Case Study: Stanley Enrich Radio Club (STEM ARC)
Stanley Enrich Radio Club (STEM ARC) is a small nonprofit based in Lancaster, SC, dedicated to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning through amateur radio projects. STEM ARC runs workshops, school programs, and community outreach for students and hobbyists interested in electronics, radio communication, and engineering.
Their programs inspire middle school through college students, educators, and community volunteers, while also supporting emergency communications and public service events using ham radio equipment.
The Challenge
Running a nonprofit often means juggling programs, volunteers, and financial compliance. STEM ARC’s founder, Vicki Carnes, faced several challenges that made nonprofit financial management overwhelming:
Limited accounting expertise and experience handling nonprofit financial reporting.
Compliance deadlines with the South Carolina Secretary of State and federal IRS 990 filings.
Single-person financial management led to high stress and risk of errors.
Difficulty tracking and managing incoming funds, donations, and expenses effectively.
These challenges are common among small nonprofits, especially those with limited staff, volunteer-based teams, or founders managing multiple responsibilities.
Vicki shared:
“When I reached out to Certum Solutions, I felt like a hand was reaching down and lifting me back up. They gave me the support I needed when I didn’t think I could handle any more on my own.”
– Vicki Carnes, Founder of Stanley Enrich Radio Club
Why Certum Solutions
STEM ARC needed a trusted, professional accounting partner to:
Ensure nonprofit compliance and accurate reporting.
Set up QuickBooks Online for streamlined bookkeeping.
Provide guidance and mentorship for nonprofit financial management.
Reduce stress and free up time to focus on STEM education programs.
She chose Certum Solutions because of:
Experience working with small nonprofits in NC/SC.
Personalized, hands-on support from certified QuickBooks experts.
Transparent guidance and mentorship for founders with limited accounting knowledge.
The Solution
Certum Solutions worked closely with STEM ARC to implement QuickBooks Online and provide tailored nonprofit accounting support:
QuickBooks Online Setup & Training: Guided STEM ARC through setting up their nonprofit accounts, chart of accounts, and workflows.
Compliance Support: Assisted with South Carolina Secretary of State annual report filings and federal 990 submissions.
Step-by-Step Guidance: Offered hands-on mentorship to ensure understanding and independence over time.
Ongoing Support: Provided responsive, reliable assistance to address questions, reduce errors, and build confidence.
Vicki noted:
“Katie and Nicole stood out to me, they guided me through every step, helped with chart of accounts setup, and made the entire process manageable.”
– Vicki Carnes, Founder of Stanley Enrich Radio Club
Results & Impact
The collaboration with Certum Solutions delivered both immediate and long-term benefits:
Compliance achieved: Annual state and federal filings completed accurately and on time.
Reduced Stress: Founder feels more in control and less overwhelmed by deadlines.
Confidence in financial management: Founder gained knowledge and reassurance to manage QuickBooks for her nonprofit.
Nonprofit Mission Focused: Freed up time to focus on STEM programs rather than administrative burdens.
Professional partnership: Access to a trusted QuickBooks solutions provider ensures ongoing support and advice for future filings.
Vicki noted:
"Accounting isn’t my strength, but Certum Solutions gave me the support I needed when I didn’t think I could handle it on my own."
– Vicki Carnes, Founder of Stanley Enrich Radio Club
The Transformation
Since working with Certum Solutions:
STEM ARC operates with greater confidence in its financial processes.
Compliance risk is minimized with proper filings.
Founder time is freed to expand programs, workshops, and community outreach.
The nonprofit is better positioned for future growth and potential grant opportunities.
“I felt like everything was frayed before, but Certum’s support lifted me back up. I finally feel confident that deadlines and compliance are under control.”
– Vicki Carnes, Founder of Stanley Enrich Radio Club
About the Client
STEM ARC | Lancaster, SC
Website: https://www.stemarc.org/home
Services: QuickBooks Online Support, Nonprofit Bookkeeping, Federal & State Compliance