Discuss the ins and outs of fiscal sponsorships, including the agreement, accounting, reporting, variance power, and separation required secure, maintain, or conclude them.

Speakers:
John Stremserfer, Board President | Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations
President and CEO | Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Alex Pleasant, President and CEO | Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation

With funding streams in flux and federal grant dollars under pressure, collaboration between finance professionals, development teams, and programs staff has never been more critical. Explore how grants can open doors to long-term partnerships and deeper impact, and how to flex and pivot for organizational sustainability.   

Speaker:
Melanie Welch, MS, CAE, Interim Associate Executive Director, Institutional Advancement, Programs, and Partnerships | American Library Association

Moderator:
Aleks Kindratyev, CPA, Director of Accounting Operations | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Session description coming soon!

Speaker:
Paula Cozzi Goedert, JD, Partner, Associations and Foundations Co-Chair | Barnes & Thornburg

Session description coming soon!

Speakers:
Megan Angle, CPA, Partner | Porte Brown LLC
Jenny Burke, CPA, Tax Partner | Crowe

Break down the charitable-giving provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and their impact on exempt organizations. Discuss changes to the standard deduction, caps on itemized deductions, and the above-the-line deduction for non-itemizers. Plus, review what these shifts could mean for donor behavior, gift timing, and fundraising strategies. Using real-world scenarios, explore bunching, donor-advised funds, and Schedule A implications, along with a high-level look at current corporate giving trends.  

Speaker:
Mallory Fairless, CPA, Partner | Crowe

Receive an update on the latest compliance supplement changes, including SAS 148 audit reminders and other key changes. 

Speaker:
Kimberly Marshall, CPA, Managing Director | Forvis Mazars, LLP

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way audits are conducted, but the reality often falls short of the hype. Put AI itself “under audit,” examining its strengths, weaknesses, and management responses through an auditor’s lens. Separate myths from realities with a focus on not-for-profit-specific challenges. Leave with practical steps you can take to leverage AI responsibly. 

Speaker:
Ray Beste, Principal AI Strategist | Sikich LLP

Hear an overview of the revisions made in 2024 to Uniform Guidance, and how those changes might impact grant administration and upcoming single audits. Dive into key highlights, questions to ask, and resources for identifying changes to the grant management process in order to maintain compliance. 

Speakers:
Kathleen DeStefani, CPA, Assurance Manager | Plante Moran
Maureen Salem, CPA, Assurance Senior Manager | Plante Moran

With another election year just around the corner, it’s a great time to review the rules surrounding political activity and related advocacy. What can and can’t you do?  

Speakers:
Meaghan Falkanger, JD, Associate | Wagenmaker & Oberly
David Lowenthal, CPA, Tax Partner, Exempt Organizations Leader | Plante Moran