further. Read on for information on some procedures and services that are often completely free.
Medical Equipment

If you break your leg or your hip, you expect your health insurance to cover your hospital visit and any necessary surgeries. However, it can also help take care of you once you leave the hospital. If you look under the durable medical equipment section of your coverage, you’ll likely notice that crutches and wheelchairs are covered, as well as the majority of prosthetic limbs. Under this section, nursing moms can even purchase a breast pump for more than 90 percent off, saving hundreds of dollars.

Pregnancy Prevention Surgery

If you’re ready for a birth control option that is more permanent than oral, injectable, or physical birth control, you may consider a surgical alternative – tubal ligation for women and a vasectomy for men. Most people assume that they will have to pay for the procedure themselves, but in many cases, your health insurance will foot the bill. This is because pregnancy prevention surgery will ultimately save your insurer money in the long run.

Non-Western Medicine

If your normal physician is just not offering you the cure you need, you might consider alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal supplements, or chiropractic services. Many of these services and procedures can be covered by your insurance. You can also use your health savings account to pay for acupuncture as long as your doctor prescribes it.

Gym Memberships

Slowly but surely, many major insurance companies are working to make exercise more attractive to their customers by offering discounted gym memberships. This is because clients that exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from medical ailments like diabetes and heart disease. Investing in gym memberships will ultimately pay off for your insurance company over time.

Sleep Studies

Are you struggling to fall asleep? Most doctors will provide sleep aids, but your insurance may provide the resources you need to get to the root of the problem. You may be able to participate in a sleep study that can reveal whether something like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome is keeping you up at night, and both of these issues can be treated with medication.

24/7 Nurse Lines

Many health insurance companies provide their members with a toll-free number where they can speak with registered nurses 24 hours a day. This is great if you are facing a minor medical problem late at night or simply have a question about medication that you need answered before morning.

Always make sure to check your policy before you pay for a procedure or prescription. Nothing feels better than saving money on your health!

Praetorian Insurance Company Commercial Auto

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In June 2007, QBE the Americas completed the acquisition of PFG (Praetorian Insurance Group), previously a subsidiary of Hanover Re. QBE is the largest insurance group in Australia, but it operates in 38 countries worldwide and hires more than 16,000 employees. Praetorian Insurance Company has been selling and underwriting a variety of policies, but the primary focus is for businesses including commercial auto. The acquisition complements QBE’s product diversity strategy in the U.S. Now working under the roof of QBE the Americas; Praetorian still maintains its traditions of commercial insurance.

Understanding Commercial Auto Insurance

In many respects, personal auto and commercial auto policies are very similar. Personal auto policies can even provide enough coverage for some business uses, and this is useful when you are driving your vehicle for both personal and commercial purposes. You need commercial auto insurance when your vehicles are only for business-specific use. One of the biggest advantages is that commercial auto insurance has higher liability limits. It is also necessary if your business involves hauling specialized equipment, transporting goods and people, and the use of unusual vehicles for example pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Similar to personal auto, the rules of commercial vehicle insurance are different from state to state. QBE has the license to sell and underwrite auto insurance policies in 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Because Praetorian Insurance Company works under the roof of QBE, the license also applies.

A brief overview of commercial auto insurance products available from Praetorian Insurance Company:

Capacity:

-Primary of up to $1 million

-Umbrella of up to $5 million

Current Portfolio:
-Business Auto

-Local Trucking

-Specific Commercial

-Auto including auto rentals or second-hand auto dealers

Business Options

-Business Auto

-Artisan contractors’ business auto

-Specific niche transportation

-Local distance, 50 miles

The coverage for commercial auto is more or less the same with those for a personal vehicle. The difference is in the limit. Praetorian Insurance Company offers up to $1 million in primary option and up to $5 million in the umbrella option. The amount should be enough to cover damages or any liability issues in the event your business gets in the middle of a lawsuit as a result of an auto accident.

