Accountability and Compliance: Stay current on legal, human resources, and regulatory requirements while learning practical strategies to strengthen organizational accountability.

Exciting things are in the works! We're currently building out this learning track with sessions and speakers. Check back soon for updates.

Strengthening Investment Governance: Practical Strategies for Nonprofit Boards and Finance Committees

Strong investment outcomes for nonprofit organizations begins with strong governance. This session will explore practical ways nonprofit boards and finance committees can improve oversight of endowments, capital reserves, and other long-term investments. The discussion will focus on the structural elements that help committees function effectively, including clearly defined roles and responsibilities, disciplined decision-making processes, and thoughtful spending policies that balance current needs with long-term sustainability. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately to strengthen committee effectiveness, improve governance practices, and better support the long-term financial heath of their organizations. 

Timothy Tindall
Senior Client Advisor, Alesco Advisors

Automated for the Future, Grounded in Principles from the Past

How to use AI and automation to save time, increase accountability, and reduce compliance risk. Automation and AI are everywhere in the conversation right now - but most of us are still asking the basic questions: What actually counts as automation versus AI? What is "agentic" AI, and is it different from what we already use? And how do all these tools actually connect to the systems we use every day? How can the tried-and-true way of doing things mesh with modern workflows?

This session cuts through the buzzwords with plain-language explanations and real, practical examples. Cory will walk through the building blocks - automation, agentic AI, and APIs - in terms anyone can follow and apply, then get practical: how these tools can save you and your team meaningful time without sacrificing the accountability and controls our organizations depend on.

You'll leave with a clear framework for evaluating these tools and a set of practical examples you can start deploying in the next 30 days.

Cory Bonura
Sr. Systems Engineer, MMB+CO

Navigating Grant Compliance: A Growing Risk Area for Nonprofits

As grant funding grows more complex, compliance requirements are becoming an increasingly significant risk for nonprofit organizations.

This session will focus on grant compliance as an emerging issue, helping nonprofit leaders understand the financial, operational, and governance implications of noncompliance. Grassi's advisors will share common compliance pitfalls, evolving funder expectations, documentation and reporting requirements, and strategies to strengthen internal controls around grant management. Attendees will gain practical guidance on aligning financial reporting, program tracking, and internal processes to ensure grants withstand audit and scrutiny, protecting funding, reputation, and mission sustainability.

David Rottkamp, CPA
Partner, Nonprofit Practice Leader, GRASSI

Bryan Fryer, CPA
Partner, GRASSI

Preparing for Future Funding Challenges

In an era of funding uncertainty, organizations must be prepared to adapt, innovate, and remain resilient. This session will explore emerging funding trends and potential challenges on the horizon, while providing practical strategies to strengthen organizational sustainability. Participants will learn how to build resilience, improve internal efficiencies, optimize resource allocation, and develop financial planning approaches that help mitigate the impact of potential funding disruptions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to position their organizations for long-term stability and success.

Allan Blum, CPA
Partner, Forvis Mazars

Anna Shaferova, CPA
Partner, Forvis Mazars

Avoiding Financial Vulnerabilities: Identifying Hidden Risks Before They Derail Your Mission

When developing a budget or strategic plan, few things are more disruptive than being blindsided by a significant financial obligation or unexpected risk. From debt covenants and pension liabilities to liquidity constraints and cybersecurity-related losses, hidden financial exposures can undermine organizational stability and derail strategic objectives.

This session will help nonprofit and organizational leaders identify common financial vulnerabilities before they become costly surprises. Attendees will gain practical insights into recognizing, monitoring, and planning for risks that can impact both short-term operations and long-term stability.

Topics will include:

• Endowment management considerations and spending policies
• Debt obligations - including maturity dates, callable provisions, debt service requirements, and covenant compliance
• Pension and other long-term liabilities
• The financial impact of bank fraud and the importance of complying with insurance policy requirements
• Alternative investments - including capital call obligations and liquidity restrictions
• Erosion of net assets "without donor restrictions"
• Concentration risks

Jessica Dima
Manager, Eisner Advisory Group LLC

Candice Meth
Partner, Eisner Advisory Group LLC

Managing Benefits for Remote Employees

Many nonprofits now allow employees to work remotely or hire staff who do not report to a traditional office. Ensuring benefits reflect these work locations - and understanding which benefits are required - can help organizations avoid insurance issues and costly non-compliance penalties. It also supports more accurate budgeting for remote staff. This workshop will cover the basics of required benefits, compliance, and administration, offering practical guidance for managing benefits for occasional remote workers, fully remote employees, and staff working across state lines.

Peter Andrew, CPIA
President & CEO, Council Services Plus

Eric Laughlin, CPIA
Vice President, Business Development, Council Services Plus