Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Leaders
Financial position, robustness, and flexibility are all areas that are vitally important for effective nonprofit leadership. Leaders in nonprofit organizations must understand the drivers of these components of financial strength in order to be successful in pursuing their organizational missions.
Certificates: Nonprofit Executive Leadership,
| Location | Dates | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Asynchronous) | June 02, 2025 - June 29, 2025 | $1,395.00 | Requires the separate purchase of a textbook. Register |
| IU Indianapolis | September 09, 2025 - September 10, 2025 | $1,295.00 | Register |
Course Details
Please review the attendance policy and cancellation/transfer policy before registering.
Schedule
Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Leaders is offered once a year in-person and online.
In-person
The in-person class is two days in length.
Day 1: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Day 2: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 | Introductions and Expectations |
| 9:00-10:15 | Differences Between Businesses and Nonprofits, Dashboard Financial Objectives, Board Dynamics |
| 10:15-10:30 | Break |
| 10:30-11:30 | Budgeting |
| 11:30-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:45 | Long-Range Financial Planning and Financial Policies |
| 1:45-2:00 | Break |
| 2:00-3:30 | Financial Strategies and Revenue Mix, Funding Dynamics and the Economy, Liability and Risk Management |
| 3:30-4:30 | Financial Statements |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-10:00 | Financial Ratio Analysis #1 |
| 10:00-10:15 | Break |
| 10:15-11:30 | Diagnosing Your Organization |
| 11:30-12:15 | Financial Analysis #2 |
| 12:15-1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15-2:45 | Fundraising Analysis: A Finance Perspective |
| 2:45-3:00 | Break |
| 3:00-4:20 | Cash Flow and Treasury Management |
| 4:20-4:30 | Wrap-up |
Online (Asynchronous) Schedule
The asynchronous online course is four weeks in length.
Each week you’ll have a course module to complete. Each module consists of:
- readings (available in PDF format)
- viewing a pre-recorded narrated presentation
- engaging in forum discussions with others
- and submitting assignments.
More details about the online format and requirements may be viewed here.
The online course requires the separate purchase of a textbook. Additional details will be provided at time of registration.
Week 1: Financial Analysis in the Nonprofit Context: The Arena in which We Play
Overview & Readings
Narrated Presentation
Quiz
Assignment: Calculate Approximate Liquidity Target for City Mission
Assignment: Financial Ratio Analysis of Public Charity (pick an organization and gather financial reports; this major assignment is due Week 4)
Discussion: Reflections on the Financial Objectives of Nonprofits
Week 2: Financial Strategies and Planning Tools: Budgeting and Financial Planning
Overview & Readings
Narrated Presentations
Quiz
Assignment: Understand and Evaluate an Organization’s Operating Budget
Assignment: Evaluate a Church’s Budget Report
Assignment: Complete a Cash Budget in Excel
Discussion: Reflections on Budgeting
Week 3: Financial Statements and Financial Health Metrics
Overview & Readings
Narrated Presentations
Quiz
Assignment: Financial Health Metrics Calculation
Assignment: Calculating and Interpreting the Common-Size Statement of Financial Position
Discussion: Reflections on Financial Statements and Financial Health Metrics
Week 4: Financial Management, Controls and Policies
Overview & Readings
Narrated Presentation
Quiz
Assignment: Financial Health Metrics Analysis of Public Charity
Discussion: Reflections on Financial Analysis
Course Evaluation
To successfully complete the course, all coursework must be completed and submitted no later than Sunday of week 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This is a firm deadline and late work will not be accepted.
Location
The location next to each course date indicates if the course is being held in-person or online.
The in-person class is held on the IU Indianapolis campus. Please click on the location name for further details and recommended hotel accommodations.
Registrants will receive complete course logistical information upon registration.
CFRE Education Points
Full participation in many of The Fund Raising School’s courses fulfill education point requirements for Category 1.B-Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Leaders qualifies for 13.0 CFRE Education Points/Hours.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE: Tuition payment is due before the class begins and may be paid by credit card or check. All cancellations and transfers are subject to an administrative fee of $275.
The Fund Raising School, an international leader in fundraising training and professional development, and IU Executive Education at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, a nationally ranked leader in nonprofit management education, are pleased to announce this course offering. It is one of four required courses for the Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership.
What this seminar is about
Through a unique collaboration, this high-quality, innovative, and affordable continuing education course will help you meet your professional goals. This seminar is designed for mid-level and upper-level nonprofit leaders and those aspiring to leadership positions in all areas of the nonprofit sector. The seminar includes topics of particular interest to fundraising professionals. No background in financial management is required.
Financial position, robustness, and flexibility are all areas that are vitally important for effective nonprofit leadership. Leaders in nonprofit organizations must understand the drivers of these components of financial strength in order to be successful in pursuing their organizational missions. This seminar will provide participants with a strong foundation in the following topics:
- Dashboard financial objectives
- Differences between businesses and nonprofits
- Board dynamics
- Financial strategies and revenue mix
- Funding dynamics and the economy
- Financial statements and financial ratio analysis
- Budgeting, long-range financial planning, and policies
- Cash flow management
- Liability and risk management