Lisa Stevenson

When nonprofit leaders call or are referred to me, the first question I often hear is: “What are the best financial/accounting practices for nonprofits?” My usual reply is honest and direct: “Where should I begin and how much time do you have?” A complete answer can take hours, but there are high-impact practices that every nonprofit leader should adopt right away. Below I lay out the top, practical steps I advise executive leaders to prioritize. These are written for busy executives who need...

October is Financial Planning Month, a perfect time for nonprofit boards and leaders to treat their organization’s finances with the same care they give their personal and business planning. Leaders should help guide the organization’s financial planning efforts to ensure it has sufficient financial resources to operate. This includes maintaining healthy cash flow, securing appropriate credit lines and planning for the future. Here’s how: This article originally appeared in Phoenix...

If you’re a business leader, you’re probably involved in your community. Serving on a nonprofit board is a great way to share your time and talent. Perhaps someone asked you to join a board. Don’t feel obligated to say “yes” on the spot. Take a beat and gather information to make sure it’s a good fit for both sides. This article originally appeared in inBusiness Phoenix. If you’re a business leader, you’re probably involved in your community. Serving on a nonprofit board is a great way to...