Questions You Should Be Asking If Your Nonprofit Is Choosing a Financial Advisor

Are you struggling to find the right investment advisor for your nonprofit? 

You’re not alone. As a former Development Director, I know the overwhelming feeling of navigating the complex world of investments. When your mission’s success is at stake, you may be unsure of where to start and whom to trust with our nonprofit’s financial future.

I see many nonprofits turning to big banks, unaware of the different fee structures and the hidden costs that could affect their organization’s bottom line. They don’t know what questions to ask, so how can they be sure they are making the right choice? 

If you’ve faced similar challenges, don’t worry. Navigating the financial landscape is a pivotal challenge for any nonprofit, and we understand how you’re feeling. That’s why we created an invaluable resource to assist nonprofits in making informed decisions about their financial future. Read on for more, or click here to download the list of questions all nonprofits should be asking when choosing an investment advisor.

The Importance of the Right Investment Advisor for Your Nonprofit 

Choosing the right financial advisor is not just crucial; it’s mission-critical.  You want to select an advisor who not only meets your financial needs but also aligns with your organization’s values.  
 
There are special considerations when investing funds for a nonprofit organization, so you’ll want to select an advisor who is experienced in this area. You want a partner that will help you navigate financial challenges and seize opportunities that drive growth. 
 
However, not all financial advisors are created equal. When evaluating your options, we recommend asking these questions and looking into working with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).

What is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)? 

An RIA is an individual financial advisor or a company that provides its clients with financial advice and, unlike other types of financial advisors, has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their clients.  
 
By working with an RIA, your organization will be served by the fiduciary standard, a duty of loyalty and care. RIA firms are regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and are legally responsible for placing the best interest of the client first for the lifetime of the relationship.  
 
If you thought that every financial advisor was held to the same standards, think again. Only an RIA has the fiduciary duty to act in their client’s best interests. RIA firms can help provide objective investment advice and can assist in creating the right deliverables for your non-profit.  
 
At Carnegie Investment Counsel, our CFP ®, CFA ®, and AIF® designated advisors are always looking out for the best interest of your organization. You can feel comforted knowing they are upholding the highest standards of care for investment advisors. We can help nonprofits with investment strategy development that aligns with their mission, asset allocation, risk management, policy creation, and monitoring and reporting on investment performance. 

How to Compare Investment Advisors for Your Nonprofit 

Searching for the right investment advisor for your nonprofit can be overwhelming. 
 
And unlike other investment firms, at Carnegie, we don’t see nonprofits as just another client category. We see you as partners in building a better world. 
 
That’s why we designed this guide to help you navigate your search. In this guide, you will find a comprehensive list of questions you should be asking of each advisor you consider.  
 
And if you already have an advisor, make sure you know the answers to all of these questions! Often we find that nonprofits have no idea how many fees they are paying or how their advisors are compensated.   
 
These questions will empower you to differentiate between the many companies out there and align your choice with the values of your nonprofit. 

What’s Inside the Guide: The Right Questions to Ask  

For nonprofit leaders seeking an investment advisor, choosing the right partner can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. 

But here’s a secret – when you know what questions to ask, it can be easy to find a partner you can trust and aligns with your organization. 

What if you had a secret weapon – a trusty guide – to ask all the right questions and confidently navigate this critical decision? 

You should feel empowered and in control when selecting an investment advisor. That’s why we created our guide to simplify the process: Questions All Nonprofits Should Ask When Choosing an Investment Advisor. 

Imagine:  

• Saving countless hours researching advisors who aren’t right for you.  
• Feeling empowered with the knowledge to ask crucial questions like:  
  
  • “Who are you accountable to? My organization or your shareholders?” 
  • “What are my TOTAL fees, and how do you get paid? No hidden costs, please!” 
  • “What extra services do you offer to nonprofits?” 
• Building a strong, long-term partnership with an investment advisor who truly understands your mission and goals. 

Questions All Nonprofits Should Ask When Choosing an Investment Advisor is your shortcut to all this and more. This compact, two-page download equips you with the essential questions, insights, and tips to make a confident, informed decision.

Download your free, two-page guide today and:

• Gain clarity on what matters most in an investment advisor.  
• Feel confident about asking the right questions.  
• Make a strategic choice that aligns with your nonprofit’s values and mission.  
• Don’t let your investments be an afterthought.  

Take control of your financial future and pave the way for your nonprofit’s success.

Download Questions All Nonprofits Should Ask When Choosing an Investment Advisor now! 

Looking for a Financial Advisor for Your Nonprofit? 

If you are currently looking for help with financial planning, contact us. We are happy to schedule an introductory meeting at your convenience.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not meant as financial, legal, or tax advice. Please seek professional advice from qualified tax, legal, and/or financial professionals before making any financial decisions. 

Carnegie Investment Counsel (“Carnegie”) is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For a more detailed discussion about Carnegie’s investment advisory services and fees, please view our Form ADV and Form CRS by visiting: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/150488.