Finance Helpline

Background
Finance helpline support is 1-on-1 support for organizations seeking support on financially related questions. It can be a good introduction to 1-on-1 financial coaching or a quick way to talk through a financial question or challenge.

As leaders, we are often called on to manage a broad scope of responsibilities, including finance – an area in which many of us haven’t had any formal training. Smaller nonprofits often have excellent bookkeeping and accounting support but may not have room in the budget for strategic level financial oversight and support.  Financial coaching can help close that gap for organizations by focusing on supporting leaders’ growth and learning in the areas of finance capacity and financial oversight. 

Let’s define some language:

When we refer to finance capacity and financial oversight, we are talking about:

• Bookkeeping: paying bills and payroll, invoicing and receiving payments
• Financial systems (like QuickBooks, online bill paying, etc.) policies, and procedures (how financial activities are processed, approved, and documented)
• Financial reports for leaders, Board of Directors, and external stakeholders like funders
• Grant compliance and grant reporting
• Audits and tax returns (990)
• Financial planning for a sustainable future: budgeting, forecasting and financial modeling.

Many organizations’ structures fall outside traditional nonprofit structures which can create additional financial complexities when dealing with funders and other partners.  This might include:

• Partnership or Coalition framework
• Fiscal sponsorships
• Mergers or merger considerations

How it works:

If your organization has a financial question,

1. You can submit a question to this form at any time and indicate how you'd prefer a response.
2. Amy will respond with either a clarifying question or two, a quick answer through email or a link to schedule a helpline call for an upcoming open helpline spot. 
3. Helpline phone/zoom sessions are in 1-hour blocks scheduled on Fridays. 

Note: You will connect with an experienced, nonprofit financial professional, but not necessarily a CPA.  If your question requires legal, tax or other expertise, we may refer you to other experts for support.