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.

This course takes place over two days and participants are expected to attend the entirety of both days. Participants will be expected to participate in polls, breakout sessions, and discussions either verbally or via chat.

Meeting Dates & Times

Participants will meet virtually on Wednesday, November 29 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, November 30 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)

Please Note: This course is limited to 30 participants. It will NOT be recorded.

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.

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.

Randy Van Antwerp, M.B.A., CPA, is the chief finance and operations officer for the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). He supports CMF’s Board of Trustees in the financial stewardship of the organization and serves as a thought partner and advisor to its members. He also works closely with the leadership team to advance the strategic framework with an eye toward optimizations and efficiencies as CMF supports the community of philanthropy. Learn more about Randy.