StrongNonprofits Toolkit
September 13, 2018
Resources to strengthen your nonprofit financial management
Welcome to the Toolkit
Organizations with strong financial management are better able to fulfill their mission and deliver high-quality services.
We've created this library of resources with BDO’s Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory Services to help your organization become "fiscally fit."
Featured Resources: Navigating Uncertainty
Nonprofit GPS
Nonprofit GPS offers free support to help nonprofits make well-informed decisions and navigate business model risks in times of uncertainty. Types of supports available include free webinars, peer convenings and forums, in addition to a public helpline where you can seek advice from financial consultants.
Scenario Planning Tools
This set of Scenario Planning tools can help you navigate strategic and financial shifts due to external and internal circumstances. The Scenario Identification Tool helps clarify realistic strategic options available to an organization, and the Financial Model Template provides a framework to run the numbers and choose a path.
What’s in the StrongNonprofits Toolkit?
- Tools: Customizable resources you can use to manage your operations
- Schedules: Pre-loaded, customizable calendars to keep you on track
- Guidance: Advice from field experts on how these tools fit into your overall finance operations to build operational excellence
- Self-Assessments: Quizzes and checklists to take stock of your current operations and clarify where to focus next
Budgeting
Plan, design and build your organization's operating budget to deliver on your mission effectively and sustainably
Navigating Uncertainty
Use these tools and guidance to help assess your business model risks and determine a path forward.
Cash Flow
Forecast and monitor cash flow to ensure you have the money you need when you need it
Operations
Ensure your finance office operations run efficiently and effectively
Data and Analysis
Visualize and understand what your numbers mean
Audit Readiness
Prepare for your audit and maintain audit readiness throughout the year
Governance and Strategy
Employ big-picture thinking to connect your financial resources with mission goals
Equity in Financial Management
At its core financial management is about the allocation of resources. It is not neutral. We make choices, and choices can reinforce structural inequities. If you value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, your financial management processes and decisions can and should reflect these priorities. These resources can help you consider how your organization’s commitment to equity shows up in the finance function.
Equity in Financial Management Self-Assessment
This assessment tool highlights equitable management practices in financial planning & monitoring, staffing, and operations and helps you identify what’s in place at your organization and where you might improve.
Five Ways to Address Equity in the Finance Function
This article discusses five critical areas of financial management for nonprofit leaders to consider when building equitable practices across the organization. These five areas are not exhaustive but offer a good starting place when reviewing current fiscal practices using an equity lens.
Financial Management is not Neutral
Listen to Hilda Polanco, Jessica Huey, and Rodney Christopher of BDO’s Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory Services share their thoughts on the importance of equity in nonprofit financial management.
Resources to Get Started with Operational Excellence
NONPROFIT FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE SELF-ASSESSMENT
Use this comprehensive word-based tool to understand your organization’s current strengths and limitations, and gain insight into where to start with the toolkit.
Fiscal Management Activities Calendar (EXCEL)
Map out your entire fiscal year with this customizable excel tool that highlights key processes (like Audit, Budgeting and Monitoring) that overlap and depend on each other throughout the year.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Get Started
Take the Self-Assessment
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