WORK WITH BDO FMA
The capacity building, training, and consulting services that consistently earn our team national recognition for their pragmatism and excellence are inspired by four principles: equity, responsive support, team-based approach, and for our cohort-based programs, peer exchange.
The overarching goal of BDO FMA’s capacity building is to help participants develop the strength and adaptability to navigate times of change and—ultimately—forge a path towards long-term financial sustainability. Desired outcomes are customized based on the specific program design and goals. Recent program outcomes have enabled leaders to increase their understanding of the organization’s business model; develop more confidence communicating the organization’s financial story; make financial decisions more data-based, inclusive and transparent; and develop short- and long-range planning skills.
Cohorts and Initiatives
We’ll work with you and your grantees to design a program to meet your goals.
Please note that we are currently delivering all cohort and initiative programs online using interactive meeting and webinar technology and other virtual learning and facilitation tools.
COHORTS
Our cohort-based model is grounded in proven benefits of group learning: leveraging participant experience and facilitating relationships within a network working toward common goals. Our essential cohort structure includes baseline assessment and analysis, a workshop series, and coaching between sessions to help each organization apply concepts to their unique situation.
Further organization-level supports will be determined based on your goals and could include deeper assessment, analysis, and action planning; and/or technical assistance projects through which we provide hands-on support ranging from annual budgeting to software selection and optimization. Peer learning sessions can also be included to enhance the peer exchange, networking, and community aspects of a program.
Key Elements of Cohorts
Interactive Training Series
One-on-one Support
Cross-functional Team Participation
Initiatives
We also build custom initiatives with grantmakers through which you can support a variety of needs across multiple organizations. While initiatives may include group components, these engagements emphasize meeting the unique capacity building needs of individual organizations over building a community of practice.
Examples of recent initiatives range from lighter-touch training and coaching programs focused on financial planning to large-scale capacity building funds in which participants receive customized hands-on support from BDO FMA on a wide variety of financial management improvements.
Potential Initiative Elements
Business Model Analysis
Sponsored CNAP training program
Grant or loan readiness support
Ready to help your grantees build their Fiscal Muscle?
All Services for Grantmakers:
Grantee Capacity Building | Government Advisory | Philanthropic Services
Want to read more?
Several of our cohorts and initiatives have resulted in reports or articles discussing the impact of the program. Here are some of our favorites:
Napa Valley: In it together
From 2015-2016 we had the opportunity to work with three funders rooted in the Napa Valley community to support 19 local nonprofits in building financial management capacity. This program, sponsored by Napa Valley Community Foundation, Napa Valley Vintners, and the E. Richard Jones Family Foundation, resulted in a case study including practical lessons for future capacity building efforts.
Greater New Orleans Foundation
Our work with GNOF was highlighted in a webinar with NPQ about building successful partnerships between funder and grantees, Strategic Reserves and Endowments. We shared our Reserve Policy Template and Guide with attendees to help boards and staff develop a blueprint for their organizations.
Wallace foundation: Strong Nonprofits Initiative
In addition to the Foundation Review article mentioned above and a final evaluation report, our cohort program with the Wallace Foundation also resulted in an online library of nonprofit financial management tools and resources, made available publicly at no cost to the user. Explore the library at Strongnonprofits.org