Finance
When Funding Surges: 5 Steps to Stay Grounded and Organized
When funding increases—often in response to crisis or heightened visibility—it brings both opportunity and complexity. This practical guide from John Skillings outlines five steps nonprofit leaders can take to stay organized, strengthen systems, and manage growth with confidence. From tracking funding requirements to aligning teams and planning for data complexity, these insights help organizations turn short-term surges into long-term sustainability.
Building Trust with Funders: Four Practices Nonprofit Leaders Can’t Afford to Overlook
Building strong, trust-based relationships with funders takes more than great proposals—it requires openness, consistency, and a willingness to share both successes and challenges. In this blog, Propel outlines four practical ways nonprofit leaders can strengthen trust with funders, from communicating candidly to engaging funders as partners in the work. These practices can help shift relationships from transactional to collaborative—supporting more sustainable funding and deeper impact.
A Day of Learning, Connection, and Financial Leadership
The 2026 Nonprofit Finance Conference, hosted by Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and sponsored by Propel Nonprofits was filled with practical learning, honest conversations, and shared commitment to building financially resilient organizations. Thanks to the presenters, partners, and attendees who made it a great day!
From One CFO to Another: Protecting your money and peace of mind
As a Chief Financial Officer, it is my job to ensure the safety and security of Propel’s financial assets, and I wanted to share some insights into the internal practices and external services I rely on to protect our financial assets.
Building a Culture of Data Security in Nonprofits
Cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. By building a culture of security, investing in training, and leveraging community resources, nonprofits can better protect their data, their people, and their missions.
Common Cents: Choosing the Right Treasurer for Your Nonprofit Board
In our roles at Propel, we get the opportunity to work with nonprofit finance staff and executive directors on a day-to-day basis. We have started to notice this trend becoming more common as rare cases of fraud make the news, and nonprofits face more scrutiny because of federal legislation changes. Right when nonprofits need strong treasurers, they are difficult to find.
Board Resource Update & New Trainings
Propel’s Training Director shares about upcoming offerings and the sunsetting of Board Connector. Read more to learn about what’s coming this spring and summer.
Don’t Forget to Complete Your Annual Nonprofit Registration!
It’s not uncommon for nonprofits’ registration to lapse, especially if there has been a change of address or leadership. Ensuring that your organization’s registration is up-to-date is an important annual activity. Set a recurring reminder in your calendar or add this activity to your annual checklist along with filing your 990.
