The ledgers are alive… with mistakes! Unmask the monsters haunting nonprofit accounting and use this Nonprofit’s Guide to Spooky Finances to vanquish them….
Buried in the Books: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Spooky Finances
Category: Blogs
What Nonprofits Need to Know About Restricted Funds
Why clear reporting, and clear rules, are the key to keeping donor trust. Managing restricted funds is one of the most challenging accounting tasks nonprofit organizations face, even those with strong financial practices. We’ve seen it happen: A donor restriction overlooked in a spreadsheet can trigger a last-minute scramble at year-end, resulting in audit adjustments…
Empowering Expression, Enriching Lives: Thriving4Life and Chazin
When Deb Ferris founded Thriving4Life, her vision was simple yet powerful: bring dignity, creativity, and connection to those impacted by dementia, trauma, and cognitive challenges. Through programs like Art4Life, the nonprofit uses art and music to spark expression and healing — and with Chazin’s financial guidance, Deb has been able to focus on expanding that mission and reaching more communities….
AI in Accounting: Embrace the Benefits, Beware the Buzz
Why smart nonprofits (and their accountants) use AI where it helps, and not where it doesn’t The AI Wave Is Here … But Not Every Tool Is a Lifesaver There’s no denying that AI is making waves across every industry, including accounting. From flashy award wins to promises of fully automated processes, the pressure to…
Supporting Philanthropy in the Spotlight: Accounting for Celebrity and High-Profile Foundations
High-profile foundations (especially those associated with celebrities and public figures) bring a unique blend of influence and responsibility to the philanthropic world. With wide reach and media attention, these organizations are well-positioned to make an outsized impact. But with fame comes additional layers of risk: increased scrutiny, public pressure, and a relentless spotlight that rarely…
What Your Fundraising Campaign Needs (Beyond Passion and Promotion)
Fundraising campaigns are essential lifelines for nonprofit organizations. They provide the funding necessary to carry out programs, pay staff, and deliver services that create lasting impact. But behind every successful campaign is something far less visible, and just as critical: financial tracking. Without solid processes in place to track the revenue raised and the expenses…
What Your Fiscal Year End (FYE) Data is Telling You (and How to Act on It)
As another fiscal year wraps up, your nonprofit may find itself buried in reports, reconciliations, and audits. But FYE data is more than just something for your auditors or board to review; it’s a valuable tool for driving strategic growth and ensuring sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at what your data can reveal and…
The Difference Is in the Details: How NFP SmartStart Stands Apart
At Chazin, we know that early-stage nonprofits face a unique set of challenges and that they need more than just outsourced accounting. That’s why we created NFP SmartStart, a specialized offering designed for newly founded organizations or those operating with budgets under $500K annually. NFP SmartStart is an all-in-one solution tailored for emerging nonprofits that…
Happy New Fiscal Year! 10 Steps to End Your Fiscal Year Strong and Start the New Year Fresh
For many nonprofits, a June 30 fiscal year-end means July kicks off not only a new reporting cycle, but a fresh opportunity to reflect, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether you’re breathing a sigh of relief or gearing up for an audit, now is the ideal time to close out the year thoughtfully. At…
Inflation, Recession, and Hostile Interest Rates: How Nonprofits Can Weather a Tough Economy… and Even Grow
By Chris Huntley, CFO & Advisory Solutions Manager at Chazin In April 2025, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told the Economic Club of Chicago: “The…administration’s tariffs are significantly larger than anticipated. The same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth.” That small and between higher…
