An interactive, two-day course providing valuable tools and insights for reading nonprofit financials
Do you know what a statement of activities is? Does looking at a Form 990 confuse you? Are you overwhelmed by the financial analysis process? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this course may be for you!
Financial Analysis for Grantmakers explores the fundamentals of grant proposal financial review and analysis, including organization and project budgets, financial statements, audits, and the IRS Form 990.
This two-day, virtual course is grounded in understanding and practicing financial analysis through an equity lens. Participants work together to analyze and interpret financial information as it relates to relationship-building and understanding an organization’s financial position.
Grantmakers new to philanthropy or their role will gain valuable tools and insights to better understand the Form 990 and nonprofit financial statements to improve the financial analysis process. Course content is consistently updated to account for changes in FASB regulations and the financial implications of current events.
Join us to learn how you can integrate key financial information and equity practices to improve funding decisions.
Individual Rate: $885
Group Rate: $835 per person for groups of 3 or more from the same organization
Deadline to register: Friday, March 19
Please Note: It is essential to the success of this program that participants attend both sessions of the course over two days, as well as participate in polls, breakout sessions, and discussions (either verbally or via chat). The use of artificial intelligence (AI) of any kind is prohibited. The program will NOT be recorded.
Meeting Dates & Times
Participants will meet virtually on Wednesday, March 24 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, March 25 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. (ET).
Day One:
- Applying an equity lens to financial analysis
- Overview of financial analysis; proposal vs. budget
- Interpreting key financial statements
Day Two:
- Unpacking financial audits & reviews
- Exploring the IRS 990/990EZ
- Using ratios as a tool
- Making the decision to fund (or not)
Course Instructors
Mike Goorhouse, M.P.A., is the founder and lead consultant at Inspiring Impact, LLC, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofit and philanthropic organizations effectively inspire change in their community. He has spent his entire career in philanthropy, including working with family foundations, community foundations, and youth grantmakers at the Council of Michigan Foundations, and serving as president/CEO for the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ). Learn more about Mike.
Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D., is a project director at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. She is responsible for creating and implementing projects that advance the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Jennifer has more than 15 years of experience working in philanthropy, with nonprofits, and teaching in higher education. Her areas of expertise include grantmaking, program design, private foundation compliance, course development, and training/instruction. Learn more about Dr. Lawson.
Who should attend this course?
This course is intended for foundation staff, donors, and others engaged in grantmaking. If you do not fit this profile but are interested in attending, please email jcp@gvsu.edu before registering.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
This course may be canceled if it does not reach the minimum number of registrants. In the event of a cancellation, you will be notified at least two weeks before the course start date and will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer your registration to another Johnson Center course. Refund requests for any other reason must be made at least two weeks before the start of the course.
Questions about this event or your registration?
Call 616-331-7585 or email jcp@gvsu.edu.