About this workshop:

Your board is making financial decisions — but do they truly understand the numbers in front of them?

Most board members are expected to provide financial oversight without ever being taught how nonprofit financials actually work.

As a result, financial reports are often reviewed, approved, and discussed — without a shared understanding of what they mean or how they connect to governance and strategic decision-making.

In this live, interactive workshop, participants will build confidence reading and interpreting nonprofit financial information from a board and leadership perspective. We’ll focus on practical guidance that helps board members ask better questions, strengthens communication between staff and board leadership, and supports stronger financial oversight.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• The board’s role in nonprofit financial oversight and fiduciary responsibility
• How nonprofit financial statements support governance and decision-making
• The difference between cash and accrual accounting — and why it matters for board-level interpretation
• Restricted vs. unrestricted revenue — and how restrictions impact financial flexibility and decision-making
• The three core nonprofit financial statements and what board members should look for:
  • Statement of Activities (Income Statement / P&L)
  • Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
  • Statement of Cash Flows
• How to ask informed, strategic questions about financial reports
• Common misunderstandings that create confusion between boards and nonprofit staff

This workshop is ideal for:

• Nonprofit board members
• Finance committee members
• Executive Directors and CEOs
• CFOs and Directors of Finance who work closely with boards
• Nonprofit leaders who want to strengthen communication between staff and board leadership

What you’ll walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of the board’s role in nonprofit financial oversight
• Greater confidence reading and discussing nonprofit financial information
• A practical framework for asking better, more informed questions
• Stronger alignment between board members and staff around financial reporting and decision-making

No advanced accounting background required

Whether you serve on a board or present financial information to one, this workshop is designed to be practical, accessible, and immediately useful.

Workshop Details & FAQs