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StrongNonprofits Toolkit

September 13, 2018
Resources to strengthen your nonprofit financial management

Governance and Strategy​​

An engaged, knowledgeable board is essential. Directors should oversee the organization’s activities, assessing whether it is meeting legal, financial and strategic obligations. These tools are designed to help staff and board members. 

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

Understanding Nonprofit Business Models

The Matrix Map: A Powerful Tool for Mission-Focused Nonprofits

Authors in this Nonprofit Quarterly article describe the Matrix Map approach to understanding the financial as well as the mission-related impact of a nonprofit’s programs and activities.

Based on their book, The Sustainability Mindset: Using the Matrix Map to Make Strategic Decisions, the authors explain how to create a Matrix Map and what strategic decisions are implied by the positions in the matrix.
 

Watch the authors discuss the framework and how to use it in this webinar.

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

Ten Nonprofit Funding Models

This article the Stanford Social Innovation Review proposes 10 nonprofit business models that describe the range of funding strategies available, arguing that leaders should understand and work within their particular funding model in order to maximize financial sustainability. 

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

Business Planning for Nonprofits: What It Is and Why It Matters

This article from the Bridgespan Group includes an overview of nonprofit business planning, breaking the process down into four distinct components: strategic clarity; strategic priorities; resource implications; and performance measures. It also explains how to use the plan both internally and externally.​​ 

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

Business Plans for Nonprofits and Social Enterprise

This resource on the Propel Nonprofits website outlines the sections in a nonprofit business plan for social enterprise or earned income ventures.​​

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

Reserve Fund Policy Template & Guide

Overview of concepts and strategies for developing financial reserves, including a discussion of types of reserves, tips on developing and managing reserves, and sample policies and worksheets.​

Reserve Fund Policy Template Guide BDO Cover

Know Your Role in Governing Nonprofit Finance

How to Talk About Finances So Non-Financial Folks Will Listen

In this article from the Bridgespan Group, a variety of nonprofit chief financial officers and technical assistance providers offer ideas and advice on how to make financial information come alive for your organization’s frontline staff.​​

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

An Executive Director's Guide to Financial Leadership

This article in Nonprofit Quarterly outlines eight key business principles for guiding the financial leadership practices of nonprofit chief executives.​​

StrongNonprofits Toolkit

Funding Opportunity Assessment Tool

A new grant or contract can be vital to funding your organization's programs—but it also brings responsibilities and risks as well. This assessment tool will help you evaluate whether a funding opportunity makes strategic sense and is feasible for your organization.​​

funding-opportunity-assessment-tool

Next Steps: Budgeting

Budgeting​ is the way your organization’s strategy is expressed in dollars. Once you have set strategic goals and priorities, be sure that this gets translated into the budget that guides your activities each year.

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