As a volunteer fundraiser and nonprofit board director, I have seen first-hand how the lack of understanding or definition of board members' roles, specifically Finance Chair or Board Treasurer, can impact endowment management. Part of the challenge comes from a lack of role clarity for board members. I recall how I was recruited to a nonprofit board many years ago and was very excited to get started since I was so Read More
Endowments and UPMIFA: Why It Matters
A nonprofit with a few years under its belt will eventually ask itself, "Should we have an endowment?” And while this is not a straightforward decision, on balance, the answer is yes. From a fundraising perspective, a nonprofit endowment demonstrates to prospective donors that this is an organization that has meaningful financial support to fulfill its philanthropic mission. However, managing an endowment requires Read More
Endowment Advisor Search? Prepare With Three Actions
Is your nonprofit getting ready to do an endowment advisor search? Here are three actions your nonprofits should take before you speak to an external advisor. Is your nonprofit getting ready to do an endowment advisor search? Here are three actions your nonprofit should take before you speak to an external endowment investment advisor. Before we discuss preparation, I have a question. Have you ever been in a Read More
Three Things to Know NOW to Launch Your Nonprofit Endowment
A nonprofit with a few years under its belt will eventually ask itself, "Should we have an endowment?” And while this is not a straightforward decision, on balance, the answer is yes. From a fundraising perspective, a nonprofit endowment demonstrates to prospective donors that this is an organization that has meaningful financial support to fulfill its philanthropic mission. But also recognize that managing an Read More
Are You Ready for Your Nonprofit Endowment?
We’ve heard lately from several small nonprofits asking whether they’re too small to start an endowment. The quick answer is, no! The choice to start an endowment is not based on size but more on purpose. An endowment is a pool of funds set aside for a medium or long-term spending need, regardless of size or mission. When a nonprofit maintains an endowment, it indicates that it is committed to uninterrupted community Read More
What Your Nonprofit Endowment Needs and Why
“We don’t need any policies.” That was an actual quote from a nonprofit board member in response to whether the organization should establish an Investment Policy Statement to govern the organization’s endowment. A policy and procedure nerd like me was horrified at the lax approach to nonprofit governance. Policies can be interpreted as unnecessary, bureaucratic rules that limit flexibility, yet a clear and concise Read More
What Is An Endowment and Tips Your Nonprofit Needs to Know
What is an endowment and should we have one? Nonprofit leaders frequently ask us these questions so we break down the details here. An endowment is the most recognized strategy an organization uses to invest a large donation typically restricted by a donor to support a specific program either over a set time frame or indefinitely. For example, a wealthy philanthropist could donate multi-year funds to their favorite Read More
Choosing Nonprofit Endowment Advisors in Six Steps
Simplifying Advisor Selection Process for Your Endowment When I first started doing nonprofit board work several years ago, I remember receiving advice along the lines of “Remember, your job as a Nonprofit Board Director is to advise. Knowing your boundaries is important for the success of the leadership team and the organization.” The challenge for many nonprofit board members, however, is knowing where those Read More
How to Invest Nonprofit Funds
Two questions nonprofit leaders constantly ask us are: What should we do with our nonprofit reserves? and Should we have an endowment? Neither question has a straightforward answer. There are so many variables that influence a reserves or endowment strategy. For that reason, we created this overview to help nonprofit board members, executives and major donors understand some general factors and considerations that Read More
