Congratulations on embarking on the journey of creating a nonprofit organization! As you begin your mission to make a positive impact on the world, one critical aspect that demands your immediate attention is accounting and financial management. Kicking off our five-part series, titled “Stepping Stones: Paving the Path to Long-Term Financial Success,” we will explore…
Category: CEO Insights
Tales from the Nonprofit Accounting Crypt: 2024 Halloween Special
As the fog rolls in and shadows lengthen across the books, we beckon you to gather ‘round for a night of financial fright. In this chilling collection of tales, we’ll peel back the cobwebs on some of the most terrifying trials faced by nonprofits—where unchecked ledgers, runaway expenses, and haunted software conversions lead to unspeakable…
Love in the Ledger: 3 Nonprofit Accounting Tips to Woo Stakeholders This Valentine’s Day (and Every Day!)
For a nonprofit, your stakeholders are more than just donors, board members, or volunteers. They’re the lifeblood of your mission and the lovestruck supporters who champion your cause. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and connection, and what better time to reflect on the relationships you build with stakeholders? Just as in any healthy…
Crafting an Effective Operating Reserve Policy: 5 Essential Guidelines
For nonprofits, it is essential to sustain a consistent cash flow to fulfill obligations. Establishing an operating reserve serves as a strategic measure, offering a safety net against unforeseen events that could temporarily impact cash flow. Here are five key practices to consider when developing your operating reserve policy, ensuring its effectiveness and availability when…
Top 3 Resolutions Every Nonprofit Should Make This Year
As we welcome a new year, nonprofits are presented with an opportunity to reflect and set meaningful resolutions. These resolutions go beyond personal aspirations; they will fortify your organization. This year let’s focus on three critical areas that every nonprofit should prioritize for a stronger, more accountable, and transparent financial future. Resolution #1: Implement Robust…
Navigating Nonprofit Finances: Key Reports and Expert Presentation Tips
In the realm of nonprofit accounting and finance, the responsibility often falls on professionals to prepare and present financial reports to organizational leadership and stakeholders. While this task may initially appear daunting, adopting strategic approaches ensures the effective and confident presentation of financial reports. This article delves into key components of financial reporting for nonprofits…
Mastering Nonprofit Budgeting: A Crucial Guide for Financial Health and Mission Fulfillment
You might have a personal budget in place to track your income and expenses, enabling you to stay informed about your financial situation. Similarly, a nonprofit budget serves as a plan for how an organization intends to allocate its funds, encompassing a comprehensive breakdown of revenue and expenditures. Although a nonprofit budget tends to be…
Tales from the Nonprofit Accounting Crypt: A Halloween Special
This evening, as the moon hangs high and the leaves rustle with an eerie whisper, we shall cast a light upon the ethereal specters that haunt the ledgers and financial records of nonprofit organizations. Prepare yourselves, for in this Halloween special, we shall unfurl five bone-chilling tales, each a grim reflection of the common nightmares…
Maximizing Efficiency and Impact: When Outsourcing Nonprofit Accounting Makes Perfect Sense
Running a nonprofit organization comes with unique challenges that demand impeccable financial management. From budgeting and grant reporting to compliance and stakeholder stewardship, managing the financial side of a nonprofit can be a daunting task. While many nonprofits rely on internal accounting staff to handle these responsibilities, there are instances when supplementing them with outsourced…
The ASC-842 Dilemma: Challenges Nonprofit Organizations Face in Lease Compliance
Welcome to the intriguing world of lease compliance for nonprofit organizations! Today, we explore the challenges that lie ahead as these noble entities tackle the ASC-842 accounting standard. We’ll delve into the complexities of lease management without getting entangled in technical jargon. Nonprofit organizations, renowned for their admirable missions and dedication to social causes, now…