What you will learn?
Develop and maintain accurate short-term and long-term nonprofit cash flow forecasts.
Analyze the impact of restricted funding, grants, and donor pledges on liquidity.
Implement systems to monitor, report, and improve cash flow performance.
Apply short-term financing and crisis management strategies to stabilize operations during cash shortages.
Target Audience
Nonprofit executive directors and chief executive officers.
Chief financial officers, finance directors, and accounting managers.
Development directors and grant managers responsible for revenue timing.
Board treasurers and finance committee members.
About this course
Cash Flow Management for Nonprofits is a practical, strategy-focused course designed to help nonprofit leaders maintain financial stability while advancing mission-driven work. Unlike for-profit organizations, nonprofits often face unpredictable funding cycles, restricted funding constraints, reimbursement-based grants, seasonal donations, and timing gaps between revenue recognition and cash receipts. This course provides the tools and frameworks needed to manage those challenges effectively.
Participants will learn how to distinguish between profitability and liquidity, understand the impact of restricted versus unrestricted funds on available cash, and identify common nonprofit cash flow patterns. The course walks through building and maintaining a 13-week rolling cash flow forecast, incorporating grant schedules, donor pledge timing, seasonal events, and scenario planning.
In addition, learners will explore strategies for managing operating expenses, negotiating vendor terms, aligning program costs with revenue cycles, and maintaining adequate reserves. The program also addresses short-term funding options such as lines of credit, bridge financing, and receivables management, along with best practices for monitoring daily and weekly cash positions.
Special attention is given to crisis cash flow management, stakeholder communication, and recovery planning. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to design sustainable cash management systems, implement effective reporting practices, and strengthen organizational resilience to ensure consistent program delivery and long-term mission impact.
Requirements
Basic understanding of nonprofit financial statements and budgeting processes.
Experience working within or managing nonprofit financial operations (recommended).
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