Should Your Budget Balance? No!
We’ve long argued at Propel Nonprofits that break-even budgets are not only not required, but they are the biggest barrier to building reserves an…
Archives: Resources
Financial Management Models of a Great Nonprofit Dashboard
A well-designed dashboard is like a good sheepdog. It helps to keep conversations with boards, staff, and funders on point and attentive to the right …
Balance Sheet Cheat Sheet
The balance sheet reports an organization’s assets (what is owned) and liabilities (what is owed). The net assets (also called equity, capital, reta…
Cash Flow Primer Video
Money doesn’t always come in and go out smoothly day to day or month to month. In order to weather the ups and downs properly, it’s important to p…
Analyzing Financial Information Using Ratios
Financial ratios are an established tool for businesses and nonprofits. This tool provides calculation of 14 ratios, including a mix of balance sheet …
Transforming Business Models Primer Video
Learn the four core components of a nonprofit business model: revenue mix, understanding the cost of effective programs, infrastructure, and capital s…
Financial Policy Guidelines and Example
Developing and adopting a written financial policy is a valuable practice for any nonprofit organization, no matter how small or large. Financial poli…
Operating Reserves with Nonprofit Policy Examples
Operating reserves should not be used to cover a long-term or permanent income shortfall. Reserves can allow an organization to weather serious bumps …
True Program Costs: Program Budget and Allocation Template and Resource
While the long-term goal for nonprofits is not to return profits to shareholders, we all know that nonprofits are business entities that need to maint…