Nonprofits are even more susceptible to fraud losses than other organizations because of typically lower levels of staffing and technology. Fraud is also more prevalent in nonprofits due to a common assumption that everyone working there, especially volunteers, is nice, honest, and trust-worthy.
Unfortunately, high levels of trust and low levels of staffing and technology can give free reign to people who are unscrupulous or experiencing extreme financial pressures. A lack of processes and controls can give those individuals the opportunity to steal donations that nonprofits work really hard to raise. Not to mention that being a good nonprofit steward is part of the trust relationship with financial donors.
Recognizing that fraud can happen and implementing a proactive action plan help to prevent nonprofit fraud. Nonprofits can implement practical and cost-effective steps to minimize the chance that a fraudulent act will occur by taking these three fraud prevention tips:
- Separate Tasks – The most powerful weapon against fraud is separating tasks or duties. Separation of duties prevents one person from having too much control over financial activities, like separating expense approval and check signing from the person who reconciles the bank account.
- Report Anomalies – Identify anomalies, or exceptions, from expected conditions or results highlights events or actions for additional review and action. Reporting unusual activity or results to an independent reviewer could end up drawing attention to and ending fraudulent activities.
- Independent Oversight – Periodic independent reviews performed by a knowledgeable party is another way to safeguard nonprofit financial assets. Methods include audits and effective governance, such as the Board’s financial statement review and the Treasurer’s review of all expenses incurred by the Executive Director.
Recognizing that fraud can happen and implementing a proactive action plan to minimize the risk are important steps for preventing nonprofit fraud. Powerful weapons like separating tasks, reporting anomalies and independent oversight reduce the risk of losing donations that nonprofits work really hard to raise.