Opening Plenary Session

Financial Risk Management: Challenges and Opportunities for Nonprofit Leaders

During the opening plenary session we will explore some of the key topics covered in the new book, Financial Risk Management: A Guide for Nonprofit Executives, including: aspirations for financial management, financial management risks, risk management basics applied to the realm of financial management, and fifteen key lessons for nonprofit leaders.

Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Concurrent Sessions

Advanced Financial Management — Doing More with Less (Or at Least Holding Your Own)

Organizations relying on state funding are facing the harshest economic challenge in recent history, and agencies wishing to survive will need to adjust. It is no longer “business as usual…” This session will give direction on how to respond to diminishing resources by addressing the following key areas:

• Matching vs Maximizing — One fundamental mistake costing agencies tens of thousands of dollars.
• Operational efficiencies — Are your operations lean enough? (or perhaps TOO lean?)
• Knowledge Management (KM) — What is it costing you?
• Return on Investment (ROI) — Surviving agencies will not make the mistake of thinking this does not apply to them.
• Cost allocation — Time to rethink old thinking!

Employee Handbooks and Policies

This workshop will explore do’s and don’ts in the development of your nonprofit’s employee handbook. The presenter will offer insights on the development of sound, enforceable employment policies.

Concurrent Sessions

Risk Management Case Studies and My Risk Management Plan

This problem-solving workshop brings cases drawn from real events at real nonprofits (Don’t worry; we won’t mention you by name). Participants will be presented with interesting case studies and have to answer the burning question, “If this happened at our agency (Heaven Forbid!), how would we deal with it? Strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills with these thought provoking aerobics for your mind. Conference attendees will also receive complimentary license to My Risk Management Plan (a $79 value to SCANPO members and $139 value to non-members), an online tool that helps your nonprofit create a customized risk management plan. Workshop attendees will receive an orientation to this new resource.

The New 990: Friend or Foe? What You Need to Know to Prepare Your Organization and the Board for the Road Ahead

The new Form 990 is required beginning in 2009 (covering tax year 2008). This workshop will give your organization’s staff and board members a head start in preparing for the significant reporting changes required by the new IRS Form 990, and provide background on policy and procedural changes helpful in ensuring compliance with the new requirements. As a bonus you’ll also learn how to turn your organization’s annual financial reporting process into a significant risk management tool.

Closing Session

Employment Risks and Your Nonprofit: Hot Topics for 2009

What are the most common mistakes made in the context of hiring, supervising and terminating nonprofit employees? What about downsizing? What do nonprofit managers and executives need to know about recent or pending changes in legislation or regulation governing the employment relationship? What new twists revealed in recent court rulings suggest changes in approach and strategy with regard to managing employees? How has the new economy put pressure on your employment practices and what must you do to survive the new risks that have emerge? This session will delve into continuing and emerging employment risks and challenges and offer practical coping strategies suitable for nonprofit employers of any size.

Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Nonprofit Risk Management Center