Issue 102 of Administration Matters
January: Start the year strong with Portico’s 2026 New Year Checklist
Kick off 2026 with tools and reminders designed to support your benefits administration work, including reviewing account access, reporting compensation changes, and accessing clergy and church tax guides. These quick checks can help ensure accurate benefits, smooth administration, and a confident start to the year for you and your employees. >More
IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2026
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck are:
• 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 2.5 cents from 2025.
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, equal to the rate in 2025.
The rates apply to fully electric and hybrid automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
While the mileage rate for charitable use is set by statute, the mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. >More
New purposes for old buildings
One challenge we face today is that many religious buildings are falling into disrepair. As facilities age and maintenance costs increase, congregations must discern how to move forward: by relocating or repurposing? >More
Important considerations for church benevolence programs
Many churches have benevolence programs to assist members and others in the community during times of emergency or financial crisis. See how you can build a framework for faithful support by applying benevolence program best practices, developing simple policies for demonstrating and documenting recipients’ needs, and making disbursements in an accountable manner.
Six tips to make meetings more productive
To conduct a productive meeting, start with a clear purpose and a detailed agenda (preferably sent to participants in advance), ensure that everyone understands the objectives, facilitate open discussion, stay on time and follow up with action items. >More
Best practices for digital giving
The digital landscape is rife with cybersecurity risks that can directly impact organizations of all kinds. Nonprofits face many threats related to digital giving, from phishing attacks to data breaches. Understanding these threats is essential for developing effective defenses. >More
