SPOTLIGHT: Inside 2025’s Boldest Shifts in the Nonprofit Sector

Unlocking Potential – A Closer Look at Private Operating Foundations

3 mins read
A private operating foundation is a sub-classification of a private foundation. Unlike a private non-operating foundation, a private operating foundation utilizes its resources to actively conduct its own mission-related exempt activities. Common examples of private operating foundations include museums, performing art centers, artist-endowed foundations, zoos, medical research facilities, libraries and environmental or archeological sites. But how and why, exactly, would a foundation pursue operating foundation classification? Let's dive into the requirements for classification and other key considerations.…

Budgeting for Nonprofits: Planning for Impact, Allocating with Purpose

4 mins read
Budgeting is more than numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a strategic process that empowers nonprofits to turn vision into reality. A well-crafted budget is not just about balancing income and expenses; it’s about aligning financial resources with your mission, maintaining transparency, and enabling your organization to deliver meaningful impact to the communities you serve.…

Shaping the Future of Safety: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation in the Nonprofit Sector

3 mins read
In the ever-evolving nonprofit landscape, organizations are facing mounting challenges—from donor fatigue and rising operational costs to workforce burnout and increasing demand for services. Yet with these challenges come opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Drawing on my experience leading Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS), this article outlines the most pressing trends and actionable best practices to help nonprofits remain…

Rising to the Challenge – Drive Change with Strategic Advocacy

7 mins read
The concerns regarding the freeze on federal funding for nonprofits and the overall financial health of the sector are pressing issues that deserve comprehensive examination and responsive action. The nonprofit industry is not only a cornerstone of the economy but also serves as a crucial social safety net, providing essential services that address a myriad of social needs. As the…

Resilience in Action: Holistic Risk Management, Financial Strength, and Lasting Impact

History teaches us that nonprofits flourish not just by enduring challenges, but by embracing innovation, diversifying revenue streams, and deepening community engagement. In today’s environment, nonprofit finance executives are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Their role extends beyond budgeting and reporting, they are strategic partners who can champion the adoption of new technologies, improve operational efficiency, communicate mission-driven outcomes,…

CFO & Leadership Catalyst

The Long Game: Rory McIlroy, the Masters, and What Endurance Reveals About Leadership

5 mins read
In a world where patience often feels like a liability, Rory McIlroy offers a masterclass in what long-term commitment can actually achieve. The story is not about a single putt, a single round, or a single moment. It is about the full span of time, the years in the making, and the pressure that compounds when greatness is expected but not yet achieved. For more than a decade, McIlroy has stood near the summit of professional golf. He has held trophies from every major except one. Year after year, the question resurfaced. Could he complete the career Grand Slam with…

The Glass Cannon: Leading When Strength Is Fragile

5 mins read
Recently, I posted about the concept of a “glass cannon.” It’s a term borrowed from gaming, used to describe a character that delivers massive damage but has almost no defense. It’s powerful, yes, but fragile. High output. Low durability. Deadly, but vulnerable. I didn’t expect it to resonate the way…

The Game-Changing Power of a CFO with Business Development Skills: Bridging Finance and Strategic Growth

6 mins read
Traditionally, the CFO’s role has been centered around core financial responsibilities such as reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. While these responsibilities remain crucial, today’s CFOs are stepping into a more strategic, forward-thinking role that drives business development, fosters growth, and fuels innovation. This article explores…

Every CFO Falls into One of Two Camps

1 min read
1. The Defensive CFO This CFO sees change as a threat. They stick to old objections: They view AI as a risk to be managed, not an advantage to be leveraged. Meanwhile, AI-driven finance teams move faster, cut costs, and gain deeper insights. But history is clear skeptics always fall…

Technology & AI

Beyond Spreadsheets: AI-Driven Budgeting

1 min read
In the evolving landscape of finance, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s becoming a critical tool for staying ahead. Anna Tiomina, founder of Blend to Balance and a recognized…

Harnessing the Power of AI

3 mins read
In a recent session with The Financial Executives Networking Group, CFOs, Controllers, and Treasurers convened for…

Financial Strategies & Management

The Future of Treasury Management Systems and its Role in Cash Forecasting

3 mins read
In the beginning, the bank account was created. As companies grew, they started using many accounts at many banks. To manage/ account for this valuable asset (i.e., cash), companies relied on general ledgers and a financial close process to provide the information that their cash was “safe” and being used for the appropriate corporate purpose.…

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Letter From The Editor–April 2025

2 mins read
The Financial Executives Networking Group is pleased with the continued success of the Financial Executives Journal, an online publication dedicated to industry thought leadership, career growth, and professional development. Featured Spotlight The current edition spotlights “Inside 2025’s Boldest Shifts in the Nonprofit Sector”, which explores the evolving landscape that mission-driven organizations…

Celebrating Women’s History Month at The FENG

1 min read
The Powerful Connection Between Paying It Forward and Women’s History Month The FENG is proud to recognize accomplished women and mentors that give generously of their time to pay it forward. They go beyond their professional achievements uplifting others, sharing knowledge, and empowering those around them. Their commitment to lifting…

Letter From The Editor

1 min read
The Financial Executives Networking Group is proud to have launched the Financial Executives Journal, an online publication dedicated to industry thought leadership, career growth, and professional development. Featured Spotlight The current edition spotlights Navigating the Tax Landscape which can feel complex and overwhelming. Tax policies are continuously evolving due to new…

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