Organizational slack is an important concept in the management literature, but you won’t find it mentioned in articles on nonprofits. It has several definitions, but all boil down to extra resources or resources held in reserve. The difference between a hand-to-mouth organization and a vibrant one is slack. Think of slack as the financial aspect of organizational capacity.
Read MoreThe Matrix Map is a visual tool that plots all of the organization’s activities—not just its programs—into a single, compelling image. By illustrating the organization’s business model—through a picture of all activities and the financial and mission impact of each one—it supports genuinely strategic discussions.
Read MoreA budget is your organization’s strategy expressed in dollars. A strategic and collaborative budget process is essential to ensure that…
Read MoreWhen your mind is swirling with what-ifs, it’s hard to know what questions to start with, let alone what actions…
Read MoreWe’ve long argued at Propel Nonprofits that break-even budgets are not only not required, but they are the biggest barrier to building reserves and ultimately a financially healthy organization.
Read MoreEditors’ note: This article was adapted from a webinar presented by the Nonprofit Quarterly on February 17, 2016.
Read MoreThis guide and accompanying spreadsheet template break down the process of understanding true program costs, either through budgeting or financial reports, into…
Read MoreYour nonprofit work has certain knowable costs, such as costs for staff, costs for property and equipment, and costs for…
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