Founded in 1945, Memphis Union Mission is the largest homeless service provider in Memphis, Tennessee, serving approximately 400 individuals daily with food, shelter and support services. With an operation that translates into more than 1,200 meals per day and extensive daily logistics, the organization requires strong financial management to support its mission.
When Daniel Weaver—Memphis Union Mission’s longtime VP of finance and administration—shared his vision for expanding his reach beyond a single organization, the team saw an opportunity to reimagine its financial leadership model. Through CFO Leverage, Weaver transitioned from a full-time employee to a fractional CFO, continuing to serve the Mission while also supporting other ministries.
Many nonprofits, especially those with smaller budgets or lean teams, struggle to maintain high-level financial leadership. While daily accounting may be covered, the expertise needed for:
…is often beyond what a small- to mid-size ministry can afford in a full-time hire.
Memphis Union Mission had a solid foundation but saw an opportunity to both retain Daniel’s high-level expertise and create space for internal growth and cost savings.
Through CFO Leverage, Weaver became a fractional CFO for Memphis Union Mission. This allowed the organization to:
Weaver mentored a younger employee who was hired to handle accounts payable and receivable. With Daniel’s encouragement, the younger staff member returned to school and is pursuing CPA certification—a long-term investment in the Mission’s internal talent.
By working with CFO Leverage, Memphis Union Mission benefited from:
Staff Empowerment
Promoting an internal staff member and supporting his development allowed the Mission to build a stronger, more capable finance team from within.
Financial Savings
Transitioning Weaver to a fractional role helped the Mission save money while maintaining the same level of expertise.
Stronger Internal Controls
Weaver helped implement best practices and internal controls that reduce the risk of fraud or inefficiencies—critical for any nonprofit with fiduciary responsibilities.
Strategic Expertise
Weaver’s leadership helped navigate two complex New Market Tax Credit transactions and multiple affordable housing grant closings—processes that many nonprofits struggle to complete without expert guidance.
Audit Excellence
With Weaver’s guidance, the Mission received accolades from its auditors for clean books and strong preparation—thanks to his background in public accounting and audit readiness.
