News

At Nonprofits Assistance Fund, we are proud of the work our nonprofit peers, financial partners, and other strategic allies do in Minnesota and across the country.  Check back here for recent news stories and updates about what's happening at Nonprofits Assistance Fund and in the nonprofit community.

 

Summer Training Schedule
Thursday, June 26, 2008
This summer, Nonprofits Assistance Fund has a series of financial management trainings that can help you lay the groundwork for a bright financial future at your nonprofit.
 
Social Entrepreneurs Cup Awarded
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Congratulations to Students Today Leaders Forever, winners of the inaugural Social Entrepreneur's Cup. This award recognizes innovative and effective social entrepreneurs.
 
Financial Issues for Emerging Leaders
Thursday, June 12, 2008
At a sustainable organization, everyone plays a role in financial leadership. As part of MCNs' summit, The Future of Leadership, Kate Barr presented Financial Issues for Emerging Leaders. This session was designed to help emerging leaders learn how they can influence their organization's financial health and future.
 
Nonprofits Count May 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Our 2008 fiscal year was a period of tremendous growth at Nonprofits Assistance Fund - we made 94 loans and provided $8.9 million in financing to nonprofits, trained 1962 nonprofit leaders at 92 events, expanded our staff, and upgraded our web presence.  Continue reading our May 2008 newsletter.
 
Social Entrepreneurs Cup Celebrates Nonprofit Innovation
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Social Venture Partners Minnesota and The Minnesota Cup have teamed up to award the Social Entrepreneurs Cup. Kate Barr is serving as a judge for this competition that honors Minnesota's most effective and innovative social entrepreneurs.
 
We're on Alltop
Friday, April 18, 2008
Balancing the Mission Checkbook is now featured on Alltop Nonprofits. Congratulations Kate on your excellent blog and this recognition. Thanks to our readers for their support and participation, as well as everyone behind the scenes. We would not be a part of this exciting project without you.
 
Let's Ring in Fiscal Year 2009
Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Happy New Year to our board, loan clients, training participants, and all of our nonprofit allies and other partners. We look forward to continuing to expand and enhance our work in nonprofit community. What tools and resources would help you build a healthier financial future at your organization? Share your ideas by contacting us or joining the discussion on facebook.

 
Kate Barr presents Building a Nonprofit Social Enterprise
Friday, March 28, 2008
From April 7-8, Kate will be in St. Cloud, MN to present Building a Nonprofit Social Enterprise at the Metropolitan Economic Development Association's 2008 Microenterprise Development Conference.
 
Connect with Us
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Nonprofits Assistance Fund is now on facebook. We created the group as an online space for the nonprofit community to network and share their ideas. Join the group and leave a comment about what you think of NAF Web 2.0.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Welcomes a new Training Assistant
Friday, March 7, 2008
We are pleased to announce the addition of Amanda Dlouhy as our Training Assistant. Please join us in welcoming her to the team.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Launches a New Website
Friday, February 22, 2008
We are pleased to unveil our updated website, with a new design scheme and more interactive features. The focus of our online presence remains helping nonprofits realize their visions through transformational lending, encouraging healthy financial practices, and providing strategic guidance. What do you think of the new look? Share your thoughts.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Welcomes a New Loan Officer
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
We are pleased to announce that Michael Anderson joins our team as a third, dedicated loan officer.
 
Nonprofit Loan Fund Increases Available Funds
Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Nonprofits Assistance Fund has received a committment of $1 million from the U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (US Bancorp CDC), and $250,000 from the Otto Bremer Foundation.

 
Register Now for Winter/Spring 2008 Workshops
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Nonprofits Assistance Fund is pleased to announce the Winter/Spring 2008 Financial Management Workshop schedule.  Register now to strengthen your financial management skills and learn more about healthy financial practices.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Congratulates Penumbra on its Fiscal Transformation
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
We are pleased to see Penumbra's hard work pay off and proud to have been their partner during this process of financial turnaround.
 
Kate Barr Featured in The Nonprofit Quarterly Fall 2007 Issue
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Her article, "Navigating the New Audit Standards," demystifies the recent changes to nonprofit audits with SAS 112.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Welcomes Marketing Coordinator
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
NAF is pleased to announce that Ashley Schweitzer has joined the team as the Marketing Coordinator.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Extends its Minnesota Primary Care Loan Fund After 10 Years of Service to Community-based Health Care Providers
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
NAF today announced that it will extend its Minnesota Primary Care Loan Fund (MPC) for an additional five years in order to provide flexible financing to community-based health care organizations.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Welcomes its Newest Board Member, Michael Wirth-Davis
Thursday, April 19, 2007
NAF today announced that Michael Wirth-Davis has been elected to the board of directors. Wirth-Davis' experience and industry knowledge will play a crucial role as NAF strives to continue fostering community development and vitality by helping build financially healthy nonprofit organizations.
 
