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: $995
Group Rate: $950 per person for groups of 3 or more from the same organization
First-Time TGS Attendee: $950 (use promo code TGSFIRSTCOURSE)
TGS Alumni: $950 (use promo code TGSALUM45)

Meeting Dates & Times

Participants will meet virtually on Wednesday, May 22 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, May 23 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.

Maritza Guzmán, M.P.A., is a philanthropy consultant with experience across large national foundations, corporate philanthropy, government agencies, and the nonprofit sector. Throughout her career, she has worked at a range of organizations, including TCC Group, NEO Philanthropy, the I Have a Dream Foundation, the F.B. Heron Foundation, the Freddie Mac Foundation, and the DeWitt Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund. Reflecting her passionate belief in opportunity for all, Maritza has focused on advancing equity and social justice through her work. As the first member of her family to attend college, Maritza began her career in philanthropy working on issues of educational access. Learn more about Maritza.

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 emily.brenner@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 about your registration?

Call 616-331-7585 or email emily.brenner@gvsu.edu.