A 4-part Nonprofit Financial Commons course
Strengthening the Accidental Finance Leader
Financial Knowledge for Non-Financial People
More and more nonprofit professionals step into roles where they are expected to make decisions based on financial information, often without formal training. Finance can feel opaque, technical, and filled with jargon, making it difficult not only to understand the numbers, but to use them effectively.
Strengthening the Accidental Finance Leader is designed to change that.
This four-session course builds practical financial knowledge for nonprofit professionals who are not finance specialists but need to confidently engage with financial information. Participants will develop the skills to interpret financial data, support strategic decision-making, and communicate financial insights clearly within their organizations.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will leave better able to:
- Understand the fundamentals behind accurate financial reporting, including staffing, internal controls, and compliance
- Read and use basic financial reports to assess organizational financial health
- Recognize key financial roles (bookkeeper, accountant, auditor, banker) and know when and how to engage them
- Think strategically about budgeting, business models, and the true cost of mission delivery
- Communicate financial information more clearly to staff, leadership, and boards
Pricing
Early Bird Rate (ends 5/19/2026)
$625
Standard Rate
$750
Secure your spot early.
Space is limited, and this course is designed for organizations ready to engage seriously with their financial future.
Session Descriptions
Session 1: Leadership in Your Financial Ecosystem
June 2, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM ET
This session introduces what financial leadership looks like in a nonprofit context. Participants will explore how financial responsibility shows up across roles, how culture and mindset influence financial decisions, and how to navigate the broader ecosystem of people and systems involved in financial management.
Key takeaways:
- Understand what financial leadership means beyond technical finance roles
- Recognize how culture and psychology shape financial decision-making
- Clarify roles across staff, board, and external partners
- Identify key players in your financial ecosystem (staff, board, auditor, banker, etc.)
- See how different organizations structure and approach financial leadership
Session 2: Understanding & Assessing Financial Statements
June 4, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM ET
This session builds practical skills for reading and interpreting nonprofit financial statements. Participants will learn how to make sense of key reports, understand the nuances of nonprofit finance, and begin using financial data to assess organizational health.
Key takeaways:
- Learn how to read and interpret core financial statements
- Understand key financial ratios and what they signal
- Build awareness of cash flow and liquidity dynamics
- Recognize the unique “quirks” of nonprofit finance, including restricted funds
- Begin combining multiple financial reports to form a clearer financial picture
Session 3: Elements for Determining Your Financial Strategy
June 9, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM ET
This session focuses on the key components that shape a nonprofit’s financial strategy. Participants will explore how to understand the true cost of their work, evaluate their business model, and use budgeting as a strategic tool rather than just a financial exercise.
Key takeaways:
- Understand the true cost of programs and overall operations
- Evaluate your organization’s business model and revenue structure
- Use budgeting as a tool for planning and decision-making
- See how financial strategy connects to program, staffing, and growth decisions
- Recognize the importance of integrating finance with broader organizational strategy
Session 4: Financial Sensemaking
June 11, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM ET
This session focuses on how to interpret financial information and communicate it effectively to different audiences. Participants will learn how to move from raw data to meaningful insights, and how to present financial information in ways that support understanding, accountability, and decision-making.
Key takeaways:
- Translate financial data into a clear and compelling financial story
- Communicate financial information to internal and external audiences
- Understand the role of compliance and key documents (including the Form 990)
- Use reports and dashboards to support clarity and ongoing oversight
- Learn from real-world case studies to apply concepts in practice
Who This Course Is For
✔ Executive directors
✔ Development staff
✔ Program leaders
✔ Board staff
✔ Nonprofit professionals overseeing or using financial information
No prior finance background required.
Faculty
Why This Matters
Strong organizations are not built on financial expertise alone, but they do require leaders who can understand and use financial information effectively.
This course equips you with the clarity, tools, and confidence to move from uncertainty to informed decision-making—strengthening both your leadership and your organization’s sustainability.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the course or whether it’s the right fit, please contact anelson@nonprofitfinancials.org.
