This toolkit is a roadmap for a nonprofit’s financial management. For some organizations, getting help starts by figuring out where the help is needed. This toolkit lays out a step by step framework of resources to provide the help needed.
Toolkit Resources
Taking the Mystery Out of Financial Management
Everyone should start by watching Taking the Mystery Out of Financial Management. This is a short tutorial that touches on the various components of financial management and true to its name, it removes the mystery from financial management and provides a clear path to follow. Watching this tutorial will provide context for all of the remaining resources and illuminate where to start.
Operating Reserves: Why to Have One, How to Build One, and a Sample Policy to Start from
Whether to adopt a surplus or deficit budget starts by looking at the operating reserve. This resource walks through everything an organization needs to know about reserves, what they are, why to have them, and even addresses organizations’ reluctance towards building them.
Budgeting as a Strategic Tool
Having a clear budget that is broken out by programs is a foundational element to an organization's financial sustainability. The Budget Toolkit includes a budget template and detailed videos walking through how to use the template.
Allocating Shared Operating Expenses
In order to budget by program and see the full picture of program costs, shared expenses must be used. The Shared Allocation Toolkit explains in detail what shared expenses are and how to begin using them.
Financial Board Reports
Having plans such as a budget and an Operating Reserve policy need to be backed up with accurate reporting and ongoing monitoring. This resource covers the basics of presenting financials to the board of directors in a clear consistent fashion.
Fiscal Controls for Your Organization
Fiscal controls are critical to every organization to protect against fraud and also create solid financial systems and procedures. This short tutorial covers the how and why of fiscal controls.