From reactive to proactive: The financial mindset shift nonprofits need in 2026
For many nonprofit leaders, financial management has long been reactive by necessity. You respond to funding delays, adjust to unexpected expenses, scramble when cash flow tightens and recalibrate after the fact. In a sector shaped by uncertainty, this approach has...
Payroll for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide + Top Solutions
Of the various operational activities your nonprofit navigates, payroll is among the most complex. This process bridges financial management and human resources, meaning it often involves input from multiple professionals and the application of several different...
Your nonprofit’s first 90 Days: The financial moves that set the tone for the entire year
The first calendar quarter is the most important financial window of the year for many nonprofits. While December often brings a surge of donations and optimism, January through March determine whether an organization will stay financially healthy or struggle with...
A million in December isn’t a million in August: The nonprofit cash flow reality check
For many nonprofits, year-end fundraising creates a comforting illusion of financial strength. After a strong December, it’s easy to feel flush with million-dollar balances, packed donor reports and a burst of optimism heading into January. But as we often remind...
Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated, and nonprofits are a growing target.
We’ve recently seen a new type of payment fraud making the rounds, not just with our clients, but they’re even targeting CFO Leverage directly. In the past, these scams relied on spoofed CEO email addresses (forged sender addresses) asking for an urgent payment. Now,...
Nonprofit Budgeting: How to Plan Your Finances + Template
If your internal team is concerned about your nonprofit’s financial situation and sustainability, you aren’t alone. In their responses to the 2024 National Survey of Nonprofit Trends and Impacts, 55% of nonprofit leaders indicated that their top organizational concern...
Understanding the 4 Core Nonprofit Financial Statements
Reporting is a critical component of effective financial management. It’s the culmination of your nonprofit’s other accounting, bookkeeping, and strategic activities—where you organize the data you’ve collected so it’s more useful for internal decision-making and...
Fund Accounting for Nonprofits: What It Is & Why It Matters
Managing a nonprofit is different from running any other type of organization. Besides having to comply with unique regulations, all of your day-to-day activities are centered around furthering a cause and making an impact. While it’s easy to see this purpose in...
Audit Testing Explained: How Auditors Evaluate Your Nonprofit’s Finances
For many nonprofit leaders, the annual audit feels like a whirlwind of questions, document requests, and time-consuming processes. But understanding how auditors evaluate your organization can transform the experience from stressful to strategic. The Three Types of...
Avoid These 7 Common Audit Mistakes: A Guide for Nonprofits
The annual financial statement audit is an important process for nonprofits, ensuring transparency and accountability for donors, funders, and stakeholders. However, many organizations make common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary stress, delays, and even...