Cherry Bekaert: Not-for-Profit Industry Guidance Cherry Bekaert

On campuses around the country, the name, image and likeness (NIL) policy is revolutionizing the way student-athletes can obtain benefits while attending a college or university. As of July 2021, student-athletes can enter NIL deals if they comply with state law and the NCAA’s rules. Essentially, NIL allows college athletes to monetize their personal brand by profiting from their name, image and likeness through various opportunities such as endorsements, sponsorships, social media posts and more. 
In the first episode of our NIL podcast series, Anthony Kocheron, an associate in Cherry Bekaert’s Government and Public Sector Advisory practice, is joined by Mit Winter, an attorney at Kennyhertz Perry who specializes in college sports law and has an extensive knowledge of NIL and its effects on college athletic departments. Tune in to learn more about:  
An introduction to the world of NIL, including:CollectivesEmployment StatusGoverning BodiesFactors that led to NILs current state in college athleticsHow college and university athletic departments are navigating the challenges of NILObservations of what athletic departments are and aren’t doing when it comes to change in college athleticsHow athletic departments are preparing for the future Benefits of having comprehensive polices and procedures in place within an athletic departmentOne key takeaway about NILDue to the ever-evolving NIL space, and the current and upcoming compliance challenges universities are facing, Cherry Bekaert has dedicated a team of professionals to track all there is to know about NIL. As more guidance comes forth, we are here to provide regular updates, thought leadership, current and future state consulting, change management advisory and ready to stand up services. Whether you are a Power Five or sub-division school, we have solutions tailored for you.

Section 179D Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction (section 179D) is an energy tax deduction created to incentivize the adoption of clean solutions in commercial buildings. Originally intended for the commercial industry, not-for-profit organizations are now able to take advantage of this notable tax deduction if they invest in energy-efficient improvements.

Since not-for-profits are tax-exempt, they can allocate the energy tax incentive to a taxpaying entity working on the structure renovations. Before applying for the Section 179D tax credit, it’s imperative to understand the solutions that make the most sense for your building and the potential deduction allocations you may be eligible to receive.

Host Amy Dosik, Not-For-Profit Tax Practice Leader at Cherry Bekaert, is joined by special guests Martin Karamon, Tax Credits and Incentives Advisory Leader, Ed Vettel, Tax Credits and Incentives Senior Associate, and Andre Kohn, Energy Tax Credits and Incentives Senior Associate. Together they discuss the Section 179D energy efficient commercial building deduction and how not-for-profits and schools can benefit.

As part of Cherry Bekaert’s Not-For-Profit podcast series, and the second episode in the energy tax credits and incentives mini-series, this episode covers:
Section 179D backgroundDetermining eligibility for Section 179D Section 179D benefits Enhanced deduction requirementsMaximizing Section 179D opportunitiesCherry Bekaert’s Energy Tax Credits and Incentives team assesses the eligibility of your organization to receive business energy tax credits and incentives, so you can receive the maximum monetary benefit allotted. If your organization makes investments in clean energy advancements, then you may benefit from energy efficiency federal, state and local energy tax credits and incentives. If you have any questions specific to your needs, Cherry Bekaert’s Not-For-Profit group is available to discuss your situation with you.
Related Resources:
Podcast: Direct Pay for Not-for-ProfitsFactors to Consider When Seeking Cost Segregation and Section 179D Study Service ProvidersA Comprehensive Overview of Energy Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) opened the direct pay program for not-for-profit or tax-exempt organizations to qualify for energy tax credits if they were investing in clean energy solutions. Before the IRA, there were clean energy tax credits available to tax-paying entities to take advantage of, but tax-exempt organizations couldn’t reap any benefits when choosing to invest in energy enhancements. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) often releases new guidance on energy tax credits and incentives concerning not-for-profit and tax-exempt organizations, so it is imperative to stay updated to prevent incorrectly filed tax applications.

Host Amy Dosik, Not-For-Profit Tax Practice Leader at Cherry Bekaert is joined by special guests Martin Karamon, Tax Credits and Incentives Advisory Leader, Timothy Doran, Energy Tax Credits and Incentives Director, and David Mohimani, Tax Credits and Incentives Manager, to talk about the direct pay program for not-for-profit entities. As part of Cherry Bekaert’s Not-For-Profit podcast series, and the first episode in the energy tax credits and incentives mini-series, this episode covers:
IRA overview Background on the direct pay programEnergy tax credit eligibility New IRS final regulationsApplication process for energy tax creditsDirect pay benefits Key discussion takeaways Cherry Bekaert’s Energy Tax Credits and Incentives team assesses the eligibility of your organization to receive business energy tax credits and incentives, so you can receive the maximum monetary benefit allotted. If your business makes investments in clean energy advancements, then you may benefit from energy efficiency federal, state, and local energy tax credits and incentives. If you have any questions specific to your business needs, Cherry Bekaert’s Not-For-Profit group is available to discuss your situation with you.
Related Resources:
IRS ERC Voluntary Disclosures ProgramUnderstanding IRS’ Voluntary Disclosures Program for Employee Retention Credit (ERC) ClaimsAnalyzing the Impact: Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024Factors to Consider When Seeking Cost Segregation and Section 179D Study Service ProvidersUnderstanding the Inflation Reduction Act and Other Energy Incentives

Nonprofit organizations, from social services to trade associations and charter schools, play an essential role in supporting our communities. But these organizations often[HR1]  face several challenges and restrictions when it comes to fulfilling their missions. Throughout [HR2] 2024, not-for-profit (NFP) organizations will have many opportunities to increase impact and streamline operations. 
Matthew Socha, Not-for-Profit Practice Leader, hosted John Fedus, Partner, and Amelia Crawford, Director, to look into their crystal balls and predict the top trends not-for-profits may experience this year. They explore a variety of themes, issues and opportunities that organizations face.

The first of our NFP podcasts for 2024, this episode covers:
Managing the lack of resources available to NFPsRemote workNFPs’ investment in technologyImproving donor experienceCollaboration with other nonprofitsArtificial intelligence (AI) for NFPs
Cherry Bekaert Can Guide You Forward
Cherry Bekaert has a dedicated not-for-profit team with extensive experience in the industry. Many of our team members serve in a voluntary capacity on boards and give of their resources for the causes they feel strongly about. We have a clear sense of your priorities, goals and objectives and look forward to the opportunity to support your organization and mission.

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Cyber breaches like the recent Blackbaud data security incident remind us that no one is out of reach of cybercriminals. In our newest Not-for-Profit webinar, join Matthew Socha, Partner and Industry Leader of the Firm’s Not-for-Profit practice, and Steve Ursillo, Partner and Leader of the Firm’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity practice, for a discussion on Blackbaud’s response, next steps for organizations impacted by the breach and an overview of the most common cyber control deficiencies for not-for-profits.