The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business offers an in-person nonprofit professional development opportunity in Grand Island this fall. The program connects nonprofit leaders with practical financial training, funders and peers.
The college’s Nonprofit Management Institute (NMI) hosts “Financial Management for the Nonprofit Leader” on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, 1503 W. Second St.
The workshop helps nonprofit professionals better understand financial statements, operating and cash budgets, and how to use financial information to guide organizational decisions. The event also features a funders panel and opportunities to connect with nonprofit leaders from across Nebraska.
Since 2022, the institute’s online courses have served nonprofit professionals throughout Nebraska and beyond. The Grand Island workshop, presented in partnership with the foundation, brings that professional development experience directly to central Nebraska while introducing more nonprofit leaders to the institute’s many online courses.
“When we invest in nonprofit professionals, we’re investing in the organizations and communities they serve,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. “There is tremendous talent and important work happening across central and western Nebraska, and we want to make sure those leaders have access to the same high-quality learning, resources and connections available in other parts of the state. Bringing the Nonprofit Management Institute to Grand Island is one way we can help strengthen not only Hall County, but the entire nonprofit sector in our region.”
Jim Croft facilitates the workshop, drawing on decades of nonprofit leadership and financial management experience. Principal of JW Croft Consulting Group in Chicago, Croft also teaches nonprofit management, financial management and fundraising at Nebraska for the institute and the Nebraska MBA program. He previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Field Museum in Chicago.
“Nonprofit leaders are regularly asked to make decisions that affect their organization’s financial health and its ability to serve the community, but many enter the field with limited financial training. When leaders understand what their financial data is telling them, they can respond to changing conditions, plan for different scenarios and make a stronger case for support," said Croft.
The institute’s 2026-27 online courses focus on reading and interpreting financial statements, financial analysis, budgeting, long-term planning and strategic financial leadership.
“The institute has helped me level up as a nonprofit professional,” said Sara Tall, director of programs and operations at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. “I’ve gained practical resources, a stronger network, and, maybe most importantly, confidence in areas where I didn’t have it before. You leave with things you can actually put to work, along with connections to people who understand the work you do.”
No previous coursework is required to attend the Grand Island workshop. Professionals interested in earning the institute’s executive certificate in nonprofit financial management begin with the self-paced online course “Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements” and then complete any three of its two-day online courses.
Registration for the five-hour Grand Island workshop is $150 and includes breakfast, snacks, lunch and refreshments. Attendees will also receive a discount toward an online NMI course of their choice.
Learn more about the institute and register for the Financial Management for the Nonprofit Leader workshop at https://go.unl.edu/nmi.
