More Free Educational Resources for Nonprofits

Last week, in New Nonprofit Finance Fund Survey (July 1, 2025) FPLG Blog, we mentioned that the NFF website has an extensive resource library from beginner levels to more advanced.

We gave a few examples from NFF for illustrative purposes: see the section on Financial Management Training. It’s an overview of core concepts plus templates to help evaluate and improve an organization’s financial health. NFF experts provide four full categories of information and advice located under the “Learn” tab: (1) Insights: Reports, Articles, Commentary; (2) Fundamentals and Webinars: Resources for nonprofit leaders and funders; (3) Blogs, Videos and Podcasts: Latest from NFF’s Social Currency; and (4) Survey: State of the U.S. Social Sector.

The valuable offerings from the Nonprofit Finance Fund, though, are just the tip of the iceberg of the treasure trove of online information on the topic of financial management for 501(c)(3). Much of it is tucked away within popular sites you likely already know and have visited many times before.

NCN’s Offerings

Among the many contributions of the National Council of Nonprofits to the charitable nonprofit sector is its own library of educational resources on a wide variety of topics. “The National Council of Nonprofits champions, connects, and informs nonprofits across the country. We identify emerging trends, share proven practices, and promote solutions that benefit charitable nonprofits and the people and communities they serve. On this page, you can find the latest editions of our free e-newsletters, articles on trends and emerging issues, and reports & data.”

Focusing today on the subject of financial management, you’ll see a tab on the header menu of the NCN website called “Running a Nonprofit.” One of the subcategories is “Administration and Financial Management.” “The National Council of Nonprofits provides nonprofits with the tools, research, and resources needed to operate more effectively, efficiently, and ethically. This page highlights our most-viewed resources on Administration and Financial Management.”

See, for example, the subpart titled Where Should Nonprofits Keep Operating Cash: “Nonprofits likely want cash reserves to be held risk free and ‘liquid.’ Most bank and credit union deposits are insured to an extent but what are the limits and what can be done to minimize risk?” Notably, this article includes links to other resources. That’s a critical reason we’re describing NCN’s offerings as a “treasure trove.” Each cited document includes links to the wealth of information presented by other trusted sources. Generally, each sublink continues this pattern of bringing to the surface the wisdom of additional experts.

The next subpart is titled “Financial Management.” It begins: “Boards of directors have a fiduciary duty to ensure that the assets of a charitable nonprofit are used in support of the charitable mission, and in accordance with donors’ intent. One way to ensure prudent financial management is for the board of directors to adopt financial policies.”

Within this “Financial Management“ subtopic is a section called “Basic Financial Policies for Nonprofits.” Selected articles include: Financial Policy Guidelines and Example, (Nonprofit Finance Commons);  Accounting procedures manual template (Blue Avocado); Investment policies for nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits); and Resources for nonprofit financial management (Wallace Foundation and FMA)

Next up on that page is “Financial Literacy Resources” with suggestions including: An Executive Director’s Guide to Financial Leadership (Nonprofit Quarterly, Kate Barr and Jeanne Bell); Characteristics of financially healthy nonprofits (Propel Nonprofits); Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits (Nonprofit Association of Washington); Glossary of financial terms (Nonprofit Finance Fund); and Take the fear out of financial statements (BoardSource).

Continuing, there is “More About Financial Management”: The National Council of Nonprofits links over to its own published library including: Budgeting for Nonprofits, Nonprofit Audit Guide, and Operating reserves.

Under “Additional Tools and Resources” are videos from Nonprofit Financial Commons including: Cash is King: Managing Cash Flow for Nonprofits Webinar and Understanding Cost Allocation.

Rounding out the “Financial Management” page are “Practice Pointers” as well as self-assessment tools – if you’re unsure how even to begin this research journey. See Financial Management Self-Assessment Tool (Nonprofit Association of Oregon) and Financial sustainability check-up chart (Social Impact Architects and Charles River CFO).

Conclusion

Speaking of treasure troves, NCN offers to members and nonmembers alike two important email publications:

• Nonprofit Champion – free weekly updates on local, state, and federal policy and advocacy issues affecting nonprofits
• Nonprofit Essentials – free monthly newsletter sharing trends, tools, and insights on nonprofit operations and compliance

Don’t miss out on these important learning and engagement opportunities!

— Linda J. Rosenthal, J.D., FPLG Information & Research Director