Training for nonprofits in St Cloud, Duluth & Grand Rapids
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Nonprofits Assistance Fund announces four training workshops in May and June for nonprofits around the state. Before the busy summer, take a few hours to learn new skills, build on your experience, and leave some practical tools to help your organization.
 
2007 Winter/Spring Workshops Announced
Friday, January 12, 2007
Nonprofits Assistance Fund announces the 2007 Winter/Spring Financial Management Workshops.
 
Wells Fargo Makes $1M Investment in Nonprofits
Friday, January 5, 2007
NONPROFITS ASSISTANCE FUND  has received a commitment of one-million dollars from the WELLS FARGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.  The funds are a capital investment in the Minnesota Nonprofits Assistance Fund to be used to make loans to nonprofit organizations.
 
Nonprofits Assistance Fund Earns Charities Review Council “Meets All Standards” Seal
Friday, September 15, 2006
Nonprofits Assistance Fund announces that it has been awarded the Charities Review Council “Meets All Standards” Seal indicating that it meets all sixteen of its Accountability Standards.
 
2006 Fall Workshops Announced
Monday, August 7, 2006
Increase your understanding of financial management for your organization.  Sign up today for one of our 2006 Fall Workshops.
 
Board President to Lead New Foundation Merger
Monday, August 7, 2006
Nonprofits Assistance Fund announces that Board President and Minneapolis Foundation President and CEO Emmett D. Carson has been named President and CEO of the new Silicon Valley Community Foundation beginning November 1, 2006.
 
St. Cloud Nonprofits Receive Financial Management Support
Friday, July 21, 2006
Nonprofits Assistance Fund brings its popular Financial Management Workshops series to St. Cloud.
 
Blogging about Nonprofits Assistance Fund
Monday, June 19, 2006
Nonprofits Assistance Fund is proud to be a Nonprofit Spotlight over at www.alltherumpus.com, a blog hosted by Community Season.
 
Visit Us at Nonprofit 101
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Nonprofits Assistance Fund joins the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for Nonprofit 101 on Tuesday, June 27.
 
25 Years of Helping Nonprofits Thrive
Monday, June 5, 2006
Nonprofits Assistance Fund celebrates 25 years of fostering community development and vitality by building financially healthy nonprofit organizations with another successful year of helping nonprofits thrive.
 
Summer training for nonprofits
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Find time this summer for professional development in financial management
 
New Financial Management Self-Assessment Tool for Nonprofits
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A checklist to assess your organization's financial management practices and identify areas for improvement.
 
New Workshop Schedule Available!
Monday, January 9, 2006
NAF's 2006 Winter/Spring workshop schedule is here.  Check out our financial management course offerings and expanded Brown Bag Lunch Series.
 
New Board Chair
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Gabler Named Chairman of Nonprofits Assistance Fund Board of Directors
 
Nonprofits Count: Fall 2005
Monday, October 31, 2005

NAF's newsletter, Nonprofits Count is now available on our website.

 
The Treasurer and Finance Committee
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Fall is often the season for recruiting board members and officers. Many organizations wonder who to recruit and how to use the board volunteers for financial management.
 
 
Nonprofit Business Plan Outline
Monday, August 8, 2005

More and more nonprofits are using a business plan as part of social enterprise and organizational planning. Nonprofits Assistance Fund developed this business plan outline for nonprofits interested in this management tool.

 
Operating Reserves
Thursday, February 24, 2005

An operating reserve is like a rainy day savings account.

 
We Have a New Name!
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Our new name is Nonprofits Assistance Fund!
 
Glossary of Financial Terms: MNAF Web Resource of the Month
Thursday, December 2, 2004

Accrual-basis accounting, cash-basis accounting, fund accounting, I know there is a difference, but I’m not sure what it is?

 
Communicating About Money and Finances
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Money may talk, but most of us aren’t very comfortable talking about it. Not only are finances an emotionally charged issue, when it comes to nonprofit finance, many of us don’t think we know enough – and we don’t want to show it!
 
Budgeting Nonprofit Income: Grants and Contributions
Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Anyone who has ever created a budget for a nonprofit organization knows that expenses are easy to plan – but projecting the income section can feel like a dart throwing contest.

 
Nonprofits Face the Challenge of Difficult Times
Monday, November 17, 2003

For nonprofit, it will take creativity, innovation and focus to weather this period.