Annual Budgeting and True Cost

Session Description:

A viable financial management strategy needs to address a vision for the future as well as incorporate an understanding of the past and present financial position of the organization. For nonprofits beginning work under a new government award, the period between award and program launch is an important opportunity to strengthen how budgets support implementation. Budgets are not just financial documents; they are tools that help ensure staff, resources, and infrastructure are in place to deliver high-quality services.

This session will help participants develop a well-designed budget process that facilitates programmatic, strategic, and fiscal discussions among the leadership team, resulting in a mission-driven budget. Participants will explore ways to structure budgets that connect resources to program activities, are usable across teams, and provide leadership with clear visibility into the financial position. The session also introduces strategies for understanding and incorporating the full cost of programs. including shared organizational expenses, so organizations can avoid resource gaps and make informed decisions ahead of launch.

Participants will leave with a program-based budget framework and template that reflects the true cost of service delivery, helping their teams make clearer, more informed decisions about resource use.

Some of the intended learning objectives from this workshop include:

  • Distinguish between different types of budgets and levels of planning at an organization
  • Strengthen budget processes to support more effective and inclusive financial planning
  • Identify, allocate, and incorporate shared costs into program budgets
  • Align restricted revenue with program delivery to clearly communicate the organization’s financial story

Intended Audience:

Executive Directors, Senior Finance Staff, Senior Program Staff (who oversee budgets)

Facilitated By:

BDO

Available Seats:

OPEN

Session Length:

2 hrs