Financial Analysis for Grantmakers

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

This course is sold out. Join the waitlist below, or register for a session in 2025.

Meeting Dates & Times

Participants will meet virtually on Wednesday, November 20 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, November 21 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

Julie Couturier, CPA, is the director of operations for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. Julie is responsible for all financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis for the Johnson Center. In addition to her work for the Johnson Center, Julie is a business and accounting adjunct instructor for Grand Rapids Community College. Learn more about Julie.

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 while 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.

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 tgs@gvsu.edu before registering.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

This course may be subject to cancellation 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 prior to the start of the course.

Questions about this event or your registration?

Call 616-331-7585 or email tgs@gvsu.edu.