A well-structured cash reserve policy is an essential element of strong financial stewardship in the nonprofit sector. Reserves give organizations the stability to weather revenue fluctuations, address unforeseen expenses, and invest strategically in mission-driven initiatives. Developing a clear, board-approved policy ensures consistency, transparency, and accountability in how reserves are built and used.
The nonprofit sector is entering 2026 facing its most challenging financial environment in a decade. If you're a nonprofit executive director, board member, or financial officer feeling the squeeze, you're not alone. Recent data reveals that 36% of nonprofits ended 2024 with operating deficits—the highest rate in ten years. Meanwhile, 84% of organizations that receive government funding anticipate cuts in the coming year, and 86% report that inflation continues to have a significant impact on their operations.
In the competitive landscape of nonprofit funding, where resources are scarce and donor expectations are high, effectively evaluating nonprofit program success is essential for sustainability and growth. According to recent surveys, approximately 70% of nonprofits struggle to demonstrate measurable impact, often because they select inappropriate evaluation approaches that fail to capture the full picture of program performance. This article explores nonprofit program evaluation methods, focusing on three key frameworks — goal-based, process-based, and outcomes-based — to help organizations choose the right tools for assessing new initiatives.
Endowments are a cornerstone for nonprofit financial sustainability, providing a permanent funding source that enables organizations to support their mission for generations. Yet, nonprofit endowment fund accounting is daunting, with complex compliance requirements and evolving standards such as UPMIFA (Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act) and ASC 958. For nonprofits and their boards, proper endowment management entails more than maintaining spreadsheets — it involves building stakeholder trust and ensuring the organization’s long-term future. In this guide, Temple Management CPA shares everything you need to know about accounting, compliance, and reporting for nonprofit endowment funds.
For many nonprofit leaders, receiving the annual financial statement audit report can feel like opening a complex book written in accounting jargon. But understanding this report is essential—it’s not just a compliance requirement; it’s a powerful tool for transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making.
In today's competitive nonprofit landscape, organizations can no longer rely solely on passion and good intentions to demonstrate their impact. Modern nonprofits must adopt data-driven decision-making to optimize their mission effectiveness, maintain donor trust, and ensure long-term sustainability. The key to this transformation lies in implementing robust key performance indicators (KPIs) and creating actionable dashboards that transform raw data into strategic insights.
In the rapidly evolving nonprofit landscape of 2025, not-for-profit organizations (NFPs) are more essential than ever. They fight for causes, fill social gaps, and drive meaningful change. But organizational impact and survival don’t occur by accident. Today’s NFPs are under greater scrutiny, face complex financial realities, and must contend with both internal and external challenges—from shifting regulations to donor expectations and digital transformation. At the core of an NFP’s success lies sound governance and strong, ethical leadership.
Nonprofit organizations are navigating an evolving landscape of audit requirements and best practices. Effective nonprofit audit preparation remains crucial for ensuring compliance, enhancing transparency, and maintaining stakeholder trust. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore key aspects of preparing for your nonprofit audit, including lessons learned from recently implemented standards, emerging best practices, and strategies to navigate common challenges.
Organizations face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising. The post-pandemic era has accelerated the shift toward digital fundraising, but traditional methods remain essential for building strong donor relationships and securing significant gifts. As nonprofits navigate this complex environment, it's crucial to strike a balance between digital and traditional fundraising strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
AI revolutionizes nonprofit finances by automating tasks, enhancing analysis, detecting fraud, optimizing costs, and empowering informed decision-making for social impact.
