The Final Week of the Challenge

Jane B. Ford

At first glance, the web site of the Nonprofits Assistance Fund (www.nonprofitsassistancefund.org) seems to simply explain the services they offer. The site begins by talking about what they do in these words: We provide loans that help nonprofits realize their visions, financial management training and resources that promote healthy financial practices, and guidance to nonprofit staff on strategic financial planning and management. If you are looking for these services, this is a good place to be.

But how useful is the site for those of you in week four of the “15 Minutes a Day Research Challenge”? I believe it is extraordinarily useful for two reasons. First, click on “Healthy Financial Practices”, and then click “Financial Management Resources”. This section is filled with practical information every nonprofit needs such as good examples of nonprofit business models and information on decoding the new 990. Make sure you bookmark this section so it will be available when you need to figure out financial information that you don’t deal with every day. Second, the site offers two blogs that focus on healthy financial practices and strategic financial planning and management.

Although reading about finances and strategic management may not be your favorite thing to do, there are times when it is necessary. The Nonprofits Assistance Fund website makes what could be an onerous task easier by having the material available at the click of your mouse.

(For those of you who have completed the “Fifteen Minutes a Day Research Challenge”, and even those who managed to do some research this month, I would love to hear how your research has helped your nonprofit – and if you plan to continue this venture in lifelong learning. Email me at www.TheJoyPath.com.

Join us for our next Networking for Non-Profit Event September 30th in Plymouth!