NPFSC24: What I’m Looking Forward To

I’ve been working on the annual Nonprofit Finance and Sustainability Conference—cohosted by Propel and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits—for four years, and I’m as excited as ever to invite you to join us. My favorite thing about this conference, and my job, is getting to bring together nonprofit finance and human resources (HR) people to learn.

In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations, staying up to date with the constantly evolving topics of finance and HR offers an opportunity to stay ahead of challenges, and to learn something new so we can think about new ways of doing things in our sector.

The Nonprofit Finance and Sustainability Conference, scheduled for February 27 and 29, promises an enriching experience for professionals seeking to navigate the intricate world of financial management within the nonprofit sector and explore sustainable practices for strong nonprofits.

Why I’m Excited About This Year’s Conference

The conference boasts a comprehensive agenda designed to address the diverse financial needs and concerns of nonprofit organizations. With a mix of keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and panel discussions, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovative solutions shaping the financial landscape of nonprofits.

The planning committee was thrilled to see so many proposals that leaned into nonprofit financial thought leadership. There are a variety of sessions that focus on advanced topics for CFOs, and those that expand on the processes of how to do finance—the kinds of topics that will push my thinking and help me approach my work in a new way.

Sessions Hitting on Trending Topics

A perk of a virtual conference is that I don’t have to miss a session—they’re available for three months afterward through the conference platform. It is hard to only highlight a few of the sessions I’m looking forward to, as I think each one will offer valuable insights.

Here are a few that caught my eye this year:

Planning a Capital Campaign? Financial and Fundraising Considerations

Presented by Frances Roen of Fundraising Sol and Joanna Koenig of CliftonLarsonAllen

This session responds to something we get a lot of questions about at Propel. It falls at the intersection of strategic and financial planning and taps into a trend in the sector.

Money is not a Dirty Word: Integrating Values, Sustainability, and Break-Even Modeling

Presented by Beth Chalmers of ArtSpace and Fay DeBellis of Graystone Consulting Twin Cities

The title alone catches my eye, of course. I’m excited that the session is offering insights into financial modeling – a skill and tool that gives leaders the ability to think about options and offers them autonomy and independence when making strategic decisions.

The Four-Day Workweek: Embracing a Radical Shift

Presented by Emily Anderson of Arts Midwest

I always love to see another intermediary organization sharing their experiences, so this session is particularly exciting to me. Arts organizations are great innovators and leaders in our sector, and I’m excited to hear how they have embraced this shift in the way they do their work.

Propel’s sessions, of course

My colleagues are presenting a wide variety of breakouts at the conference, I encourage you to join us for one of the following:

• Financial Planning for Leadership Transitions
• Mission-Aligned Finances
• Should We Rent or Should We Own? An Overview of the Steps

Networking Opportunities

Beyond the informative sessions, the conference provides ample networking opportunities. Connect with fellow professionals, share experiences, and build valuable relationships that can contribute to the growth and success of your nonprofit organization.

Who Should Attend

The conference is tailored for finance professionals, executive directors, board members, and anyone involved in the financial management of nonprofit organizations. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the nonprofit sector, the conference offers something for everyone.

Where to Register

Early bird registration is open through February 6, 2024, at MCN’s website: minnesotanonprofits.org/events/conferences/finance-conference.

I hope to see you there!