Balance Sheet Issues
TIPS & TOOLS
NFF Financial Management Webinar Series beginning April 2, 2013
Our partners, the Nonprofit Finance Fund are launching a financial webinar series. And while not specifically focused on the arts, they are designed for nonprofit staff and board members. The focus of the series is to move the practitioner beyond the scope of general compliance functions and teach participants how to read and interpret financial statements to inform strategic decisions. Topics include assessing nonprofit financial health, budgeting as a communication tool, monitoring cash flow, and assessing program profitability, among others.
Financial Health Analysis
Does your organization need a financial health check-up? Our partner, the Cultural Data Project, has developed this FREE Financial Health Analysis tool that takes an in-depth look at an organization’s financial strengths, weaknesses, and business dynamics that can serve as a guide for strategic business planning.
Resources for Nonprofit Financial Management
Organizations with strong financial management are better able to fulfill their missions and deliver high-qulaity services. With the launch of www.strongnonprofits.org, the Wallace Foundation in partnership with Fiscal Management Associates, have created a library of resources to help your organization become fiscally fit.
BUILDING RESERVES
BLOG: Against the Grain
Against the Grain, is a blog on the Chronicle of Philanthropy website. Written by Rick Moyers, the following is a four part series on the subject of non-profit operating reserves.
Part 1: Four Things Boards Should Understand About Operating Reserves
Part 2: What Operating Reserves Are and Why They Matter
Part 3: How Nonprofits Build Operating Reserves
Part 4: There’s No Penalty for Having Reserves
FINANCIAL HEALTH
Why Do Balance Sheets Matter?
Interested in what grantmaker’s are (or should be?) looking for when reviewing an applicant’s balance sheet? This article provides a comprehensive introduction on how to use the balance sheet to assess the liquidity, adaptability, and durability of needs for an arts organization.
Getting Beyond Breakeven
From surviving to thriving…not only does this report posit that financial health and mission impact are inextricably linked, but it also discusses capitalization needs, challenges, and study implications for arts and culture organizations.
BUDGETING
Refresh Your Organization’s Budgeting Process: Getting Tactical
Need tips for developing a strategic and manageable budget? Here are 6 tips that may help in creating a sound financial road map:
New Year Resolution – I will stop smoking!
This blog entry gets back to the basics by providing guiding principles on how to correctly set fundraising targets.
ENDOWMENT MANAGEMENT
Principles of Endowment Management: The seven key issues facing trustees and financial officers
The Commonfund Institute is dedicated to the advancement of investment knowledge in the nonprofit community and the promotion of best financial-management practices among nonprofit organizations. This publication begins with the basics by explaining what an endowment is, it’s importance for an organization, as well as highlighting the ins and outs of endowment management.
BORROWING MONEY
Introduction to Borrowing
Considering applying for a loan? The Nonprofit Finance Fund has developed five tips posted on their blog that you should consider in making this decision.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Change Capital in Action: Lessons from Leading Arts Organizations
Nonprofit Finance Fund shares results from change capital investments. Change capital is money to grow, shrink or adjust an organization’s business model.