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…
Category: Nonprofit Best Practices
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…
The Power of Financial Transparency
In a world where trust and accountability are paramount, nonprofits find themselves facing a unique challenge. They must establish credibility and build relationships with donors, supporters, and the public, all while navigating the complex terrain of financial management. One key strategy that can help these organizations thrive is financial transparency. In this concluding piece of…
The Top 11 Financial Mistakes Nonprofits Make (and What to Do Instead)
Navigating the financial landscape of a nonprofit can be tricky, which is why smart financial decisions are crucial to achieving your mission. Unfortunately, some pitfalls can derail even the most well-intentioned organizations. Let’s walk through some of them and more importantly, address how to avoid them. 1. Relying Too Heavily on One Source of Funding…
More Than Just Taxes: Why Nonprofits Need to File Returns
In the realm of nonprofit organizations, the annual “tax” return requirement might raise questions, especially when tax-exempt status is in place. This piece of our series, “Stepping Stones: Paving the Path to Nonprofit Financial Success,” delves into the pivotal role of filing tax returns and highlights key motivations for nonprofits to engage in this practice….
The Vital Role of Transaction Tracking
For small and burgeoning nonprofit organizations, establishing a rigorous system for tracking financial transactions is a critical step in fostering fiscal responsibility. By consistently monitoring financial activities and implementing effective financial management practices, you not only demonstrate your commitment to your mission but also ensure efficient use of resources. In this article, part of our…
Choosing Your Audit Firm: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Selecting the Right Partner
Selecting the right audit firm is an important decision for your nonprofit. Many organizations may be required to undergo annual audits by their state’s Charitable Solicitation License requirements, their loan agreements, grant agreements, or other contractual obligations. Auditors not only provide an opinion on the material accuracy of your financial statements, but they also suggest ways…
Building Financial Resilience: Key Strategies to Prepare for Uncertainty
Financial uncertainty is an ongoing reality for many nonprofit organizations, whether due to shifts in government funding, policy changes, economic downturns, or unexpected disruptions. While organizations may not always have control over these external factors, they can take proactive steps to strengthen their financial health and prepare for challenges. The most resilient nonprofits are those…
Understanding the Role of Internal Controls
In the first installment in this series, we provided an overview of the importance of accounting and financial management for nonprofit organizations. As you embark on your journey to create a thriving nonprofit, understanding internal controls becomes crucial. In this second blog post, we will demystify internal controls, highlighting their importance in preventing errors, ensuring…