The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, in partnership with the state Comptroller’s Office is pleased to announce fraud detection and prevention training for the nonprofit sector.

The free, virtual training session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16, from 9 to 11 a.m., and is open to nonprofit organizations in Chautauqua County and the Western Southern Tier. Those encouraged to attend include: not-for-profit executive directors, accountants, program directors, and board members.

Also, accountants, bookkeepers, and finance and human resources staff will find the training beneficial. Continuing Professional Education (CPEs) credits are available for eligible accountants.

Whether an organization’s budget is $50,000 or $50 million, nonprofits can become fraud victims. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s program, “Don’t Get Burned, Fraud Detection and Prevention for theNonprofit Sector,” can help prepare nonprofits to be proactive in protecting their organization’s finances by strengthening internal controls and assessing risks. Taking steps to guard program dollars is especially important during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in the federal government’s Stimulus programs.

The “Don’t Get Burned” seminar educates not-for-profit staff and board members on preventing fraud.

The session includes instruction by expert forensic auditors and case studies of not-for-profit fraud.

Takeaways for attendees include a fraud risk assessment tool, an internal control self-assessment survey, and a fraud detection checklist. The session is also interactive and will have Q and A opportunities with the presenters.

Stressing the importance of the “Don’t Get Burned” training, Comptroller DiNapoli said, “fraud hurts all of us. It is a risk to governments, businesses, and not-for-profits alike. While the financial losses can be substantial, the costs of fraud may also include a damaged public reputation, diminished funding, and countless hours allocated to investigation and litigation. We are hopeful that this collaboration between my office, the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, and the not-for-profit community will lead to greater prevention and detection of fraud, cost savings for organizations, and protection of taxpayer dollars.”

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation Executive Director, Diane Hannum, added “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the NYS Comptroller’s Office. I encourage everyone to attend.”

Registration for this free virtual fraud prevention training is now open through the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.

Register at: https://www.nccfoundation.org/dontgetburned. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Any registration-related questions can be directed to Eileen at 366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org.