2025 Nonprofit Finance & Sustainability Conference: Elizabeth’s Recommendations 

In 2024, we had record-breaking attendance at the Nonprofit Finance and Sustainability Conference. Over 530 nonprofit leaders gathered to learn about nonprofit finance trends, human resources strategies, and to connect over solutions about how we can create sustainable organizations.  

Last year, I mentioned that getting to bring together nonprofit finance and human resources (HR) professionals to learn is one of the best parts of my job, and I feel that way today more than ever. I know there are many uncertainties facing the nonprofit sector and the communities we serve, and I feel confident that finding community together and learning from each other can help us manage those feelings and continue to build a strong and sustainable sector. 

I hope you’ll be able to join us for the 2025 Nonprofit Finance and Sustainability Conference, scheduled for February 25 and 27. This conference is virtual, allowing you to really dig into the technical topics at hand. I’ve collected sessions that stuck out to me during our planning meetings, but I know all the sessions offered will have something for the new or seasoned nonprofit leader. I can’t wait to see you all soon! 

Elizabeth’s Recommendations 

Sustaining Childcare Nonprofits: Strategies, Successes, and Lessons Learned  

Presented by Charity Anderson, co-founder & co-owner and Staci Gilpin, co-founder & co-owner, Rural Pathways; Danielle Larva, board president, Polar Cubs Childcare Center; Sarah Schrapp, director, WeeFolks Childcare 

I have a toddler who attends a nonprofit childcare center which makes this session feel even more relevant. Childcare centers are complex organizations that do the incredibly challenging work of taking care of children, while also answering to a variety of parties. From government oversight, staffing issues, high turn, low salaries, rising costs, and more, nonprofits leaders within these organizations have navigated uncertainty for years. This session will offer insights for all nonprofits into how to remain resilient in the face of these many challenges. 

Framework-Based Approach to Solving Critical HR Challenges  

Presented by William Pierce II, operations and finance director, Springboard for the Arts 

I love that this session has something for organizations of all sizes. William Pierce II is thoughtful about the ways he speaks about human resources and understands there can be similar challenges faced by organizations across many sectors. You’ll walk away with tools in your HR toolbox. 

Trend Analysis – The Ultimate Multipurpose Financial Tool 

Presented by Anne Leland, executive director, Exodus Lending; Leah Porter, strategic services director, Propel Nonprofits  

Ok, ok! This could technically go in the section highlighting Propel’s presentations, but I am thrilled to be hearing from both Anne and Leah on this topic. Having a clear picture of your finances is one of the important ways nonprofit leaders can remain agile and confident in the decisions they make.   

Propel’s Sessions 

Title: Assessing the Financial Health of Your Nonprofit Organization 

Presented by Sarah Jackson, portfolio director and Allison Wagstrom, senior lender, Propel Nonprofits 

Sarah and Allison have over 30 years of nonprofit finance experience combined; in this session they answer some of the most common questions they get at Propel. 

These two are true believers that A Spreadsheet Helps. This session is great for executive directors, finance directors, and even grant writers.  

Title: Reimbursing Grants – Plan for Your Organization’s Success  

Presented by Catherine Menick, loan officer and Paul May-Kramer, loan officer Propel Nonprofits 

In this session, Catherine and Paul will walk through the ways state and federal grant opportunities are different than your average grant. Their goal is to ensure you’re not scared of these funding opportunities, but that you feel ready to have a reimbursing grant.  

Who Should Attend 

The conference is tailored for nonprofit finance professionals, executive directors, board members, human resources managers and directors, and anyone involved in financial management or human resources at nonprofit organizations.  

In the keynote my colleague, Propel’s CFO, Ellie O’Brien is putting together, you’ll hear how important it is to have a community of people to connect, and problem solve with. Financial leadership can often feel lonely and isolated, join a group of other nonprofit leaders to gain insights, skills, and connect with community. 

That said, I think this conference is also a great way to introduce yourself to nonprofit finance and human resources if you are in another role at your organization. Financial knowledge is a powerful tool for any nonprofit leader to have; in many organizations, we find that someone who started to do one role becomes an accidental accountant or finance manager. If you’re that person, this conference is also for you. 

Where to Register 

Register now at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ website: minnesotanonprofits.org/events/conferences/finance-conference. 

You can find options for individual registrations, Pay What You Can rates, and large team registrations.