10 Helpful Tips for Successful Not-For-Profit Board Presentations

Clear and confident delivery is key when presenting financial data to a not-for-profit Board.

The following 10-step guide from The A Team Cares is designed to help you effectively convey to your Board members the financial status and strategic direction of your organization.

1. Understand Your Audience

Begin by assessing the financial acumen of your Board members. Your presentation should be both comprehensive and informative, and also tailored to their level of expertise. 

2. Collaborate

Work closely with the organization’s leadership to gather a range of insights and feedback. This inclusive approach enhances the overall quality and impact of the final deliverables. 

3. Focus on Key Metrics

Identify the critical financial metrics that are pivotal for the Board’s decision-making. Metrics should include key performance indicators like liquidity ratios, funding diversification, cost per program, and operational efficiency. Make these metrics the focal point of your discussion.  

4. Include Visual Aids

Use charts, graphs, and tables effectively to illustrate financial status and trends. Visual representations make complex data more digestible and can highlight important points clearly and quickly.

5. Be Transparent

Address both the financial strengths and concerns. Discuss any financial risks and the strategies in place to mitigate them. This transparency builds trust and facilitates more informed decision-making.

6. Prepare a Concise Executive Summary

Craft a brief summary that encapsulates key financial data and insights. This will be useful for Board members who need a quick overview before delving into detailed discussions.

7. Explain Budget Variances

Clearly outline any deviations from the budget, explaining both the causes and impacts of these variances. Discuss adjustments or plans designed to address these discrepancies.

8. Link Financials to the Mission

Demonstrate how financial decisions align with and support the organization’s mission. Show concrete examples of how financial resource allocation supports strategic objectives and mission-related outcomes.

9. Provide Forecasts and Projections

Provide forward-looking insights including financial forecasts and scenario planning based on current data. These projections will help the Board visualize the direct impact of their decisions.

10. Engage, Involve and Follow Up

During the presentation, engage with the Board by asking for their input and addressing their concerns. This involvement fosters a collaborative atmosphere and encourages the Board’s active participation in financial governance. After the meeting, be sure to follow-up on Board input and provide answers to questions and concerns that weren’t addressed.

Meet The A Team Cares 

The A Team Cares is a dedicated Team of not-for-profit Fractional Accounting Professionals that are committed to the success of your organization. We strive to take the burden of financial management off your shoulders and provide you with the numbers and reports that you need to make informed data-driven decisions.

Our specialized Team of Fractional CFOs, Controllers and Bookkeepers, and Accounting Technology and Executive Recruiting Professionals, understand the unique and complex needs of not-for-profit organizations. Learn more about The A Team Cares and the services and solutions the Team provides. 

Your Success is at the Heart of Everything We Do.