Parts of personal auto do provide coverage even when the vehicle is for business use. However, it will not produce the same amount of financial protection as you can get from the commercial auto policy. Imagine a situation when you are driving a pickup truck to deliver goods to a customer. In the middle of the road, you rear-end an own van that transports multiple passengers. In such circumstances, the driver and passengers of the van will sue not only you but also your company. Your personal insurance policy gives financial protection and pays the claim, but it will not defend or pay damages on behalf of your business. It is normal to expect that the drivers and passengers will want to collect compensations for vehicle damage and injuries from you and your business. Praetorian Insurance Company offers the right kind of protection for such circumstances. Types of Coverage

The scope of coverage by Praetorian Insurance Company Commercial Auto Policy can be either narrow or broad depending on your choice. The insurer provides a variety of policy for example trucking, specialized transportation, or the more extensive business auto options. In a simple way, the options are as follows:

1-Vehicles as business properties 2-Vehicles that your company owns, leases, or hires 3-Vehicles for business purposes

Most companies will choose the third options because the protection includes all vehicles, including those that your business owns and does not own, as long as they are for business affairs. The coverage even provides liability protection when an employee or employer drives a personal vehicle on business. While the scope is different, the basic types of coverage are the same. Commercial Auto Policy from Praetorian Insurance Company still includes three significant protections including Liability, Physical Damage, and Optional Coverage.

-Liability Insurance: it includes financial protections for property damage, bodily injury, and even death as a result of an accident in which you or your employee is at fault. The coverage provides legal defense as well. The amount of protection is up to the policy limit.

-Physical Damage: this is a combination of Comprehensive and Collision coverage. It protects against any damage to the vehicle whether or not the damage is a result of an accident. The perils may include flood, vandalism, theft, or falling objects. The amount of protection is up to the policy limit.

Because the risk of potential damages and loss is higher than a personal vehicle, Praetorian Insurance Company provides two different types of limits. For better protection, the Umbrella option has a limit of up to $5 million.

-Optional Coverage: some of the alternative coverage options are similar to those of personal auto insurance policy such as Roadside Assistance, Rental Reimbursement, Loan or Lease Coverage, and Vehicle Replacement due to the total loss.

General Liability

For broader perils coverage, the company also provides General Liability Insurance. It protects your business from another person’s and another business’s claims for bodily injury, medical cost, and property damage. The protection does not focus on vehicles, but the broader version of the business. The limits are the same at either $1 million or $5 million, and General Liability is available in 50 states including Puerto Rico and District of Columbia.

14 Tips to Increase Ranking and Website Traffic

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Tips to Increase Ranking and Website Traffic
It is worth cataloguing the basic principles to be enforced to increase website traffic and search engine rankings.
• Create a site with valuable content, products or services.
• Place primary and secondary keywords within the first 25 words in your page content and spread them evenly throughout the document.
• Research and use the right keywords/phrases to attract your target customers.
• Use your keywords in the right fields and references within your web page. Like Title, META tags, Headers, etc.
• Keep your site design simple so that your customers can navigate easily between web pages, find what they want and buy products and services.
• Submit your web pages i.e. every web page and not just the home page, to the most popular search engines and directory services. Hire someone to do so, if required. Be sure this is a manual submission. Do not engage an automated submission service.
• Keep track of changes in search engine algorithms and processes and accordingly modify your web pages so your search engine ranking remains high. Use online tools and utilities to keep track of how your website is doing.
• Monitor your competitors and the top ranked websites to see what they are doing right in the way of design, navigation, content, keywords, etc.
• Use reports and logs from your web hosting company to see where your traffic is coming from. Analyze your visitor location and their incoming sources whether search engines or links from other sites and the keywords they used to find you.
• Make your customer visit easy and give them plenty of ways to remember you in the form of newsletters, free reports, reduction coupons etc.
• Demonstrate your industry and product or service expertise by writing and submitting articles for your website or for article banks so you are perceived as an expert in your field.
• When selling products online, use simple payment and shipment methods to make your customer’s experience fast and easy.
• When not sure, hire professionals. Though it may seem costly, but it is a lot less expensive than spending your money on a website which no one visits.
• Don’t look at your website as a static brochure. Treat it as a dynamic, ever-changing sales tool and location, just like your real store to which your customers with the same seriousness.